Aisha Waters holds up the page in Philly Mag, celebrating her studio as the Best Yoga Studio in Philadelphia. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)
In mid-July, Philly Magazine revealed its annual “Best of” list, showcasing over 200 of the city’s front-runners across fields and industries. Under their Health & Self section, Germantown’s very own Space & Grace Yoga and Wellness (S&G) proved the Best Yoga Studio.
“The win is very important to me,” founder and owner Aisha Waters said. “I know I am ancestors’ wildest dreams, so this is an honoring of them, my lineage, and those who come behind me.”
The space was noted in the publication as “community-minded” and “über-welcoming,” nodding to intentional inclusions and offerings, such as a full Spanish-language taught session.
After a packed summer lineup of activities, Waters finally took the space to grace and honor herself – and all who have contributed to S&G’s success – with a party.
It happened last Friday night, September 19, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Water’s studio (6120 Greene St, Unit B), where folks honored her silk-clean floors by taking off their shoes as they paraded around, smiling, laughing, and dancing with one another under low lights.
Adding to the vibe were spins from esteemed hyperlocal DJ Matigeo of Rooftop Sounds, accompanied by plant-based bites and refreshments.
Former and newer friends and supporters of the yoga studio, and Waters generally, came to give the owner her metaphoric flowers for the momentous win. Studio manager Teena Walton was among the attendees.
She said S&G is “a place where you can come and feel safe” that attracts “good people.”
And while the manager was shocked about the win, she confessed there was no surprise as Waters works hard. Walton said the “Best of” nod truly shows that S&G is “what Aisha says it is.”
The night also included an interactive song and sound bath session led by one of the studio’s instructors, Troi Nichols, who guided guests through a series of affirmations, culminating in a collective dance and movement.
The night also featured singers Jesse Renee and Seraiah Nicole, who respectively sang a medley of covers and originals.
Waters gave a collective thanks to everyone in the room and to all who have “contributed to the love” harbored over the past two-and-a-half years.
In that time, the founder shares three lessons: 1) Community is vital to lean on, 2) things don’t have to be perfect to be impactful, and 3) tackle the things you often shy away from.
Moving to the future, Waters wants people to know that S&G isn’t just a studio, but more of a welcoming home and a “warm hug.” And that the space is also a reminder.
“I just want people to know that it’s okay to practice yoga and get back to healing practices. To do breathwork, to meditate, and to be still,” she said. “A lot of times, the magic is in the stillness.”