Philadelphia Yoga Studio Owner Takes Pride In Making Everyone Feel Welcome

CBS Philadelphia

August 13, 2025

Achola Simpkins has been effortlessly leading yoga classes at her studio in South Philadelphia for the past five years. Simpkins encourages health, wellness and inclusion one inhale and one exhale at a time at Uprising: Arts, Culture and Movement.

"This building that we're in now actually was a yoga studio previously," Simpkins said. "It was just so filled with community. It was incredibly diverse — men, women, children, all body shapes and sizes — and when I found out it was closing, I knew I couldn't lose that, so I said I'm going to open up my own yoga studio, and here we are."

Simpkins has continued to promote a welcoming and diverse atmosphere for yogis of all levels, with every detail meant to bring about zen moments.

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