Diversity and Inclusion is the Cornerstone of the First Queer-Owned Yoga Studio

by Kayla Robertson

Vinny Purtle bought Heartfelt Yoga Studio a year ago after his business degree led him down a path in marketing that he says lacked inclusion, representation, diversity, and equity. “Each role left me with necessary healing to speak my truth and build inclusive communities of my own. So, I became the owner of a yoga studio amidst a pandemic while working full time,” says Purtle.

Heartfelt Yoga Studio prides itself on being intentionally inclusive and points to its diverse staff as being truly representative of the community and broader world. Purtle states, “Representation matters and is the cornerstone of our studio and there is no better way to display that than by employing a truly diverse staff that embodies the community that surrounds it.”

Community is a big part of Heartfelt Yoga Studio’s mission statement. Purtle believes it should be the cornerstone of any business. He says, “It was surprising to me that Columbus is one of the most queer-friendly cities in the U.S. and there were no queer-owned studios. We are now the first and only queer-owned yoga studio in the city. Hopefully, we won’t be the last.”

Purtle is opening a second studio that will focus on cycling. It will become the only queer-owned cycling studio in Columbus. Heartfelt Yoga Studio is located in the Short North neighborhood. Classes can be scheduled online for either virtual or in-person sessions.