In the heart of downtown State College, at 236 East Calder Way, a pop-up studio has blossomed into a sanctuary for connection and creativity, thanks to the vision of Carolyne Meehan and Jacqueline Jones. With a passion for holistic practices, the pair has created a space that fosters healing through breathwork, yoga, writing, poetry, and singing workshops.

“I was excited to curate a warm and welcoming space where I could offer breathwork as well as writing, poetry, and singing workshops,” Carolyne shares. For her, creating the right environment is essential. “Setting the space and creating the environment is so important for the heart-opening, connective, and intentional kinds of gatherings I facilitate.”

From the inviting aroma of Beata Lovas’ Savvy B natural body products to the calming ambiance created by soft lighting and cozy pillows, every detail contributes to an experience that resonates with attendees. “People who come in often say, ‘It feels so good in here,’” Meehan notes, emphasizing the positive energy that fills the studio.

Collaborating with fellow wellness practitioners, the studio fosters diverse offerings that reflect the community’s needs,  making “Yoga, Breath & Sound” a healing space designed for every body.

Jacqueline Jones,  founder of Embrace Wellness LLC, got involved because she wanted to create a space where students of color could feel safe enough to engage in community, move their bodies, and heal in a healthy way. “Typically, students of color find it hard to acclimate to studio spaces here because they are either tokenized or ostracized altogether, making it hard to feel like they belong”, Jones said.

Jacqueline offers yin yoga classes, sound bowl meditations, and embodied dance movement classes. She plans to use spaces around State College to bring students of color together to improve their mental health and well-being. People can also connect with Jacqueline at Embrace Wellness LLC and on her Instagram page.

The synergy between Carolyne’s breathwork sessions and Jacqueline’s yoga and sound bowl healing creates a rich tapestry of healing modalities. Carolyne recalls a recent session where participants wrote a song together, highlighting the studio’s commitment to creative expression.

With plans to expand her offerings and a vision for a permanent brick-and-mortar location that houses a collective of holistic practitioners, Carolyne is dedicated to nurturing the community. “My business, Breath & Ink, will continue to offer breathwork and writing and healing-centered gatherings in-person and online.” Meehan invites you to discover her upcoming offerings and follow her journey on Instagram. 

In a world that often feels disconnected, this wellness pop-up studio in State College stands as a beacon of warmth, creativity, and community healing. Whether through breathwork, tea, or the magic of shared creativity, Meehan and Jones invite everyone to be part of this intentional space.

The pop-up studio will conclude their time on Calder Way at the end of October, but the following classes are available (Click link to all the studio offerings) :

  • Friday, October 25 – RNB Game Night | 7:00-10:30pm
  • Saturday, October 26: Yoga to Feel Alive with Jenn Dashem | 10:00am-11:30am & Dream Circle with Nico Gargiulo | 7-8pm
  • Sunday October 27: Soul Glow BIPOC Yoga with Jae Embrace Wellness | 3-5pm
  • Tuesday, October 29: Silent Tea & Community with Carolyne Breath & Ink | 7-8:30pm
  • Wednesday, October 30: Breathwork Journey & Tea with Carolyne Breath & Ink| 7:00-8:30pm
  • First Friday, November 1: Closing Reception in collaboration with November Pop-up tenant Rebecca Larson | 5-7pm