Conversations with the Inspiring Cierra McNamara

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cierra McNamara.

Cierra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Mayu began as a daydream in 2008 when I had a massage therapy practice. I often thought about expanding my office to include a space where people could rest or read or listen to music; somewhere unexpectedly serene, beautiful, and private. I had no idea the concept would eventually turn into a meditation center.

As the years went by, I became a little obsessed with the idea. Not knowing how the vision could possibly become a viable business, I ended up working with the SBA and the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) to hone a business plan.

In 2011, I found the perfect location on South Pearl Street in the Platt Park neighborhood. It was only an 800 sf suite in a larger building but I couldn’t pass it up. After all the years of dreaming and planning, I had to take the plunge.

Today, Mayu occupies the entire 4000 sf building, and we’re in the final stages of constructing a large Japanese meditation garden next door. I’m amazed at how close the center resembles my early daydreaming from ten years ago.

Has it been a smooth road? What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
I don’t think there’s such a thing as a smooth road when opening or running a business. But things don’t feel as bumpy when you stop expecting the road to be smooth!

My advice for women who are considering starting a business is to know exactly what your driving motivation is. Creativity, money, prestige, autonomy, passion? I think anything less than passion has the potential to burn out under all the real-world pressures of owning a business. Passion is the single thing that can keep you excited and energized through the many trials and surprises.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Mayu Meditation Co-op story. Tell us more about the business.
Mayu was the first secular meditation center in the country, and we are America’s only meditation co-op. So we’ve been writing our own rules from day one. As a co-op, Mayu is member-owned, member-operated, and member-sustained. We currently have 2000 members, with an average of two members joining every day.

Mayu has the largest selection of meditation supplies in Colorado. Shoppers come from the Front Range and the Western Slope for posture assistance and personalized fittings.

The majority of our visitors are brand new to meditation so we feel an obligation to be as friendly and welcoming as possible. People are stressed out already, the last thing they need is to be uncomfortable inside the meditation center!

For that reason, we have “easy entry” services that focus on relaxation such as foot baths and massage. We also offer private sessions with therapists for people who want to go directly to the heart of their depression or anxiety or grief, with a professional. We have around 80 classes each month, for beginning to advanced students. And the center is available from open to close, seven days a week, for people to sit, relax, draw, journal, or meditate on their own schedule.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Given the hours I spend in front of a computer for work, and the years I’ve spent practicing meditation, what gives me the most clarity is screen-free silence!

Pricing:

• One-time, Lifetime Co-op Membership = $10 – $50
• 2-Hour Foot Baths = $20 – $25
• Classes = starting at $10
• Drop-in Meditation = single visit by donation, monthly plans starting at $35

Contact Info:

• Address: 1804 S. Pearl Street
  Dener, CO 80210
• Website: http://mayusanctuary.com
• Phone: 303-832-0033
• Email: info@mayusanctuary.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayusanctuary/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayuSanctuary/

Image Credit:
Sean McNamara

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