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Joan Dwyer on Turn to 10! |
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Joan Dwyer
JJoan Dwyer has been a student of the healing arts for over 25 years. She is the co-founder of All That Matters and does private consulting with small businesses. All That Matters, founded in 1995, has grown over the years into a ‘”comprehensive wellness collaborative” that includes dozens of workshops that range from belly dancing to cooking as well as a retail store which sells books, music, and clothing. All That Matters also offers yoga, acupuncture, chiropractic services, reiki, massage, and mediation. "It's really kind of grown organically. Our initial vision was really big. It was so big we kind of laughed at it. We're getting there, though."
Many similar businesses have failed and Dwyer said a fundamental component to All That Matters' success is the fact she was willing to learn how to become a businesswoman.
"When I started I didn't even know how to run a computer," she said. "A lot of people want to do this but they don't realize it's a business and you have to be smart. Marketing, contracts, advertising."
All That Matters differs from most other centers by the variety of programs offered and the times people can attend. Rather than base yoga instruction on a retreat concept, which normally runs overnight, Dwyer and Program Director Stephanie Marisca-Straight have created a work-compatible schedule, with 45 yoga classes each week, starting in the early morning hours and running throughout the day.
"What we're offering is a pretty well rounded taste of what a holistic lifestyle is about," said Marisca-Straight. "There are some folks that come in and visit us for massage. Some just come for yoga and never take a specialized workshop. What we're offering people is a broad scope."
"There are other businesses in town that also help support our efforts," said Marisca-Straight. "All of those things kind of spun around All That Matters coming into town." "People say yoga is trendy," said Dwyer. "You could say it's trendy but its 2000 years old. It's not going to leave the planet anytime soon."
All That Matters, located at 315 Main Street in Wakefield, Rhode Island, will be hosting an "On The Road" show sponsored by Every Company Counts, and The South Kingston Chamber of Commerce on April 25th, from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
Register Now!
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