10 Years of Artemis Yoga: A Reflection on Community, Resilience, and Awe
There are many words that come to mind as I reflect on these past ten years at Artemis Yoga. The first is community and the second is awe. I am in awe of this community: our students, our teachers and our front desk customer experience team. I am in awe of everyone who has helped make Artemis Yoga a welcoming gem here in the East End of Watertown. It’s really unbelievable in so many ways.
How It All Began
Back in 2012, I had just come through one of the hardest years of my life, early-stage breast cancer, the loss of my mom, and the loss of my sister. It was a tough year and yoga helped me through that difficult time. It helped me grieve, and it also helped me heal. It gave me energy and a spark of an idea. In yoga we call that “tapas”, a burning zeal combined with the motivation that if you have a passion, you can turn it into a purpose. So, I did.
I learned about construction and permits (so many permits!), branding, and business plans. My daughter, Grace, helped name Artemis. Friends and family helped with planning, and my husband was there every step of the way. I remember sitting around my kitchen table with Santina and Natalie mapping out our operations guide. I can still smell the sawdust we had to sweep away to audition a wonderful teacher, Mary G. And I distinctly recall that feeling of “this is real” when handing out keys to our staff for the very first time, publishing the first schedule, and opening the doors.
When we opened, in December 2015, with a free week of classes, it was so exciting. We started with three classes a day and quickly grew into a full schedule. January resolutions brought a consistent crew, and the heartbeat of the studio began. I never cancelled a class in those early days, even if only one person showed up. The student made time for us, so we made time for them. I had intentionally created our tagline: Welcome. Learn. Practice. My perspective was that Artemis Yoga would always be welcoming and ready for any student who walked in our door and wanted to practice yoga.
The Numbers Add Up to Community
In these ten years, we’ve welcomed more than 10,000 unique students, offered over 21,000 classes, and hosted more than 40 classes a week. More than a third of our members have been with us since before the pandemic and more than half of our members have practiced with us for over two years. I am consistently impressed by the dedicated practice of our students, most of whom come to class at least eight times a month (and definitely even more often during March Momentum)! The numbers are amazing but what they really represent is dedication, connection, trust and community.
Resilience and Renewal
Of course, there were things I never could have imagined. A global pandemic five years after opening? Definitely not in the business plan! Or getting breast cancer, a second time, right after we reopened? That really wasn’t in the plan either. Of course dealing with the back parking lot flooding or the road closures were not what I thought I would be doing either. But through it all, the Artemis community showed up with kindness, patience, and love.
We practiced outside, we waved through Zoom and we supported one another in trying times. Some of our original members are still here today. Many of our teachers and staff have been here since the very beginning. In fact, several of our front desk members started out as students and grew into part of the team. Our teacher and staff’s commitment and cooperative spirit fills me with so much gratitude.
The Stories of Community
Over the course of 10 years we have made memories and had some funny moments too. One of the most magical moments was our first anniversary celebration in early 2017. We offered a full lineup of free classes, including a Slow Flow with live cello, taught by Cathleen O’Connell. It started snowing just before class. I wondered whether anyone would attend. Alas they did, walking in with snow on their boots and hats and it created a festive atmosphere of camaraderie. It felt like a Currier & Ives scene of yoga, so cozy, communal and joyful. It is still one of my favorite memories.
No ten-year yoga journey is complete without a little humility and laughter. When asked about some funny moments, I recall these. Teaching an entire class with leggings on inside out – tags and all. Showing up in jean shorts because I forgot to change in the summer. The infamous furry centipede incident in the upper studio, discovered while all were in Down Dog and I quickly lost sight of it and it then reappeared on a student’s arm during Child’s Pose. Thankfully, the centipede was swiftly escorted outside. The students laughed and one saying, “at least it wasn’t goat yoga” was the perfect ending.
It is these endless memories of humanity and humility that have built the Artemis community these past 10 years.
A Watertown Story
I’ve loved getting to know the Watertown business community too. Being welcomed by the Watertown Business Coalition, being a board member of the Watertown Boys & Girls Club, and an active member of the Charles River Chamber, I’ve found it so rewarding to become part of the fabric of Watertown. We even take yoga to the community with regular classes at both public and private schools as well as we have hosted hundreds of employee wellness programs at local businesses.
Watertown is a special place where people show up for one another and where support runs deep. It really makes you want to do your best and while we may not always get it right, we certainly try.
I wanted Artemis to be a space that felt inviting, a true “third place” somewhere between home and work where people could connect, make friends, and share life’s ups and downs. Over the years, we’ve witnessed so much: friendships forming, babies being born, marriages, injury recoveries, losses, laughter. Life has unfolded here, right on the mats at 639 Mt. Auburn Street.
Lessons from the Practice
Yoga has taught me a lot about non-attachment about letting go of what you thought it should look like and embracing what is. I never planned for outdoor classes, but those classes brought such joy and connection. Zoom yoga, that wasn’t in the plan either, but it has become another way for people to practice. Yoga reminds us that we’re all part of something bigger, that it’s not just about a single space or even a single practice, but about the journey we share together. There’s a reason that the “meta blessing” is so profound with its message that all beings be happy and at peace. That intention of ease, belonging and peace is at the center of Artemis Yoga by offering a welcoming and unpretentious place for people who might not have ventured through our door. From the beginning, I wanted Artemis to represent graceful strength and resilience, qualities embodied not just by our warrior symbol, but by the actual people who practice here.
Gratitude and Awe
As I look back on these ten years, I don’t think about five-star Google reviews or business metrics. I remember the faces and the smiles. I think about the thousands of people who have walked through our doors, rolled out their mats, said hello, and practiced together. That’s what matters.
I am in awe of every student who comes in and becomes a part of this community. I’m grateful for every teacher who shares their wisdom and heart. I’m thankful for our front desk team who create such a welcoming and inviting space and our managers who keep the operations and marketing smooth.
Artemis Yoga has become part of my family, my “third daughter,” as I often joke, with a real pulse and a generous spirit. I’m grateful for this opportunity to celebrate the 10-year milestone with our community. Here’s to another decade of movement, breath, friendship, and purpose. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
With deep gratitude,
Liz
p.s. I hope you will stop by on Saturday December 6 from 8am to 2pm for special treats, free classes, giveaways, photo opps and an opportunity to nurture a bit of Artemis at home with special plant clippings
