Yoga options in Haywood County will expand with the opening of a new studio which will eventually offer everything from restorative to hiking yoga.

Many of the future programs will depend on the needs of students, said studio co-owner Derrick Quinn.

The Yoga of Light studio,  62 N. Main Street in Waynesville, officially opened Aug. 1. The public is invited to visit the studio, meet the new proprietors and learn about the yoga programs available.

Initially, Quinn and co-owner Violet Mundy will offer an introductory yoga program geared to individuals who want to become familiar with the practice.

As interest increases, a variety of other forms of yoga will be introduced, including hiking yoga in the surrounding mountains and power yoga.

“Waynesville offers just the right setting for a business of this nature. It has a small town flavor, beautiful environment, friendly people and a perceived need for this type of healing modality,” Mundy said.

The couple, along with family friend and soon-to-be-instructor Steve Barton, have relocated to Hawyood County from south Florida, Mundy taught yoga and Quinn worked in a recovery center where those in 12-step programs learned about the healing power of yoga. Barton was a student and corporate bartender who was ready for a life change.

"We've always lived our lives trusting in the next step," Quinn said. "Waynesville always felt right."

Details on Yoga of Light may be found at Yogaoflight.com.