Breathe Yoga & Wellness changes owners but not mission

When Breathe Yoga & Wellness changes hands Aug. 1, new owner Sarah Spinelli said her No. 1 goal is to expand the sense of community that has been built over the studio’s 11 years.

She stands in the foyer of what will soon be her studio, looking around as if she is still letting the reality of her new endeavor sink in. The West Union Street studio became an important part of defining her literal and figurative homes after moving to Morganton from Naples, Fla., in 2023. The studio became a comfort to her, a place she felt seen and heard.

“There’s something about walking into the back door, and the smell of the wood floor, that reminds me of my church (when I was young),” Spinelli said. “This physical space is beautiful. This space is a sanctuary.”

Dressed in yoga attire and long, flowing cardigan, her appearance may make one think she was practically born meditating and practicing sun salutations. That’s far from reality.

“I was that yogi who began packing up during Savasana because I didn’t think I needed it,” she said, emphasizing her entrance into yoga was purely fitness-driven. Savasana is translated to Corpse Pose, when attendees lie on their backs, eyes closed, in silence. The pose caps most yoga classes.

Her yoga practice soon evolved into more than a way to build strength and gain flexibility. She saw how yoga can holistically connect mind and body. She completed yoga teacher training in southwest Florida and began teaching at Breathe shortly after moving to Burke County.

Lizzie Warfield, who is selling the studio, smiles as Spinelli retraces her journey of connecting more deeply with the practice. Warfield has likely heard some version of that story many times from the clients who have walked into Breathe’s doors.

Life has changed considerably for Warfield since she took over ownership from Janna Kropelnicki in 2021 and began teaching there in 2018. She’s now a single mother whose son is about to enter pre-K.

“Selling the studio had been on my mind a while,” she said. “I’m a single mom. … It’s hard to juggle everything.” “Everything” also includes a full-time job at The Industrial Commons. She will continue to teach at Breathe, as well as lead yoga teacher training and retreats.

Breathe students will notice few changes once August rolls around. The schedule of about 20 classes weekly and pricing are not changing. Class packages and memberships are available. The introductory special — 6 classes for $36 — will remain. She does intend to explore more workshop offerings. Spinelli added she will make minor decor adjustments (“I like to curate cozy spaces”) and plans to offer more retail items. Retail hours may expand once Downtown Morganton’s new social district is up and running, she said.

“Lizzie has done an amazing job with the studio. Here, you feel safe, you feel held, you feel seen,” Spinelli said. “How do we continue to make this accessible to the community?”

With Spinelli, Warnfield said she has found a “kindred spirit.” Their vision for the studio is similar.

“People come for the yoga but stay for the friends,” Warfield remarked, with Spinelli quickly following, “This feeling of embeddedness is a dream come true.”