Introducing the new owner of Sweetgrass Yoga, Athena Spencer!

I’m so excited (and honestly so honored) to be joining you as the new owner of the studio.  

Like many of you, I’ve been part of this community since the doors first opened.  I had been practicing yoga for years and was so grateful to Chris for opening a studio in Christiansburg.  Sweetgrass quickly became part of my routine, my growth, and my life.  Last year, when I began teaching here, it felt really special to step into a new role within a community that already meant so much to me.

I want to acknowledge the care, dedication, and heart that have shaped this studio from the very beginning.  What has been created here is truly magical.  My intention is to honor that foundation while thoughtfully supporting the studio’s continued growth and stability for years to come.

You can expect the same welcoming environment, the same amazing yoga classes, and the same belief that yoga is for every body.  I am committed to listening, learning, and growing alongside all of you.

Transitions can bring a mix of emotions (trust me I’ve been feeling all of them myself), but I hope you’ll feel a sense of continuity and excitement for what’s ahead.  I’m incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me, and I look forward to practicing, teaching, and building the next evolution together.

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Athena

This feels like evolution, not an ending!

What began as a simple dream has grown into something far beyond what I could have imagined. Sweetgrass has become a true community, filled with teachers and students who bring presence, authenticity, and heart to every practice. Together, we’ve built something strong, grounded, and deeply special.

Over the past five months, we have been thoughtfully and intentionally working through a transition in ownership. This has been a careful and aligned process, one rooted in what feels best for the future of the studio and for all of you.

I’m happy to share that ownership is transitioning to Athena, someone I deeply trust, alongside our incredible teaching team who continue to hold this space with integrity and care.

And most importantly, I’m not going anywhere.

I will continue teaching at the studio. I will continue offering our quarterly retreats. And I will still host our Portugal retreat (cannot WAIT!) because the work and connection we create together matter deeply to me. I remain fully committed to this community and excited for what’s ahead.

I truly believe this next chapter brings stability, fresh energy, and beautiful opportunities for growth, while honoring everything we’ve created together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for showing up, supporting the studio, and helping turn a dream into a living, breathing community. Sweetgrass has always been a collective effort, and I am profoundly grateful for each of you.

Always love,
Chris