By Jessica Roberts
30A is home to people that love where they live, and love what they do. That can definitely be said for Shannon Kramolis and Laura Bailey who partnered together to open Studio Thirty-A in Redfish Village in February 2020. The duo wanted to bring a “yoga hOMe” to locals as well as those visiting 30A for the first, or the thousandth, time.
“Laura and I began talking about our potential partnership in 2014, and while working together on smaller projects, we knew we made a good team,” Shannon recounts. “We both love this community so deeply that to be business partners and to help connect people through yoga is a dream come true!”
However, with the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, Studio Thirty-A had to temporarily shut its doors as required by the CDC just a month after opening.
But, as they say – when one door closes, another one opens.
“We had discussed as part of our long term vision to offer online classes since 30A has such a wide reach of visitors and second homeowners – many have attended Laura’s classes over the years and asked for an online option so they could tune in from wherever they are,” says Shannon. “During this uncertain time of separation and social distancing, it really forced us to figure out how to offer classes outside the studio and just as we suspected, it has been a success!”
Studio Thirty-A is currently live streaming a daily Vinyasa class at 9 am with class recordings available until 10 pm that day. Participants can sign up on the Studio Thirty-A website at yogastudio30A.com or the MindBody app.
Laura has been leading her classes inside the studio utilizing the full-length windows and soaking in all the sunshine, natural light, and open space while Shannon is leading her classes from her back deck sanctuary complete with plenty of singing birds and falling leaves.
“Shannon and I feel that there is unlimited potential for us to grow a larger yoga community for 30A,” says Laura. “The future of our business is bright with retreats, Yoga festivals, and as a sanctuary for Yoga lovers around the country. I am grateful to have landed here in 2008 with my three kids. I fell in love with everything about 30A especially the sense of community here. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
Although they both cannot wait to be back in their beautiful studio, they plan to continue offering the online classes as well as the in-studio sessions once they are able to reopen the facility.
In-studio group classes include a variety of yoga styles, kids yoga for little ones as young as three years old, pilates, Tai Chi/Qigong, Women’s Self Protection six-week programs, as well as one-on-one private instruction and private parties.
“We have never needed yoga more than now! For us, yoga is about far more than the poses on our mat, it is about breathing, holding space, finding peace and tapping into a deeper connection within yourself,” adds Shannon. “The feedback we are getting from online students is of gratitude to have a way to turn on their computer, iPhone, iPad, whatever device they’re using and feel reconnected to community. Offering yoga to anyone wherever they are and letting them feel connected from their own space is proving to be very powerful.”
Students are encouraged to turn their individual cameras on before and after class and visit with one other if they feel comfortable, or they can choose to keep their camera off but are still able to see the instructor and others while remaining off-screen.
“It has been a joy to see each other’s families, doggies, babies, and bright smiles.” Shannon says. “It reminds us that we are all in this together and we still have each other even if we can’t be physically side by side.”
*Classes, schedule, and rates are subject to change. Please confirm availability online or by calling 850-359-2727.
JESSICA ROBERTS is a Santa Rosa Beach writer and event producer. When not working or writing, you’ll find her out on the water or traveling somewhere new.
