Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since February of 2006 we have been Maine's first and only Power VInyasa Yoga studio and the originators of heated vinyasa yoga in Maine.
What is your primary product or service?
We offer Power VInyasa Yoga, a style of yoga practiced in a room heated to 95F. This promotes detoxification, healthy skin, bones and muscles as well as improved flexibility and stress reduction.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
We came ot it via two different avenues. Alice was looking for a physical practice to get in shape after the birth of our daughter. She loved it so much that she begged Charlie, who'd never done yoga before, to come and try one class. Ten years later, we both teach and have a regular yoga discipline as part of our daily lives.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Experience, focus, professional attitude and superior service! We came from one of the world's best known yoga studios, the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute. There we learned the fundamentals of this practice as well as how to teach to all levels and all sizes of groups from a single beginner to a group of 70 or more experienced yogis. When we came to Maine not very many people knew about this style of yoga. Six and a half years and over 8,000 people later we can safely say we've changed many a life in the great state of Maine.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We currently have our studio at 84 Cove Street in Portland and are looking to expand into one or more locations by 2012!
Provide detailed directions to your location
From the north: Take I-295 South to Exit 8 (Washington Avenue). Take the first right onto Anderson Street. Take your first right onto Plowman Street. At Plowman go left onto Marginal Way. Take next left on to Cove Street. PPY is first right after crossing over the Bayside trail!
From the South: Take I-295 North to Exit and get off at Exit 7 (Franklin Arterial). GO left at the first light onto Marginal Way follow north until the second street on the right which is Cove Street. PPY is first right after crossing over the Bayside trail!
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
Which areas do you service?
We have a saying at Portland Power Yoga: "If you can breathe and walk unassisted you can do this yoga." We serve the great Cumberland County area and Southern Maine.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Portland Power Yoga is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Alice Riccardi, Director of Teachers, Programs and Events and Charles Terhune, CFO and General Manager.
What are your hours of operation?
We have 34 classes a week. Check our schedule online for exact details of class times and schedule: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/adm/home.asp?studioid=1229
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That we have a great community and that the teachers are there for the student.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Favorite quote: "Do or do not. There is not try" - Yoda. Bible verse: "All are welcome in my father's house." - Jesus Christ