Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Samo.
Hi Melanie, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. Before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story, and how did you get to where you are today?
In 2020, amidst the chaos of the pandemic, my life was also in turmoil. Enduring a series of four surgeries in 12 months for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, I faced not only physical trials but also profound financial and emotional upheaval. Following the last surgery in February 2021, I found myself battling nerve damage in my back, enduring severe, relentless pain with no respite in sight. For weeks, I was immobilized, spending over a year sleeping in a recliner with limited movement due to the physical pain I was experiencing. During this trying period, I unearthed meditation’s true potency and potential—a revelation that surpassed its spiritual origins, which had been my primary focus until then.
Determined to share this newfound wisdom, I boldly decided to leave my construction and interior design career to attend Jay Shetty’s Life Coaching Certification school, where I could learn how to teach and coach others with the insights I had gained. Turning to meditation as a lifeline to navigate both physical and emotional anguish, I embraced a journey of healing that reshaped my purpose. Grasping the profound impact of meditation, I felt an urgency to share its transformative power with others. Inspired by the struggles of young college students, including my children’s friends, vibrant individuals who, despite their academic brilliance, succumbed to debilitating depression amid the aftermath of the 2020 pandemic, I felt compelled to offer solace through meditation. Thus, I initiated small group sessions, transforming a borrowed conference room into a sanctuary twice weekly.
As our gatherings gained traction, it became evident that this endeavor was more than a passion project—it was a calling. Witnessing people experience tangible results and transformative shifts fueled my determination to provide refuge amidst life’s pressures. Despite setbacks, including a failed location, my resolve remained steadfast. Serendipity intervened when a friend graciously offered unused space within her building, igniting a shared vision of community healing.
In October 2022, this vision materialized as The Pause and Mūla Rising—a holistic beacon nestled in the heart of Wichita. The Pause, owned by my friend (and her husband), flourished into a vibrant co-working space, housing a diverse array of mental health practitioners and holistic healers dedicated to nurturing collective well-being. Meanwhile, within this haven, Mūla Rising emerged as a sanctuary of somatic practices, offering an eclectic blend of meditation, yoga, ecstatic dance, and more, all centered around nervous system regulation and stress reduction. Recognizing the need for accessible mindfulness resources, we began the initiative that is #MeditateICT, where we host monthly discounted or free meditation and yoga sessions in satellite locations throughout Wichita. Our goal is to create a network of partners dedicated to promoting well-being in our community and beyond. Additionally, our commitment to community well-being extends beyond our studio walls. As part of our vision for growth, Mūla Rising has launched a virtual membership and will soon launch a meditation teacher certification program, empowering others to share mindfulness practice with their communities. We’re also developing a corporate membership program to expand access to mindfulness practices in professional settings, slated to operate by 2025.
From personal adversity to community empowerment, my journey embodies the transformative potential of mindfulness and meditation. Mūla Rising is more than just a space—it’s a sanctuary for collective healing and growth, inviting all who seek refuge to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a mother of six, balancing the demands of parenthood with the responsibilities of being a business owner has undoubtedly been one of my most significant challenges. Parenthood brings its joys and complexities, and juggling my children’s needs while building Mūla Rising from scratch has required careful time management, prioritization, and resilience. In addition to the demands of parenthood, navigating the journey of entrepreneurship has presented its obstacles. Building a business from the ground up involves countless hours of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every process step has unique challenges and financial hurdles, from securing the right location to building a team and establishing a brand.
Furthermore, as we strive to make mindfulness and meditation accessible to all, we’ve encountered barriers to community outreach and resource allocation. Overcoming these obstacles has required creative problem-solving, strategic planning, and a deep commitment to our mission. Despite these challenges, I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come and the impact we’ve been able to make. Every obstacle we’ve faced has only strengthened our resolve and deepened our passion for our work. As we continue to grow and evolve, I’m confident that we’ll overcome any challenges that come our way, fueled by our unwavering dedication to promoting holistic well-being and collective healing.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Mūla Rising, we’re not just a meditation studio—a sanctuary for holistic well-being, a haven where individuals can discover inner peace and collective healing in the community. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to accessibility, innovation, and community empowerment. Our offerings go beyond traditional yoga studios. We specialize in somatic practices that address the mind-body connection, offering diverse modalities such as meditation, walking meditation, yoga, ecstatic dance, sound healing, and breathwork. Each session is meticulously curated to promote nervous system regulation and stress reduction, guiding participants on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. What we’re most proud of brand-wise is our inclusive community. We believe well-being is for everyone, regardless of background or experience level. Meditation is a tool available to everybody; most don’t know how to use it because they haven’t been exposed to it. That’s why we host monthly discounted or free meditation and yoga sessions throughout Wichita, ensuring that mindfulness practices are accessible to all. At Mūla Rising, we teach mindfulness and cultivate a movement. Through initiatives like #MeditateICT, we’re actively working to make Wichita and beyond a more mindful city, inviting partners to join us in this transformative journey. Ultimately, we want our readers to know that Mūla Rising is more than just a space—it’s a sanctuary for collective healing, growth, and personal evolution. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to mindfulness, we invite you to join us on a journey of self-discovery and inner peace.
What are your plans for the future?
For the future, we at Mūla Rising have ambitious plans to expand our reach and impact. We’re continuously looking forward to evolving our offerings and implementing innovative approaches to further our mission of promoting holistic well-being. One of our primary focuses is on expanding our community outreach efforts. We plan to increase the frequency and diversity of our free or discounted meditation and yoga sessions throughout Wichita, ensuring that mindfulness practices remain accessible to all community members.
Additionally, we’re excited to launch new programs and initiatives to deepen our community engagement. This includes introducing specialized workshops, retreats, and events catering to our community’s needs and interests. Furthermore, we’re actively working towards enhancing our online presence and virtual offerings. In an increasingly digital world, we recognize the importance of providing accessible resources for mindfulness and meditation beyond the confines of our physical space. We’re developing a robust virtual membership platform, slated to launch soon, offering a wide range of online classes, guided meditations, and resources for our members to access from anywhere in the world.
In terms of significant changes, we’re also exploring opportunities for expansion beyond our current location. While our roots are firmly planted in Wichita, we envision the possibility of bringing the transformative practices of Mūla Rising to new communities and cities in the future. We’re excited about the journey ahead and remain committed to fostering collective healing, growth, and personal evolution. We look forward to embracing new opportunities, forging meaningful partnerships, and continuing to empower individuals on their path to well-being.
Pricing:
- $22 Monthly Virtual Meditation Membership
- $44 Monthly In Person Group Meditation Membership
- $88 All Access Class Pack
- $55 In Person and Virtual Meditation Membership
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mularising.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mularising/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MulaRising
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/melaniesamo
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mularising
Image Credits
Darrin Hackney for photo 3
