The stars align for Kenkō Studios
A dose of wellness in an oasis of zen.
Words: Suzanne McNamara
Photography: Supplied
A feeling of tranquillity descends when walking into the courtyard at Kenkō Studios. Nikau palms sway in the breeze to the backdrop of a smart black and white building. Spongy groundcover plants border the seating area, a waiting place before appointments at the wellness practitioner rooms on the ground floor, or a gathering place for the studio on the upper floor where a variety of wellness classes are held.
Looking over the courtyard is the Kenko Urban Retreat, a newly renovated studio apartment that can be booked for stays. The entire wellness centre is thoughtfully designed with a unique Japandi aesthetic that merges Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese elegance. The vibe is peaceful, offering a serene escape from the bustling city.
The space was co-designed by Jessica Hunt, the business operator, and the building owner Rod Snodgrass. Jessica says they met when she was casting around looking for an alternative to the gruelling hours she was working as a make-up artist for film productions. She was spent. "I got to a point where I realised I didn't want to live that way. I was thinking about what else I could do, and my other passion is yoga and Pilates."
When Rod purchased the building, his vision was to turn it into a wellness space. Jess, a long-time yoga and Pilates practitioner, lived directly across the street from the soon- to-be Kenko Studios.
When they met, Rod was looking for someone to bring his vision to life and Jessica's thoughts had turned to starting a yoga studio. It was a "stars aligned" moment for Jessica to step into her true passion. "I don't know if you believe in manifesting, the universe telling you something? But everything kind of fell into place."
The circular concrete staircase that leads to the upstairs studio is a stunning feature. As legend has it, the tai chi master who built 40 Saint Benedicts St handmade the staircase with his students. One concrete step at a time.
The studio is simple and serene. Huge, with light spilling in from the west-facing windows as the sun sets. Healthy plants flourish in groups along one wall. They complement the timber floor and the black and white theme. Kenkō supplies mats, black of course, and pillows for comfort. Healthy restorative tea is on the menu too.
When I lie back and look at the roof, which also has a nice design aesthetic, it's peaceful and the smell is divine. I experience my very first sound bath with Jess Pearson, sound therapist and reiki master. It's a journey of breathing and listening to the powerful benefits of sound. In a state of deep relaxation, the time passes quickly.
Jessica beams at my compliments about her beautifully crafted studio. "The studio is my baby, we run different classes, and a lot of restorative ones, because that's what people are wanting these days, and then also the Pilates and more active practices too."
The business runs on an innovative collaborative model of profit sharing. Jessica says this works for everyone, especially the teachers, and encourages them to promote their classes. "The studio takes a capped amount to keep things running and then the teacher makes the profits on top - it's flipping the normal studio way and it works for everyone."
Kenkō Studios
40 Saint Benedicts Street
Eden Terrace
Website: kenko.studio
Instagram: @kenko_studios