Married couple Tori and Leon Jones turned their shared interest in wellness and entrepreneurship into Eden Salt Studio.
With several years of experience as a yoga instructor, Tori is the studio’s yoga director.
In addition to a full slate of yoga classes, Eden offers dry salt therapy. Halogenerator machines in the studio’s salt therapy lounge and yoga rooms circulate dry, salty air to mimic the environment of an underground salt cave.
The Joneses say dry salt therapy can soothe skin and respiratory conditions, as well as reduce inflammation, swelling, and stress.
“We decided to open this type of business because we know the benefits of salt therapy,” said Leon. “Our passion is seeing joy on the faces of people who will experience something new and exciting in Little Rock.”
Eden’s grand opening was Oct. 26, 2019. The couple began pursuing the idea in September 2018.
“We had to learn a new industry, obtain financing, and work in a space neither of us had any previous experience,” said Leon, who is an attorney and executive director for the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission. Tori also practiced law before moving to Arkansas.
They soon called on the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center for guidance.
Over several months, Business Consultant Nicolas Mayerhoeffer assisted them with market and industry research and helped them complete a business plan and budget.
“Using ASBTDC has made a world of difference. The market research was invaluable for us obtaining financing,” Leon said.
The studio is located on Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. To learn more, visit edensaltstudio.com.