We had the good fortune of connecting with Rhiannon & Kelly Mehring and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rhiannon & Kelly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We are sisters and business partners who grew up in Columbus and have been close knit friends since the day we met. Of course, we’re family, and our relationship is as wonderful as it is complicated. Like most kids, we dreamed big, and our ambition of business ownership turned into more than just talk when we opened Mat Happy Yoga in 2015, as the first of its kind in the area.

A shared passion for movement, love of practicing yoga side-by-side, and desire to create something big was too strong to ignore.

We spent several years in careers that helped us build our skill sets, which has proven to be so helpful in running the day-to-day operations and staying level headed. One of the best things about our partnership is the desire to foster each other’s strengths, develop ideas and grow together. We have so much in common, but when it comes to running the business, we each bring our own unique offerings.

Everything at Mat Happy is created from scratch, reflecting our desire to cultivate authenticity and truly get to know our students, making Mat Happy a second home.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Our business was born from a passion to bring our talents and creativity into the world, and through this, we have cultivated a sanctuary where people can leave their masks at the door and bring their true selves into our space. We roll out the red carpet to help everyone feel welcome! You’ll often see friends meeting up, new friendships developing, and a light-hearted atmosphere to practice self-care.

Like many small businesses, we were hit hard by the pandemic and it has taken years to rebuild. It never felt right to throw in the towel, even though the challenges were many. We had each other to lean on and many people who stuck by us during the toughest times – even paying their memberships while we were under mandated closure. They believed in us and wanted to see us through, giving us the strength to move forward.

Small business ownership requires grit, risk-taking, and often a great deal of discomfort. You’ll have a lot of supporters, but also a share of challengers. It’s a business at the end of the day, and we lean on our inner wisdom to guide our decisions. Despite the sleepless nights, lack of health insurance, and retirement matching, we wouldn’t give it up or do it differently. It is what was meant for us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We love all animals and do our best to support our thriving vegan community in Columbus! Two Dollar Radio Headquarters is our favorite spot for food & independent book shopping + events. Their neighbor, Community Grounds has the best house made syrups, coffee/espresso and vegan snacks – both located on the South Side. Just outside the city is Sunrise Sanctuary, providing loving and permanent shelter to rescued farm animals. They have open barn days that allow you to visit and get to know the animals. We both favor the arts and theater, and you’ll often find us visiting local galleries and catching the latest performances from Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, Short North Stage and Ballet Met.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’re actually a trio of sisters, and it was the urging of our younger sister who really pushed us to open the studio. Each time we came up with a reason not to, she was quick to offer a reply as to why we HAD to. Since opening the studio, she has taken part in our teacher training program and now teaches at the studio.

Our team is full of passionate, skilled teachers who fill the room with heart and soul. We are incredibly grateful for our community of students, many who have been with us from the start!

Website: www.mathappy.com

Instagram: @mathappyyoga

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MatHappyYoga/

Image Credits
Laurie Saurborn

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