A Woman Rising -Facing the reality of COVID-19
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This is AlisaMarie Gaccione. She is the fearless owner of Burn & Bloom an eclectic body movement studio in Anchorage, Alaska. She is also the proud owner of Sons and Daughters photography, the BARE movement, and certified doula. AlisaMarie is a single mother and proud parent to two amazing boys.
Almost three years ago AlisaMarie set out on her yoga journey which led to a momentous transformation. She took a leap of faith and decided to open her own studio in down town Anchorage. She knew despite her fear of being a single mom and risking everything financially she had to open a space that would allow everyone the opportunity to heal and grow with their bodies the way that she did.
She understood that she had an obligation to use this gift to transform her community. And she did just that... fast forward a year after opening she was named the top yoga instructor in Anchorage, AK and her studio was thriving to the point of having waitlisted classes due to the number of students filling the space.
This was beyond anything she had envisioned. The women (and men) filling this space are from all walks of life. But the common thread was they came to heal. They came to seek comfort and support in this sacred studio and AlisaMarie held the space they needed in order to grow. Despite the success in the studio AlisaMarie stayed true to her commitment to her community and kept her pricing low. When asked why she would not try to make more money especially at the height of the studios success she proudly responded:
" It was never about the money. I am here to serve. I want this (whatever this is.. Insert her beautiful laugh) to be accessible to all. I am not "selling" the studio I am offering other the gift of healing so they can take that back into the community and we can rise together."
... without warning we were hit as a community by the COVID-19 pandemic. Within two weeks AlisaMarie was forced to close the doors of her thriving business. As the unknown has crept in, there was talk of relief for individuals and business during this crisis.
TO DATE AlisaMarie has (NOT) received any support at this time. She has made multiple attempts and has been told like many other things are being processed and there is nothing that can be done at this time.
A CALL TO ACTION
At this time when the studio will be able to open remains unknown.
However, the reality is there is still Rent due for the studio, cost of operating an online platform, not to mention life at home with two small boys.
Bringing a space like this to Light takes work and faith and focus and courage and hours of devotion, the clock is ticking, the world is spinning, and we simply do not have time anymore to think small.
I am asking that everyone who knows this woman rally together at this time to keep this incredible space alive. In a time when we are all feeling this crisis in different waves I am asking for you to honor the sacrifice that was made on behalf of this studio and come together as the community that we are and support AlisaMarie.
IT IS NOW OUR TURN TO HOLD SPACE.
#smallbusinessrelief
Organizer and beneficiary
Brittiney Sariah Borchardt
Organizer
Anchorage, AK
AlisaMarie Gaccione
Beneficiary