For Sarah Lindsay, the owner and founder of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland’s multidisciplinary movement studio Sala, establishing her own business was driven by her desire for community. Those who have experienced Sala for themselves will understand this vision perfectly, for when you enter its terracotta walls, you are instantly transported into a welcoming space of like-minded individuals.
Born and raised in London, Lindsay has a long-held interest in people and movement. Having studied sociology and psychology at Goldsmiths University of London, the founder believes that her studies played a pivotal role in shaping her current career path. “Sociology is the study of human behaviour, interaction, and organisation, so that definitely unconsciously set the backdrop for the way that I approach building a business,” says Lindsay.
However, it wasn’t until she took a trip to India and completed an impromptu yoga teacher training that Lindsay’s career path truly came into focus. “I had no intention of teaching yoga,” she explains. “When I came back to London, a few friends asked me to teach at their offices. Within a month of being back, I was a full-time yoga teacher.” From there, everything unfolded organically for the founder, and by the time she and her husband made the move to Auckland in 2018, she had formed a clear integrational style of teaching, drawing together her love for music, inquiry, poetry and movement.
After spending fifteen years immersed in the close-knit spiritual community in London, Lindsay felt a sense of isolation upon arriving in Aotearoa. This, coupled with the noticeable gap she observed in the local yoga market, sparked her inspiration to build her own community. “When I moved to Auckland, I couldn’t find my ‘place’ or ‘my people’,” she says, “I fell into a deep depression. From the bottom of this black hole, I had a strong vision of the relationships, growth and healing I had experienced before. I let the grief of loneliness transform into action, and Sala was born.”
Based near the buzzing hub of Ponsonby Central in Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland, Sala has gone from strength to strength in the few short years since its inception. Offering everything from yoga, barre and reformer Pilates to strength and breath work, Lindsay has created a wellness haven where people of all fitness levels and backgrounds can come together to work on their wellbeing. “Connecting with your highest self through presence awareness is powerful,” explains the founder. “There’s no hierarchy of movement or awakening. Wherever you are, that is the entry point.” On a continual mission to enrich this vision, Sala underwent a large expansion at the beginning of the year, doubling its physical space to host a new reformer Pilates studio, healing room, concept store and a community co-working space. “The expansion was inspired by the seemingly eternal darkness, which was lockdowns,” says Lindsay. “The warmth of the new Sala was designed to embrace you.” With a multiple developments in the pipeline, including the addition of house saunas and ice baths, Sala’s latest venture has been the release of their seasonal incense range, which can be purchased directly in studio.
Moving forward, Lindsay aspires to achieve a greater sense of balance in her daily life. Between being a mother and managing the majority of the day-to-day responsibilities associated with Sala, the founder candidly admits it can be a challenge. “ I am not able to sit here and authentically talk to you about balance because that’s not in alignment with my current lived experience. It’s something I’m actively working on, though,” she explains.
To close off, the founder had a few words of wisdom to impart for those looking to embrace a more active lifestyle. “Grab a friend! Make space for a quick coffee afterwards (we have koha Kokoro at the studio with all profits donated to Womens Refuge). Make self-care a social event. Hold each other accountable, not in a ‘shame for not turning up way’, but that you’re doing something to motivate and support one another. I have various workout buddies for different classes. Even knowing there’s someone in class supporting you, infuses the whole experience with more sweetness.”
Quick-Fire Questions
The best book I’ve read recently… I love reading, but I only read fiction. My favourite books are The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, and Henry and June by Anaïs Nin.
My current podcast recommendation… I actually don’t listen to podcasts, but I do always have music in my ears. I’m currently loving Amadou Mariam. They’re a married couple from Mali who both lost their vision as children. Their music tells a deeply personal story about their experiences with blindness and their rise to global fame.
The item at the top of my wish list… A piece of art by Jade Townsend, one day.
The most cherished item in my home is… A Māori star map by Nikau Hindin depicting the stars as they were as Ophelia [Lindsay’s child] was born.
The three beauty products I can’t live without…
- NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
- Sol de Janeiro deodorant
- Abel Odor black anise fragrance
You’ll find in my bag… My Contax film camera, Tabasco sauce, my rose facial spray.
This season I’m splurging on… Invisalign. I’ve wanted to sort my bottom teeth for years after they got squished by my wisdoms and I finally committed. I feel like I’m in my ugly duckling era, but better days are coming.
This season I’m saving on… Coffee. During lockdown I bought a home coffee machine and I genuinely feel I’ve saved so much just from making my own coffees. It’s definitely also helped me drink less coffee, as I’ve kicked the habitual time filler of grabbing a coffee on the go.
Best current season fashion purchase… Maison Margiela Tabi sandals. I love them, they go with everything (although some of my friends disagree, they’re definitely a polarising purchase, which makes me love them even more).
The best life/career advice I’ve received… Be nice to everyone; you never know when someone will end up being your boss.
My style icon is… Patti Smith.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be... Patti Smith, Frida Khalo, Anais Nin and Leonard Cohen.
To learn more about Sala and their variety of class offerings, head to sala.studio.
