ADD SOME WHIMSY TO YOUR WELLNESS ROUTINE. One of Eau Claire's newest wellness spaces has welcomed locals for yoga, reiki sessions and more creative workshops since its quiet opening – thanks to owner Rachelle Jack, pictured – this year.

Whimsy Willow Wellness is situated in a humble brick building, tucked behind Culver’s and Taco John’s on Eau Claire's Hastings Way. The door to the studio is located around the back; you would never suspect that a sense of calm, peace and growth sits just behind it.

Walking into Whimsy Willow (1903 Keith St. #8, Eau Claire) feels like taking a deep breath. Gently flickering tea light candles line the partition between the entryway and yoga space. Soft music drifts through the air. A selection of tea awaits.

Rachelle Jack, the owner, greets students with warmth. Her energy is infectious and the little touches throughout the space are grounded in nature, from the card pull she offers when you enter the studio to the seed packet you can choose on your way out.

Rachelle describes the process of creating the studio as unfolding her heart into the space, and it truly feels that way.

“I just want people to be able to come in here and feel comfortable no matter what stage they’re at, no matter if they’ve ever done yoga before or had a Reiki session before,” she said.

To meet everyone where they are, Rachelle offers a variety of yoga classes, workshops and three different Reiki sessions at varying levels so people can ease into them if the experience is new.

In addition to these offerings, she and Diana Rohlik of Hearth Reiki offer monthly sound baths with Reiki meditation, as well as seasonal workshops that combine a nature-inspired craft, yoga and Reiki.

Rachelle begins each class by reminding students that they are here for themselves and encouraging them to listen to their bodies, even if that means just laying on the mat in a safe and quiet space, feeling the vibe, for the duration.

Inspired by nature, she emphasizes that growth doesn’t happen overnight. “Having patience and being understanding of each of the stages makes everything beautiful — roots come before the petals.”

She also pulls inspiration from life outside the studio, spending her days with her kids, husband, and dogs on their hobby farm gardening and soaking up all things outdoors together.

“It’s a full, beautiful life that inspires so much of what I bring to the studio,” she shared.

In the coming months, Whimsy Willow Wellness plans to offer creative workshops – which may include seasonal crafts, nature-inspired projects and other creative outlets – in addition to the current classes and sessions.

If you're curious, use the “one class pass” ($13) for a yoga session; an “intro to reiki session” ($50); “unwind candlelight flow” ($13) on Wednesdays; or purchase a bundle of five yoga classes for $55. Many more classes and offerings can be purchased online as well. 

Learn more about Whimsy Willow Wellness (1903 Keith St., Suite 8, Eau Claire) and its offerings online at www.whimsywillowwellness.com • Keep up with the small business online or reach out at whimsywillowwellness@gmail.com