We are saddened to say that we’ve had to permanently close our physical doors due to Covid-19. Below is a note from the owner.
To My Beloved Nest Family ~
I’d like to start off by saying that this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to put into writing – not just in business, but more so in life. Some of you may have seen a brief video announcement I posted on social media last week. The reality is I just needed to get it off my chest and I wasn’t yet ready to write about it. Now I am, and I know I owe it to you.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce that The Nest has closed its beautiful door for the last time. It is truly the end of an era, and to say that my heart feels like it’s been split in two is an understatement. I cannot begin to express how much sorrow and grief I have felt these last couple of weeks. It honestly feels like I’m mourning a death; there is no other way to describe it.
First things first – the logistics. As many of you know, I announced in the beginning of June that The Nest wouldn’t be re-opening at all this month. I felt strongly about that decision as I didn’t feel it was safe to do so. Fast forward one week and Virginia’s phase 2 guidelines with restrictions for indoor fitness classes were released. There was a lot to read through, but when I discovered we had to space students 10 feet apart, I knew it was going to be very challenging to re-open in July. This would mean we could have only 6 people in the studio (5 students, one teacher). Barre in the back studio wouldn’t be possible. We couldn’t have props, which meant several of our most popular classes would have to be removed from the schedule. This is not good math for trying to keep a yoga studio going that’s already been closed for 3 months. On top of that, I couldn’t avoid pondering all the future’s unknowns. How long will we be in phase 2? What will phase 3 look like? What if we have a spike and have to go back to phase 1 and close again? How many people will even feel comfortable coming to class? How many teachers will feel comfortable teaching? Will people feel unsafe and anxious if they do come to class? Could they actually BE safe coming to class? It’s all too much… and that’s NOT our Nest. That’s our collective reality.
What’s even harder about this is that in the end, I didn’t really get to make the decision to close The Nest; I was essentially forced to. Within just a few days of informing my landlord that I couldn’t guarantee when I’d be able to re-open, let alone sign a new lease and continue to pay rent, he found a business looking to rent the space and on an immediate basis. (I’ll also add that it’s not a dance or yoga studio). What were the chances of that happening?! I was completely blindsided. Not only did this business want to take over the space as soon as possible, it also agreed to a 5-year lease at an even higher rent than I was (painfully) paying. I was given the opportunity to match those terms, which I obviously couldn’t seeing as we’re in the middle of a pandemic and I’m out of funds. So that was it. I had to get out. With the help of friends, Nesties and my family, it took a very emotional 8 days to get everything out, heating panels and all. I turned my keys over on Saturday, June 20th and walked through that door one last time with my head heavy, my heart broken and tears streaming down my face. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I was, and still am, devastated.
Now on to The Nest, which is most importantly comprised of YOU – the teachers and students. I am in awe of the amount of love and connection that was created in that beautiful space. There are so many friendships that started there and that I know will continue to live on outside of The Nest’s walls. The Nest was truly a community that was made up of people of all ages and from all walks of life. It was a place where we bonded and built relationships both on and off our mats. It was a place where people felt like they could let go of the noise of the outside world, be more present, and find some inner peace. It was a place of joy and growth where we watched children (mine included) learn to dance from an early age on into their teenage years, thanks to Amber Corriston and CMAD. It was a place where we got stronger and more connected to ourselves, both physically and mentally, as well as a place where all bodies, abilities, and ages were welcome. It was a place of zero judgement.
Most importantly (to me), The Nest was a place where we got to let all the emotions roll, whether it was while lying in Savasana or chatting in the lobby after class. It was a place where we all felt safe and comfortable enough to share our life experiences, both joyous and painful. From the challenges of raising kids, to dealing with physical ailments, marriage, pregnancy, cancer, divorce, losing a pet, or losing a loved one, we had each others backs. We were there for each other. YOU were there for each other…and you were always there for me. Some of you know that I lost a beloved “Nestie” a few years back. She was my student in the very beginning and then became like a mother figure to me. She will live on in my heart forever, and it’s all thanks to The Nest. Furthermore, it was you, my Nest family – all the teachers and students – who helped me get through that difficult time. It was YOU who supported me as an individual and The Nest as a whole as I underwent surgery after surgery while also caring for my mother as she battles cancer. You were and are, without a doubt, another wonderful family to me. It’s undeniably true when I say, “I got paid in people.”
I really did… and it’s invaluable.
I could go on and on, but I think it’s safe to say that more than anything, The Nest was a place of LOVE. It embodied more than words can say, and while I know it will live on in many ways beyond the physical space, it doesn’t make it any less painful with having to let it go. My heart is broken and I will miss it (and YOU) tremendously. Does it mean it’s over for good? I don’t know. Who knows what the future holds. Just know that I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all that you’ve given me these last 6 years. My love and gratitude for you is immeasurable, and that will certainly last a lifetime – which is such a GIFT. ❤️
Forever A Nestie,
Steph