Jess Wood is on the verge of realizing a longtime dream. The 31-year-old Collingwood native is preparing for the grand opening of Power Yoga Canada’s newest franchise, set to launch in Barrie’s north end on November 1.
Reflecting on the journey to her goal, Wood shared her excitement, describing it as the culmination of years of hard work and vision.
“This has been a dream of mine for a long time. Every vision board I’ve made in the past has centered around owning a yoga studio, building community, and being part of this business,” Wood told BarrieToday. “I think my love language is acts of service, and this feels like the highest expression of that. It’s truly a dream come true.”
Wood’s yoga journey began in 2013, though she admits that yoga wasn’t always her passion.
“I used to love running and lifting weights,” she recalled. “But after my first hot yoga class, I walked out feeling something I had never felt before after a workout. The connection to my breath and the sensation of truly focusing on it was life-changing. It was almost an instant addiction.”
That initial experience led Wood to pursue her yoga certification, a path that eventually brought her to teaching yoga. Now, a decade later, she is ready to take on a new challenge as the franchisee for Power Yoga Canada in Barrie.
The new 2,300-square-foot studio is located in Bayfield Mall, a site selected for its prime location. With easy access to the highway and nearby sister cities, Wood believes it fills a much-needed gap in the local yoga scene.
“A lot of market research went into picking this spot,” Wood explained. “I love that we’re right on Bayfield, close to the highway, and able to target nearby cities. There are plenty of yoga options in the south end, but nothing up north. We want to make yoga accessible to everyone while delivering a unique experience.”
Wood emphasized that her studio will not follow the traditional, quiet, and meditative yoga studio model.
“When you walk into our studio, it’s not going to be the most quiet and zen place. Our foundation is community. You’re greeted at the door, known by name, and we remember the details,” she said.
The studio will include a hot room, three washrooms, three showers, changerooms, and cubbies for personal belongings.
“It’s everything we need, perfectly laid out,” said Wood. The studio’s offerings will include a variety of classes, from the signature 60-minute Power Jam and vinyasa flow to hot pilates and yin yoga.
“All of our classes are designed for any level, whether you’re an experienced yogi or a first-timer. Our series is welcoming to everyone, regardless of pace or age,” Wood added.
But for Wood, yoga is about more than just physical movement.
“There are eight limbs of yoga, and the journey is never-ending,” she said. “We come to yoga to brighten the light within us, because life’s challenges—work, kids, other stressors—can dim that light. Yoga, especially in the heat, helps you let go, sweat it out, and meet amazing people along the way.”
Related topics:
