Achieving Focus: Mind and Body Relaxation Available at AMSA Studios
In a world too full of everyday hustle and bustle, traffic jams and long commutes, a hectic fast-paced workout at the gym is not always the most ideal relaxation method. Consequently, a growing interest in more calming exercise regimens, such as yoga and Pilates, is coming about as a resistance to the madness.

Tamela Hastie and Pamela Meriwether both relish the relaxation and total mind and body workout offered by the ancient fitness techniques of yoga and Pilates. However, they realized the solemnity embraced by these arts was being lost in the confines of a traditional gym. Instead of mind and body unity, they saw constant high-energy competition. It soon became apparent the key to the true experience relied heavily on the atmosphere. And this is where their dream began.

A Clear Vision

In early October 2005, Tamela and Pamela opened the doors of AMSA Studios. The name AMSA is Sanskrit for “a portion of divine” (frankly, “a piece of peace”) and was a perfect fit for the atmosphere they wanted to create.

With extensive backgrounds in the fitness industry, including choreographing, leading nationally released videos and conducting yoga classes at local health clubs, Tamela and Pamela sought to create a space where yoga and Pilates could be practiced in accordance with the non-competitive, nurturing premise.

“Yoga is about how you feel, not how you look,” said Pamela.

AMSA Studios has no mirrors but instead features an oak tree that stands in the center of the studio and augments the back-to-nature inspiration. They offer a wide array of styles and intensities in yoga, from gentle Hatha yoga to vigorous, athletic Ashtanga yoga. AMSA also offers multiple levels of Pilates mat classes as well as private Pilates apparatus sessions.

A Break In Concentration

Tamela and Pamela faced some start-up issues such as funding, insurance and organization. They were unable to secure an SBA loan due to timing issues and also faced creating publicity, community awareness and interest in their studio. It was at this time they were hit with some legal issues over naming rights with a New York studio.

Unity in Practice and Purpose

Tamela and Pamela first heard about the South Carolina Women’s Business Center (SCWBC) through a long-time friend. They worked with SCWBC Business Development Counselor Bill Littlejohn to develop a business plan, institute financial planning measures, and research and evaluate necessary insurance plans.

“SCWBC was important in guiding us in the right direction. When we decided to move forward with our business idea, Tamela and I were overwhelmed with the list of steps we needed to take to get started. The SCWBC helped us to prioritize those steps,” said Pamela.

AMSA worked with Dana Todd, SCWBC Marketing Counselor, to initiate a plan to promote the studio’s opening, including a press release distributed to all local media. Calling upon her media contacts, Dana was also able to secure AMSA Studios a spot on the WIS-TV morning show Live With Lucas.

Renewed Focus On the Future

As AMSA’s popularity grows, they are directed in a mission to support local arts and artists via art exhibitions and community workshops in yoga. Tamela and Pamela began to live this mission in November 2005 with their first community event, held in conjunction with the Columbia City Ballet, where they hosted a Jonathan Green print exhibition. Since then, they have featured the work of local artists Britta Cruz, Alicia Leeke, and Barbara Bryan. AMSA Studios also has embarked on a program to offer free yoga healing classes every Saturday.

“We want to give back to our community,” said Pamela.

AMSA Studios, LLC
3135 Forest Drive
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 782-6171
www.amsastudios.com