BROOKHAVEN — A new yoga studio celebrated a ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon. Rhythm of Grace is a Yoga Faith Studio located at 119 South Jackson Street. 

Heather Emory is a Meadville native and owner of Rhythm of Grace. She is a former Psychology professor and said she opened the studio after a mission was placed on her heart. According to Yoga Faith Studios, Emory said the end of her career in education forced her to refind her identity in Christ. 

A period of refinement led to her taking a yoga class and she felt a calling to continue education through yoga. Her studio in Brookhaven will allow her to minister to the community. 

“This is more than yoga. This is yoga faith, they believe Jesus first, yoga second,” Emory said Thursday. “We worship on the mat to some degree. This is a safe and sacred space for everyone. It is a space for folks to come in, relax and find peace, solace and breathe.”

During her own ribbon cutting celebration, Emory could be seen serving punch and cake to others. 

She said the yoga studio’s hours will be on a holiday schedule until January. Anyone who is interested in a class can find the hours on the Rhythm of Grace Yoga Facebook page and more information can be found on the Rhythm of Grace website. 

The inside of the studio has beautiful brick walls, a cross, candle lights, hardwood floors and support beams. Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Garrick Combs said the chamber was thrilled to be at the ribbon cutting. 

“I’m always excited for downtown ribbon cuttings because downtown is what makes us so unique,” Combs said. “We appreciate it when someone invests in their passion downtown.”