Charlotte Yoga Studio Closes Suddenly, Teachers Relocate Classes to Public Venues

A sudden shutdown of Okra studio in Plaza Midwood left staff locked out this month. The business also let massage workers practice without state-required permits.

"We had to call our clients directly and cancel with them," said Grace Millsap, a former yoga teacher and massage therapist at Okra, according to CharlotteFive. "Since the middle of May, people have tried to reach out to the owner and ask him what is going on."

Signs at the entrance blamed staff shortages. The owner called it temporary, but workers tell a different story.

State officials found serious problems. The North Carolina Board of Massage Work and Bodywork Therapy spotted the studio working without proper permits. Elizabeth Kirk, who runs the board, sent word on July 16 about missing paperwork required since 2021.

"It's still a concern that Mr. Smith is operating an establishment without a license," Kirk wrote in the email. "LMBTs should not be working at establishments that do not have an establishment license."

Workers can't do much about it legally. "We're all 1099 employees, so as independent contractors, we don't have a lot of legal options," Millsap said.

The teachers now run classes outdoors across Charlotte. Students can find them at the Mint Museum Randolph's green space and QC Fit through early August.

This isn't the first such closing in Charlotte. Back in 2020, Yoga One, where many Okra teachers worked, also shut down.

Local groups stepped in to help. Nearby shops and residents offered space so teachers could keep teaching.

The new class schedule includes: