It’s easy to spend hours at the hair salon; many people have to plan it out in advance to ensure they are saving enough time for their upcoming hair appointment. On the opposite end of the spectrum are those that want a much faster approach, the clients that need a quick haircut or a nice blowout. Unfortunately, quick-quality salon service options are few and far between. Bethanie Morken, a cosmetologist since 2009, noticed this problem throughout her career, among other flaws in the salon industry, and decided it was time to change the narrative. In 2021, she decided to fully commit to an idea she has had in her mind for some time and started her venture into an industry-disrupting project that she now calls 260 Hair Bus. When she described what the company is today, she said, “260 Hair Bus is designed to have W2 employees; my goal with the bus is for it to be a platform for new stylists to build their clientele and find their own identities and build confidence behind the chair with the help of my training and shared knowledge. For clients, I wanted to bring a quick in and out salon service that also provides a quality, uplifting, and positive experience.” Bethanie Morken was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. When we talked about what her childhood was like, she said she has many great memories from when she was growing up. Like visiting her father in Wisconsin, helping him on projects for his home building business or hearing her stepdad tell her she should be a hairstylist someday after seeing the haircuts she would give her Barbie’s. She also told us, “I was an only child until I was ten, so the word lonely comes to mind. When I grew up, we didn’t have many gadgets like kids have today to stay busy. I entertained myself with arts and crafts or by watching what the adults were doing around me. Throughout my childhood, people would tell me that I was too mature for my age and that I needed to spend more time playing with the other kids, but I never felt like I fit in with the kids my age. I was just too interested in learning about the world around me.” She went on to say that even though her childhood felt lonely at times, she believes that all the observations she had growing up helped guide her in many decisions she’s made in her adult life, and those big decisions have helped shape her into the person she is today. When Morken was a teenager, she remembers thinking about the concept of being a business owner; she said, “I remember in middle school thinking that I never wanted to live my life only looking forward to Friday. I always wanted freedom and flexibility, and being a business owner is really the only way to get that. Being around my dad when I was younger really exposed me to what being a business owner would be like. Watching business be good and bad, sometimes overwhelming while also being rewarding and exciting. It was all the things, and I knew I wanted something like that for myself.” When Bethanie was at South Side High School, she applied for the cosmetology program at Anthis Career Center. At first, she wanted to do the program because growing up, she always heard people talking about how important skilled trades were to have in your back pocket but soon after starting the class she realized this was something she’d actually want to have as her career. In 2009, Morken passed her state boards and became a licensed cosmetologist. She went to Indiana University to study Human Development and Sociology, and throughout her college career, she worked behind the chair at Master Cuts. Master Cuts was a corporate salon, similar to Great Clips or Big League Barbers. This was Bethanie’s first salon opportunity, and she was grateful to have the peace of mind a corporate-backed salon had. She told us, “I’m grateful I had the corporate experience starting out. Today when you work for a local salon owner and, for example, you overprocess someone’s highlights, you’re not protected like you would be on a corporate level. I never felt like I would over-process anyone’s hair, but I always felt a little more protected in the beginning knowing I had corporate backing if I ever needed it. It helped push me along and learn a lot really quickly.” She’s carried this experience throughout her career in the salon industry, among other situations she’s encountered that she felt could be done better or differently. Bethanie has had the opportunity to witness many different versions of the various salon business models out there but has never found anything that felt like a good fit for her. Many of the salons she worked in didn't share the same values as she did, or had toxic work spaces from trying to blend too many stylists into one work environment. In 2020, Bethanie lost her job when the world shut down to stop the spread of Covid-19. Although she lost her job, it gave her the time she needed to think of what she could do to change the industry. As she thought through her business model, she knew she wanted to create a space for a convenient, in-and-out, quality salon service for her clients. With this concept in mind, she knew the services she would offer in this new salon would need to be ones someone could perform in an hour or less. This led to the creation of the first menu, which included a blowout bar and clipper cuts. On the stylist side of the business, she wanted the location to be small so that there wasn't room for too many people to be in the same space to prevent the chance for conflict. This would allow her to always ensure the environment within the salon would stay positive. Next, she knew she wanted to hire newly licensed cosmetologists to give them the opportunity to get comfortable, confident, and find their identities behind the chair with the help of her guidance. Bethanie loves teaching and sharing her knowledge with other stylists, so planning to hire newly licensed cosmetologists would give her the ability to dig deeper into her educational side with those hungry to learn more about the industry. Now that she knew the business model she wanted, she had to find the best way to execute it. The idea of running a storefront salon wasn’t what she wanted for this concept; it needed to be something that was more convenient for people because convenience was one of the main focuses of the business model. She loved the idea of mobile detailing or mobile pet grooming businesses, so she decided to create Fort Wayne’s first mobile hair salon. After months of searching, on June 6th, 2021, Bethanie finally found the perfect vehicle for her business. A 2005 Navistar school bus, once used to transport special needs children for the East Allen County School district. Now that she had the bus it was time to start designing and executing the conversion from a school bus to a mobile hair salon. Without the ability to work the last several months, Bethanie's savings was dwindling but, shortly after buying the bus, covid restrictions began to loosen and Morken was able to start renting a booth at a local salon. Through the mass amount of clients that were coming to see her, she was able to start saving again and putting money aside to start the build. Now that she had money to work with, she set out to find a contractor willing to help her convert the bus into a mobile salon. Unfortunately, this was when the housing market was skyrocketing, and due to this, many contractors were too busy or booked out to learn how to properly handle a project like this. The rejection from contractors left Bethanie with only one other option; she needed to build it herself. As a newly single mom, it would be hard to find the time she needed to complete this project, but she was determined to find a way. So, for the next several months Bethanie would work her shift at the salon, come home and feed her children, load them up into the bus and get to work. During this time there were not many resources out there to reference how to create a project like this so it took a lot of time to ensure everything that was being put into the bus would perform the way it needed to. Morken spent countless hours cutting wood pieces to create counters and shelves, finding creative ways to mount everything inside the bus so it wouldn't shift while the bus was moving, and planning out every last detail that you see today when inside. She even carefully planned out the way the bus would look aesthetically because she knew she wanted to create this space for everyone to feel welcome. When we talked to her about what the most challenging part was throughout the build, she told us it was not being in tune with her mind, body, and spirit. This led her to overwork her body to the point of total exhaustion. She also said not having the support she thought she would get from some friends and family was tough for her too. She said, “You expect the people in your life to be supportive and show up. I’ve gotten advice from people in business who say your friends are not your first customer, and I’ve been aware of that, but doing something that’s such a novelty like the bus and the fact that I had to figure out how to make it all happen while also being a newly single mom was hard. I was so excited and passionate, but some of the people around me tried to bring me down. I had to coach myself throughout this process mentally. I could have sat there and said I couldn’t continue, but I had to teach myself to heal my body to help my mind. Throughout this process, my intuition started to kick in, and things flowed more naturally. I gained the confidence I needed to push through all the challenges of building the bus and knowing every decision I was making was needed for the project.” She went on to tell us about how her father passed away shortly after she graduated from IU, but she felt he still helped guide her in the process. She likes to say that he helped her with the construction, just from the other side. She also said the bus wouldn’t have been possible without the help of her ex-husband, who helped her continuously throughout the construction process, and the ones that did show up for her along the way. She was so grateful to have their support throughout the build. After the bus was finally completed, Bethanie didn’t feel the sense of joy and excitement she thought she would. On the contrary, she felt utterly worn down and burnt out. She needed to find a way within herself to keep pushing; she worked so hard for this moment, it was time for the city to see what she’s created. So, she began calling local businesses in town to see if she could park the bus in front of their location and start accepting walk-in customers. At first, she didn’t get the response from the community that she thought she would. She had hoped that the city would be more excited about this new twist in the salon industry, but instead she was receiving a lot of rejection. She didn’t let it stop her, she continued calling people until someone finally gave her, her first yes, and in October of 2022, 260 Hair Bus was officially open for business. Since opening last year, Bethanie has gotten great feedback from the community. She’s added a few more options to the services menu including scissor cuts, hair add-ins like tensile or feathers, root touch ups, and color conditioning services to name a few. She’s hired her first stylist and has had the opportunity to partner with FWCS to provide kids with a fresh haircut for their first day of school. When we talked about what the hopes are for the future of the bus, Bethanie told us her hopes are to one day open a Kids Cut Bus to provide children with a unique and fun haircut experience. She’d also like to start teaming up with local beauty schools to continue her mission of helping new stylists find their paths into the industry but her biggest dream of all would be to one day franchise the company. She would love to see her buses all around the country and have the ability to help others build out a bus into a mobile hair salon. When we asked Morken what advice she would have for another entrepreneur taking the leap into starting a company, she said, “My biggest advice would be to learn to mentally train yourself and have resources to help keep your mind, body, and spirit in alignment. You manifest your future, so if you think you’ll fail, you will, but if you think you’ll succeed, you’ll always find a way.” If you want to find 260 Hair Bus to get a fresh blowout, try out a new haircut, get your hair done before an event, or just see for yourself what the bus looks like and experience its uniqueness firsthand, follow them on Instagram and Facebook @260HairBus to see where to find them! Bethanie posts where the bus will be for the week every Sunday, so you’ll always be in the loop. We want to give a huge thank you to Bethanie Morken for sharing her story with us and being so vulnerable and open to discussing all the highs and lows of starting her company. Entrepreneurship is a journey, but from one of Bethanie’s favorite quotes by Henry Ford, “When everything seems to be going against you, remember the airplane takes off going against the wind, not with it.” Keep pushing, and you’ll be able to accomplish whatever you set your mind to. Another big thank you to Nike with Creative Roots Media for taking these amazing photos. If you love reading these stories about the people helping shape Fort Wayne into the great city it is today, subscribe to our newsletter so you’re always informed about what’s happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

Art, Food, Culture, and Cars, if you are looking for something to do this weekend in Fort Wayne, check out what our local businesses are doing near you: Events for August 18th - 20th, 2023. 13th annual Dehaven Chevrolet Cruise-in Car Show: Friday Artlink Market at Taste of the Arts: Saturday Taste of the Arts: Saturday If your business is hosting an event you would like us to share, email us at fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com Have a great day in Fort Wayne!!!

Fort Wayne Business Journal shares events that are happening every Wednesday for this coming weekend, August 18th- 20th, 2023. If you forgot to make plans, swipe below to find your next events that are going on in our Fort Wayne, Community. If your business is hosting an event you would like us to share email us at fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

We had the chance to go to Fiesta Fort Wayne, an immersive cultural festival. It was a blast for all ages and was a true spectacle of the Latino spirit today at Headwaters Park! Vibrant live music, dancing, and some of the most authentic Latino cuisine in Northeast Indiana was all part of the experience. Browsing items from handmade jewelry and clothing to Hispanic candy and deserts it was an engaging and fun event for all who came. While booths offered a range of enticing Latino goods, the heart and soul of Fiesta Fort Wayne laid in its lively performances and flavorsome food offerings. After ordering an array of fresh authentic dishes, it was relaxing to sit back, and enjoy the rhythmic music and truly feel embraced in the moment. Engaging with the vendors at Fiesta Fort Wayne added a personal touch to the experience, unveiling the stories behind each creation. Conversations flowed effortlessly as these individuals shared their craftsmanship and traditions. These interactions turned each booth into a doorway to the heart of Fort Wayne’s Latino culture, making the festival not just a mere event but a journey of connection and understanding. After agreeing on a mutually fair price, I walked away with a smile on my face, and a sombrero on my head. As the sun set on Headwaters Park, I left with a satisfied palate, full of delicious food, long-lasting memories, and a deeper understanding of the vibrant Latino spirit that thrives in the heart of Fort Wayne For more information for next year follow Fiesta Fort Wayne on Facebook: Let us know if your business has an event coming up by emailing us at: Fort Wayne Business Journal fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

Fort Wayne has a rich history when it comes to the world of baseball, and with the help of Logan Wiening, owner of Old Fort Baseball Co, we now have a way to preserve, support, and represent the teams that have called Fort Wayne home throughout the years. When we asked Logan what the word business meant to him, he said, “It’s the ability and justification to live out a hobby. As a designer, I’ve been looking for a while to find something I could do to fill a niche and provide a creative outlet for. I wanted to do something different and not what everyone else was doing; copying something you see online and slapping it on a sticker is easy. I wanted to create something original, and a brand people would want to support, and I found that with Old Fort Baseball Co.” Logan Wiening was born in Fort Wayne and graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School in 2013. When he talked about what it was like growing up in Fort Wayne, he said something that we believe many of us felt ten years ago, everyone he knew wanted to leave the city and go elsewhere. He said, “There wasn’t much to do back then; downtown didn’t have much going on, nothing really happened at the coliseum, and the events around town were not that exciting. Throughout the last decade, that isn’t the case anymore; with all the growth happening in our city, we don’t want to leave. Fort Wayne is a great place to be, and when I talk with people that didn’t grow up here, they talk about how we have so many exciting things happening here, and it’s so easy to fall in love with the town and call it home.” Looking back at Wiening’s childhood, he remembers always liking the concept of being a business owner. He told us about how whenever he would play video games about various professional sports leagues, he always wanted to play as the general manager or other roles that required more of a business outlook on the game rather than just the athlete’s perspective. During his senior year of high school, he had an opportunity to experience the business side of sports when he accepted a position with the Mad Ants. He went on to work with the Mad Ants for six seasons. Throughout this time, Logan realized he enjoyed the business side of things, so he began thinking of ways to create his own company. Logan is a creative; he enjoys making designs and graphics for various things, so he knew he wanted to do something within that realm to ensure he followed his passions. He knew he didn’t want to be like other companies that see an overused design, recreate it, and throw it on apparel. Knowing what he didn’t want for his company, he needed to figure out what he did want. What he came up with came down to three main things; a unique idea, quality products, and to fill a void in an industry. Now that he knew what he wanted, he began sketching out a few different ideas. After several dead ends, he started on a very different concept, creating a logo for The Kekionga's, Fort Wayne’s first and only professional men’s baseball team formed in 1871. After this, he recreated the logo for the Fort Wayne Daisies, a female professional baseball team that played from 1945-1954. During this process, he realized he had a great idea here, and the concept for Old Fort Baseball Co was born. When Logan described what the company is today, he said “The main goal and focus is to celebrate and reinvigorate the love, support, and history of Fort Wayne baseball. Sport is an important part of our community, so we highlight teams people may not know about through our apparel and merchandise to bring more awareness and new life to old teams. Bringing back the nostalgia for people is a lot of fun too.” When we discussed the hardships Logan has been through since the creation of the business, he told us the most challenging part was really in the beginning, when he needed to turn his designs into quality apparel items. He knew he didn’t want to be the person that printed the shirts because that wasn’t his specialty, he was the designer. He wanted to ensure from the beginning that the brand was only providing customers with the best quality products. So, to do that, he needed to use a company with experience in creating quality apparel. After much research, what made the most sense for Wiening and the company was to use a third-party, print-on-demand service. This allowed Logan the ability not to have to invest a ton of money in inventory and gave him the ability to use that money in different areas of the company. Using a print-on-demand service meant that a third-party company would instantly print the item and send it directly to the customer whenever a client purchased an item from his website. After figuring out how the products would get to his clients, the next challenge was establishing the best pricing, deciding what to offer, and thinking through every detail of how the shirt would look and feel. Today, many of the early choices Logan made are still in effect but he has had the opportunity to create a relationship with Nick Morken, owner of Pulled & Pressed, which has given him the ability to screen print more designs locally. Aside from purchasing items on the website, people can also find Old Fort Baseball Co at the YLNI marketplace downtown once a month. Soon they hope to have a small display within a new baseball facility that is currently being built here in Fort Wayne. As for the future of Old Fort Baseball Co, Logan wants to continue expanding into other areas with the help of his Support Local Baseball initiative. This program was Wiening’s first go at a more national approach. Through this process, he’s created partnerships with companies nationwide, helping design and produce apparel for their baseball teams. Wiening enjoys building new relationships with people and hopes to expand on this as the company continues to grow. He has plans to expand the products and teams they offer and has hopes to expand into other local sports industries to help bring more awareness to the Fort Wayne sports community as a whole. Currently, Logan is the only person working for the company, but he can see himself hiring another person part-time when the timing is right. Logan has big visions for the company, and with the ongoing support of the community, he can continue to make them happen. Logan Wiening is an excellent example of what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. He had the itch to start a company and took the time to follow that and create something new and unique to Fort Wayne. When we asked him if he had any advice for other entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business, he said, “You need to be willing to work hard for your company, but don’t get too deep into what you’re doing. You have to be able to notice your shortcomings and be ready to adjust as needed. Most importantly, you need to build your brand because that is what will set you apart from other companies, especially in a town like Fort Wayne. Creating a brand gives the community something to stand behind and want to support. Word of mouth is what will really help your company grow.” If you would like to see more of what Logan is doing at Old Fort Baseball Co, follow them on Instagram @oldfortbaseballco or check out their website at www.oldfortbaseballco.com. We want to send a huge thank you to Logan Wiening for his time and sharing his story with us. We also want to thank Nikeshia Young owner of Creative Roots Media for capturing these photos. If you enjoy reading these stories about the people helping shape Fort Wayne, subscribe to our free newsletter to stay in the loop with what's happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

If you have nothing to do this weekend in Fort Wayne, check out these local events! Check in every Wednesday to find out what is happening in the Fort Wayne area for the coming weekend. I If you have any events you would like mentioned or highlighted, please email us at fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

Every Wednesday, Fort Wayne Business Journal is going to start posting Fort Wayne To-do, Events, and Happenings that will be taking place on the weekends hosted by our Local Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and the City of Fort Wayne! Fort Wayne Happenings this Weekend August 4th-6th 2023 YMCA Summer Shindig| Friday Dragon Boat Races| Friday, Saturday FWCS Block Party| Saturday Sunday Makebreak: Fidget Bugs| Sunday If you have a weekend event and would like to share it, email us! fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

As many have noticed on sites and applications like Nextdoor, Facebook, and even communal bulletin boards the gig economy is experiencing a remarkable surge during the summer season. From lawn care and pressure washing to pet and house sitting, as well as food and grocery delivery services, the gig economy thrives during this time as individuals seize opportunities to capitalize on the opportunities of the summer season. Opportunities in Landscaping Landscaping, gardening, and other related services are in high demand as homeowners and businesses seek to maintain and enhance appeal to their property. This surge in demand has created opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, especially students on summer break, to take advantage of this need by providing lawn care services. These entrepreneurs possess the enthusiasm, energy, and attention to detail required for running a lawn care business. Their commitment to delivering quality service often attracts a loyal customer base. Care Providers for Homes, Pets, and Children Families and pet owners often find themselves in need of dependable individuals who can provide trustworthy care for their homes, beloved animals, and children when they are away. The gig economy accommodates this need by providing platforms and networks that connect gig workers with those seeking reliable and responsible care providers. This arrangement benefits both parties, as homeowners and parents can enjoy their vacations with peace of mind, while gig workers gain income and valuable experience. Convenient Food and Grocery Delivery The convenience of food and grocery delivery has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly during the summer months. With the rise of online ordering platforms and mobile apps, individuals can easily access a variety of local favorites without having to leave their home. Gig workers embrace this opportunity by joining delivery service platforms such as DoorDash, GrubHub, and Instacart, offering flexible hours and the chance to earn income based on the number of deliveries completed. By joining delivery service platforms, these gig workers contribute to the growing sector, satisfying the desire for convenient and fast food and grocery delivery. Gig Economy's Appeal The gig economy's expansion can also be attributed to evolving work culture and preferences. Many individuals now seek more autonomy and flexibility in their professional lives, preferring to work on their own terms rather than traditional employment schedules. The gig economy allows them to control their schedules, choose the type of work they prefer, and balance work-life commitments more effectively. Moreover, gig jobs often provide opportunities for individuals to explore their passions, develop entrepreneurial skills, and gain valuable experience in various industries. The gig economy is undergoing a huge seasonal growth spurt, with outdoor work, pet and house sitting/child care, and food delivery services playing pivotal roles in its expansion. The summer season, with its unique demands and changing consumer behaviors, offers a perfect environment for gig workers to seek employment. As the gig economy continues to evolve, it presents a promising landscape for both workers and customers, reshaping traditional notions of employment and empowering individuals to forge their own paths towards professional fulfillment.

The highly anticipated 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is just around the corner, and soccer enthusiasts all over the globe are eagerly awaiting the start of this prestigious tournament. Jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, this ninth edition of the Women's World Cup promises to be a memorable event for both players and fans alike. The tournament, eagerly anticipated by soccer fans worldwide, is scheduled to take place from July 20th to August 20th, 2023. An exciting development is the expansion of the tournament. Previously featuring 24 teams, the 2023 edition will witness the participation of 32 teams, mirroring the format of the Men's World Cup in 2022. This expansion offers an opportunity for more nations to showcase their talent on the global stage, making the tournament even more competitive and thrilling. For fans supporting the United States, there are several exciting matches to look forward to. The USA team will face Vietnam on Friday , July 21st at 9 pm. This will be followed by a highly anticipated clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday , July 26th also at 9 pm. The final group stage match for the USA team will be against Portugal on Tuesday August 1st, at the early hour of 3 am. These matches will be crucial for the USA as they aim to showcase their dominance on the world stage. The second round will be announced at the end of the first round! Throughout the tournament, several bars in the vicinity will be broadcasting the games, providing fans with a lively atmosphere to enjoy the action with fellow supporters. Whether you prefer a sports bar, a cozy pub, or a trendy lounge, there will be plenty of options available to suit your preferences. Make sure to check with local establishments or visit their websites to find out which venues will be showing the Women's World Cup matches and plan your viewing accordingly. The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup promises to be an unforgettable event, celebrating the passion and skill of female soccer players from around the world. As fans eagerly await the kick-off, the joint hosting by Australia and New Zealand and the highly competitive matches ensure that this tournament will captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of players. Get ready to be amazed by the world's best female soccer athletes as they showcase their talents on the grandest stage of all! Fort Wayne Business Journal fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com for any questions or suggestions. Let us know how we can improve on our articles or service. Local business owners' stories are coming soon. You won't want to miss it. Stay tuned to find out.

Chelsea Vona is a Fort Wayne entrepreneur making a name for herself in the yoga world. The owner of Discover Yoga, a popular yoga studio downtown, Chelsea has helped countless individuals find balance, focus, and inner peace through yoga. With her passion for success and dedication to yoga, Chelsea has become a tremendous role model for aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs, and yogis alike. We will explore Chelsea's journey as an entrepreneur and how her love for yoga has significantly impacted her success. Chelsea Vona was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan; when she was six months old, her family decided to move to Fort Wayne. As a child, she attended Wars Elementary, the Fort Wayne Community School districts Theatre Arts Magnet School, a part of the Summit Arts Program. In kindergarten, Chelsea was in her school's ballet class. Unfortunately, the school was shut down due to funding issues, and all the students, including Chelsea, were transferred to Weisser Park. She continued to dance throughout her school years, primarily with LA Dance Studio, with her favorite dance styles being Jazz and Hip Hop. She graduated from Homestead High School but went to South Side High School for most of her high school years. She was so proud to talk to us about how wonderful going to South Side was and how grateful she was to be a part of such a diversified community. After high school, Chelsea went to Columbia College in Chicago for a year before making the difficult decision to move back to Fort Wayne. Chelsea was struggling with finding her place in this world; she didn't exactly know what she wanted to do for a career or who she wanted to be just yet, so she did a lot of soul-searching for the next six years. She was a waitress at a few different restaurants throughout this time until one day, in 2010, during a vacation trip at her family's home in Pensacola, Florida, she discovered yoga. When we asked Chelsea why she decided to try yoga for the first time, she told us she's always wanted to try it. When she was very young, her sister passed away, and with this trauma, her father found spirituality which over time helped him heal, and throughout the next few years, Chelsea would find her spirituality as well. Her spirituality is what guided her to try yoga. Once she discovered the wonders of yoga, she incorporated a lot more order and structure into her life and learned how to process past traumas and deal with things better when life gets a bit chaotic. Yoga helped her in so many different areas of her life that she decided to get certified in March 2015 through Prana Yoga, a local Fort Wayne yoga institution. From there, she continued to study and today holds five certifications in yoga, including; a 300-hour certificate, yoga for 12-step recovery certification, which is a modern approach to meshing the 12 steps and yoga together to help those struggling with addiction to blend their mind and body together to help with total body healing. She is also certified in barre and fitness, and all of these certifications are reflected in her classes. Chelsea also joins in on training classes to ensure she is always learning to be the best instructor to her clients. When Chelsea first got certified, she started her career teaching at Prana Yoga for five years and then taught at Rebel Yoga (now collective wellness) for two years. In June of 2021, she led her first class on her own at a pop-up location, and in March 2022, she opened her own studio, Discover Yoga, located within the historic Bell Mansion at 420 West Wayne Street. Chelsea currently has seven instructors, including herself, running classes every day of the week, primarily during the evenings and weekends. They also offer morning classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. She is currently working at her full-time job, but every day she is working hard to be able to leave that and focus primarily on Discover Yoga full-time. She shared that the most challenging part of running her own business is learning proper time management. She has experienced extreme burnout and is trying to learn how to listen to her body and take breaks when needed. She said something to us that we believe hits home for many entrepreneurs: "As a yoga teacher, to be able to hold space for everyone else, you have to be able to hold space for yourself." As entrepreneurs, we all try to do everything, even if that means not sleeping or taking breaks when we desperately need them. Eventually, it all catches up to us, so we need to make sure we are creating space for ourselves so we can continue to give space to other things while ensuring were showing up as the best versions of ourselves." When we discussed the hopes for Discover Yoga's future, Chelsea said her dream for the business would be to stay at their home base at 420 West Wayne Street. She loves being downtown; she loves the direction DTFW is going with all the new buildings and storefronts coming up, all the local shops and restaurants, and the overall atmosphere of being in the area. So the goals now are to grow their clientele and expand their class schedule. She would love to incorporate more classes geared towards workshops and teacher training to get more into the educational side of yoga. She would also like to add classes with a heavy focus on wellness and mental health to help others experiencing hard times and needing help managing it all. She said, "My main goal is to help people find peace with life. I don't feel like joy and happiness are always consistent; hard times come and go, so it's about learning to live with the flow of life and finding balance and peace, and yoga is what has helped me with that. I really like helping people find their best selves." Chelsea is so passionate about helping people and teaching them how to really show up not only for others but primarily for themselves. She loves teaching yoga and sharing everything she has learned throughout her career in the industry. If you have ever been interested in taking a class or would like to learn more about Discover Yoga, visit their website at discoveryogafw.com for a complete list of class schedules, pricing and packages, and upcoming events. Fort Wayne Business Journal Sign up to learn more about Fort Wayne businesses mail us at 6435 W Jefferson Blvd #157 Fort Wayne, 46804