Serendipity Yoga Studio traces back its roots 45 years ago when owner and former basket weaver, Marla Helton, found herself questioning her career. Though she traveled across the country teaching conferences and workshops, she wanted a healthier and more graceful lifestyle, like the aging women around her. Serendipity Gourd Art eventually became a yoga studio in 2012, started by Helton herself and her partner, Stu Fabe. Located on her 35-acre farm, the studio aims to represent connection and support.
Since opening the studio, Marla has taught as many as 17 classes a week! She leads international and statewide yoga retreats, workshops, and teaches weekly classes at DePauw University as the DePauw Yoga Club leader. “I have so much to offer DePauw and [I] currently teach Warm Yoga at the DePauw Reflection Center. I am currently working on being a part of a study that will explore healthy foods and healthy movement to assist with cancer survivors which will be hosted at Prindle. I would love to also offer workshops on functional movement, healthy aging, and yoga as medicine!” Helton said. “When the Reflection Center was first built, I stood in the yoga room and felt a strong connection. I had never taught a yoga class and had no plans to teach, but I was so moved by the beauty and the vision that my dream was to teach there.”
As a Greencastle native who returned after college, Helton loves the talent, kindness, and generosity this town offers. “My visions for myself and my studio has always been to create an inviting community for people to come to and feel safe and honored. I want to give people the power and vision to move their bodies in ways that honor their bodies and nourish their souls. My goal is to teach functional movement that creates healthy pathways and freedom, as well as self awareness,” Helton said.
The vision for Serendipity Yoga Studio has always been to foster an inviting environment, a safe place for individuals to honor their bodies and souls, and to impart self-awareness and freedom through yoga. “Teaching yoga is a wonderful journey. I will forever be a student and will forever share my passion like a light, hoping it will bring light to all!”
Check out Marla Helton’s website at marlaheltonyoga.com and on her social media @serendipityyoga. If interested in joining a yoga club or learning about more opportunities, email Marla at marlahelton@gmail.com.