Hidden Gems: Meet Debonie Lewis of AIMwell Yoga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debonie Lewis.

Hi, Debonie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
The story of AIMwell traces back to many scratch pads of ideas and white-erase boards of inspiration. Since late 2020, I knew I wanted to be a part of something that formed a community. After realizing if there is a reality I desire, I must create it. I began the inception of AIMwell.

Aspire. Inspire. Motivate. Wellness
The journey was birthed in Bentonville, Arkansas, and took me back to Kansas City, MO. It involved working for Alice Walton of Walmart and a role as Program Manager at the Whole Health Institute / Alice Walton School of Medicine. Currently, the journey involves working as a Senior Project Manager at Humana and laying the foundation for the future of yoga and the community in Kansas City.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road of entrepreneurship as a yoga instructor has been the most exhilarating journey of my life and the most nerve-racking choice I have ever made.

Struggles can be described as:
Pricing: When I initially started planning, there was one thing I knew for sure. I did not want to build a yoga studio that charges next to a car note to “offer wellness.” Why? How can I advocate for mental health, empowerment, and self-control if my services are unattainable or only accessible to a small population?

The Number of Offerings to Provide. The ambition I had in week one! 5 Classes on the schedule. 2 double headers, two morning classes, and a weekend class. Three out of those five offerings were empty. WHOMP. I found myself killing myself, waking up at 5 a.m. to get to the studio in time to offer a 6 a.m. class twice a week. I found myself sitting idle in my studio to provide sound baths to a neighborhood that largely has yet to be exposed to this practice. Nevertheless, my Sunday morning flow and Wednesday evening flows were an immediate hit. My advice is to start small. Otherwise, you might cause yourself more stress running around and prepping.

Small Fish-Big Pond. Kansas City is not a Los Angeles market with yoga or wellness studios within the same block. However, the size of Kansas City and the knowledge around yoga being largely segregated to a certain demographic for many reasons, including economic, makes AIMwell Yoga a pretty small fish in this Kansas City Yoga Pond. Our sights are set on the perfect building to lay roots in the city!

As you know, we’re big fans of AIMwell Yoga. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
I am the Founder and (only) instructor (for now) at AIMwell Yoga. We offer Yoga classes to the public out of The Borough in Marlborough Heights on Sundays at 10 am and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. During nice weather, we’ll offer yoga in the Park at various parks in Kansas City. I am also a sound healer offering crystal singing bowl, hand pan, and other instrument mediations. These private offerings range in group sizes, from 2 for the innovative date night to over 10 for retreats and business gatherings. Lastly, AIMwell KIDS Yoga is a school-based yoga non-profit that travels to schools across Kansas City to bring the yoga practice to students while they are in school. AIMwell is different in that it is focused on bridging the gap between those who experience the benefits of yoga and those who don’t.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I used to want to be a doctor. I have always been fascinated with the human body. The ability to move, change, heal, experience, and grow. For that reason, I thought I would be a doctor for most of my life. I have a B.S. in Health Sciences and Minors in Biology, Public Service, and Leadership. Learning and teaching are true passions of mine, and it is fascinating to have the chance to share those with you all.

Pricing:

• First Class – $10
• Sunday Class – $10
• Park Class – $10
• Wednesday Drop in – $15
• Private Sound Mediation – $Various

Contact Info:

• Website: aim-well.org
• Instagram: @aimwell_yoga
• Facebook: AIMwell Yoga
• Linkedin: AIMwell Enterprise
• Youtube: @aimwellyoga

Image Credits
@benmcbee @benmcbeephotography