In the heart of Central Arkansas, a unique wellness venture, Eden Salt Studio, is the brainchild of Tori and Leon Jones. Aiming to introduce a fresh wellness approach and nurture a family-friendly atmosphere, they embarked on this pioneering project, leveraging Tori’s background in environmental law and state work. 

The spark for Eden Salt Studio was ignited during a family trip to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Tori’s mother had organized a visit to a ‘salt cave,’ and the experience was transformative. Tori, who has wrestled with allergies and a deviated septum, found a marked improvement in her breathing after just one session. 

This encouraging experience stirred Tori’s mother to suggest a similar enterprise in Little Rock. Spurred by this idea, they began to delve deeper into the industry, coming across the Salt Therapy Association and deciding to attend their conference to further their understanding. 

Inspired and enlightened, Tori and Leon felt confident about establishing Eden as a salt therapy facility. With her years of experience as a yoga teacher, Tori recognized the harmonious intersection of yoga and salt therapy, both rooted in mindful breathing. 

October 2019 marked the opening of Eden Salt Studio, focusing on yoga and salt therapy. However, when COVID-19 hit in March 2020, the business found itself in a predicament. They quickly pivoted, expanding their services to include an infrared sauna, a contactless service that they believed offered remarkable benefits. 

Being Black Americans, Tori and her husband acknowledged the challenge of entering a historically exclusionary industry. However, their belief in the transformative potential of their business and the necessity of such spaces for the Black community fueled their resolve. Tori prioritized inclusivity, both in marketing efforts and in building a diverse team, to provide much-needed representation in wellness spaces. 

Eden stands out in Little Rock for its unique combination of salt therapy and yoga. Tori underscores the studio’s meticulous attention to detail, from aesthetics to personalized services. The studio’s intimate size and personalized interaction create a tight-knit, inclusive community. 

Their commitment to inclusivity is manifested in their yoga classes, with sessions for different age groups and physical capabilities. These efforts encourage participants to see the representation and possibilities in the wellness domain. 

Operating in Little Rock postCOVID-19 has been an uphill battle, with high real estate costs and variable consumer receptiveness. However, Tori believes that Eden is an inspiring example, sparking greater interest in wellness, particularly among Black Americans. 

Eden actively engages with the local community, offering free classes at events and donating to charities. While yoga is their main draw, Tori wishes more people would discover the benefits of salt therapy and the infrared sauna, despite the challenge of promoting lesser known therapies. 

Looking ahead, Eden plans to broaden its horizons with more Yoga Teacher Training programs, yoga retreats, and a stronger digital presence focusing on wellness education. Their first retreat is slated for January 2024 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Tori and her team are excited about the journey ahead, fostering a thriving, inclusive wellness community