Khepera Wellness Yoga Studio
Donation protected
Another Step in the Journey
My name is Brandon Copeland and I am a yoga instructor based out of Washington D.C. I've recently been "over-blessed" with a wonderful opportunity and need your help.
I have been on a journey since my most recent trip to Puerto Rico to study 100 hours of Rocket Yoga with my teacher, David Kyle. In the video attached you can see me in awe of (literally) everything that happened on the island.
After getting back from the trip I became more determined than ever to share yoga with people that needed it and create a life that supports me doing just that. Updating my website and online training, estabilishing classes in elementary and middle schools and focusing on teaching athletic organizations and individuals are the major steps I've taken in the past 6 months to pursue my goal.
The Capoiera Spot was on my radar from my days at Howard University. It was the first place that I ever saw someone do a handstand in person. It was definitely the first place I'd seen black people move with such new, yet somehow familiar, grace and power. I passed the place many times and never stepped in, telling myself "I'd stop by next time." My time ran out as real estate prices rose and reshaped the corner of Florida and Georgia avenues. I remember the feeling of my heart sinking when I passed and saw the gate with the blue and yellow mural was closed for good. I'd missed my opportunity.
Imagine my suprise and elation when a friend of mine mentioned the Spot in passing. "You should try and teach at this Capoiera place on 20th. I know the owner and could link you guys if you want." With that affirmation and a few emails I found myself walking into the Capoiera Spot with my son, Lenox, hoping to offer a class or two.
After a few minutes of conversation with the owner and lead instructor, Morcego, it began to dawn on me that this was one of those life-changing moments and I should take note. First, the vibes I got from the space and it's owner felt like one thing: home. I don't know if was the murals of black people on the walls, the young class of capoieristas bouncing around in preparation for training, or the fact that Morcego is a Howard alum that made me feel as comfortable in a studio as I've ever felt. Maybe it was all three. The environment was only the first sign that I would grow to love the Spot.
Conversation quickly covered our teaching histories. Morcego has taught Capoiera in D.C. since the late 90's. I shared how I find myself on a similar path with yoga and was excited to talk more about his journey. It turns out we both had begun teaching our disciplines at my son's school located up the road from the studio.
I began to move conversation towards the logistics of offering a few classes a week to the capoieristas and other students in the area. Before I could begin Morcego said," Let me ask you this. Have you ever run a studio before?"
Here's where the over-blessing begins.
As it turns out that there was a yoga program at the Spot that had been there since the move from Florida Avenue. The owner of the business offering classes there was regretfully and suddenly closing their doors. Students were beginning to ask whether there would be yoga at all. Morcego was sad to see the program go but was out of a teacher to run the program, organize the teachers, and teach some classes.
"And then you showed up."
It turns out that my dream to open a studio, encouraging people of color to practice mindfulness isn't so far away after all. I am happy to announce that I have accepted the duty to offer and manage wellness classes, including yoga, meditation and educational workshops, within the Capoiera Spot. Yoga studios are largely absent in northeast Washington and news of the classes at the studio has to spread since the end of this past year.
The Need
1. My company, Khepera Wellness , is currently suited to operate as a sole propietorship. I would like to keep teachers on staff and hire some new instructors and need to have an LLC to do so. This cost with the fees associated with getting a business license registered in the city is about $500. Covering this cost will help me open the doors and cover my company and it's employees legally.
2. Though I have faith in the building of this business and our ability to be successful I do not want to burden our hosts with worry about rental payments over the next six months. I have many different ideas for the studio and would like to make them with the community (and not just the budget) in mind. A month's rent at the Spot is around $1000 a month in our opening year. I will devote the first $6000 raised to paying forward the gift of shared space.
3. Having taught practiced yoga for 5 years and taught for 3 I have come to recognize that teaching can be a thankless job. The high overhead of studio rental and low margin for error can take a little gusto out of the payroll when it comes to yoga teachers. I plan to change this trend by offering classes at an even split between teacher and studio. Offering classes at an accessible $12 each means that each class needs at least 5 students for the instructors to make their previous rate ($25/class). I am striving to increase teacher pay to a minimum of $50 a class with the opportunity to earn more but will need time to get students in the door. For the first 3 months I plan to offer each teacher a $25 base payment to supplement the percentage earned from each class they teach. At 40 classes a month the cost of covering pay roll over 3 months totals $3,000.
4. Finally we will need capital for advertisement. Business cards, flyers, promotional video, and signs are all necessary to share the offerings at Khepera Wellness' new home. Online advertising, in person advertising and operating expenses are budgeted at $250 - $300 a month. Over 6 months that comes to about $2,000 dollars.
All in all my goal is to raise $11,500 to help make the studio a smooth running success.
Please Consider
Morcego and I are currently working to offer dedicated programming at the school we both instruct in that incorporates capoiera and mindfulness into lessons. We have spoken of retreats and training trips and in a short time are envisioning a growing community of yogis, capoieristas, dancers and most importantly people craving life's experiences and teachings through practice.
Whatever you can offer that helps this dream become reality is greatly appreciated. It means so much to me to have the chance to share another opportunity to push the world and the culture with so many people. I am beyond thankful for all of the donations I've recieved in the past and have yet to recieve in the future.
Please donate to fund the Khepera Wellness Studio.
If you can't help monetarily you can always share and continue to share this post until we make our goal! I love to recognize people who donate and share their messages with the world. If you have an encouraging message please include it with your donation.
Namaste,
Brandon Copeland
My name is Brandon Copeland and I am a yoga instructor based out of Washington D.C. I've recently been "over-blessed" with a wonderful opportunity and need your help.
I have been on a journey since my most recent trip to Puerto Rico to study 100 hours of Rocket Yoga with my teacher, David Kyle. In the video attached you can see me in awe of (literally) everything that happened on the island.
After getting back from the trip I became more determined than ever to share yoga with people that needed it and create a life that supports me doing just that. Updating my website and online training, estabilishing classes in elementary and middle schools and focusing on teaching athletic organizations and individuals are the major steps I've taken in the past 6 months to pursue my goal.
The Capoiera Spot was on my radar from my days at Howard University. It was the first place that I ever saw someone do a handstand in person. It was definitely the first place I'd seen black people move with such new, yet somehow familiar, grace and power. I passed the place many times and never stepped in, telling myself "I'd stop by next time." My time ran out as real estate prices rose and reshaped the corner of Florida and Georgia avenues. I remember the feeling of my heart sinking when I passed and saw the gate with the blue and yellow mural was closed for good. I'd missed my opportunity.
Imagine my suprise and elation when a friend of mine mentioned the Spot in passing. "You should try and teach at this Capoiera place on 20th. I know the owner and could link you guys if you want." With that affirmation and a few emails I found myself walking into the Capoiera Spot with my son, Lenox, hoping to offer a class or two.
After a few minutes of conversation with the owner and lead instructor, Morcego, it began to dawn on me that this was one of those life-changing moments and I should take note. First, the vibes I got from the space and it's owner felt like one thing: home. I don't know if was the murals of black people on the walls, the young class of capoieristas bouncing around in preparation for training, or the fact that Morcego is a Howard alum that made me feel as comfortable in a studio as I've ever felt. Maybe it was all three. The environment was only the first sign that I would grow to love the Spot.
Conversation quickly covered our teaching histories. Morcego has taught Capoiera in D.C. since the late 90's. I shared how I find myself on a similar path with yoga and was excited to talk more about his journey. It turns out we both had begun teaching our disciplines at my son's school located up the road from the studio.
I began to move conversation towards the logistics of offering a few classes a week to the capoieristas and other students in the area. Before I could begin Morcego said," Let me ask you this. Have you ever run a studio before?"
Here's where the over-blessing begins.
As it turns out that there was a yoga program at the Spot that had been there since the move from Florida Avenue. The owner of the business offering classes there was regretfully and suddenly closing their doors. Students were beginning to ask whether there would be yoga at all. Morcego was sad to see the program go but was out of a teacher to run the program, organize the teachers, and teach some classes.
"And then you showed up."
It turns out that my dream to open a studio, encouraging people of color to practice mindfulness isn't so far away after all. I am happy to announce that I have accepted the duty to offer and manage wellness classes, including yoga, meditation and educational workshops, within the Capoiera Spot. Yoga studios are largely absent in northeast Washington and news of the classes at the studio has to spread since the end of this past year.
The Need
1. My company, Khepera Wellness , is currently suited to operate as a sole propietorship. I would like to keep teachers on staff and hire some new instructors and need to have an LLC to do so. This cost with the fees associated with getting a business license registered in the city is about $500. Covering this cost will help me open the doors and cover my company and it's employees legally.
2. Though I have faith in the building of this business and our ability to be successful I do not want to burden our hosts with worry about rental payments over the next six months. I have many different ideas for the studio and would like to make them with the community (and not just the budget) in mind. A month's rent at the Spot is around $1000 a month in our opening year. I will devote the first $6000 raised to paying forward the gift of shared space.
3. Having taught practiced yoga for 5 years and taught for 3 I have come to recognize that teaching can be a thankless job. The high overhead of studio rental and low margin for error can take a little gusto out of the payroll when it comes to yoga teachers. I plan to change this trend by offering classes at an even split between teacher and studio. Offering classes at an accessible $12 each means that each class needs at least 5 students for the instructors to make their previous rate ($25/class). I am striving to increase teacher pay to a minimum of $50 a class with the opportunity to earn more but will need time to get students in the door. For the first 3 months I plan to offer each teacher a $25 base payment to supplement the percentage earned from each class they teach. At 40 classes a month the cost of covering pay roll over 3 months totals $3,000.
4. Finally we will need capital for advertisement. Business cards, flyers, promotional video, and signs are all necessary to share the offerings at Khepera Wellness' new home. Online advertising, in person advertising and operating expenses are budgeted at $250 - $300 a month. Over 6 months that comes to about $2,000 dollars.
All in all my goal is to raise $11,500 to help make the studio a smooth running success.
Please Consider
Morcego and I are currently working to offer dedicated programming at the school we both instruct in that incorporates capoiera and mindfulness into lessons. We have spoken of retreats and training trips and in a short time are envisioning a growing community of yogis, capoieristas, dancers and most importantly people craving life's experiences and teachings through practice.
Whatever you can offer that helps this dream become reality is greatly appreciated. It means so much to me to have the chance to share another opportunity to push the world and the culture with so many people. I am beyond thankful for all of the donations I've recieved in the past and have yet to recieve in the future.
Please donate to fund the Khepera Wellness Studio.
If you can't help monetarily you can always share and continue to share this post until we make our goal! I love to recognize people who donate and share their messages with the world. If you have an encouraging message please include it with your donation.
Namaste,
Brandon Copeland
Organizer
Brandon Christopher Alexander Copeland
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC