What makes Wavery Jones with Empyrean Arts a good neighbor?

In a recent episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, host Skip sat down with Waverly Jones, co-owner of Empyrean Arts, a movement arts facility that has been transforming lives in Western North Carolina for nearly a decade. The conversation revealed not just the fascinating world of aerial and pole arts, but also the inspiring journey of a business owner who defied expectations to build something truly special.

Empyrean Arts, approaching its 10th anniversary this July, offers much more than what most people might imagine when thinking about "circus arts." The studio provides instruction in aerial arts, pole dancing, flexibility training, inversions (headstands, handstands, and forearm balancing), and even brings in guest instructors for specialized workshops in disciplines like clowning and acro yoga. This comprehensive approach to movement arts distinguishes Empyrean from typical fitness studios, focusing on both the physical benefits and the healing power of movement.

What makes Waverly's story particularly compelling is her unconventional path to business ownership. As she candidly shared during the interview, she didn't follow the traditional educational route – dropping out of high school to get her GED and only completing a couple of years at community college without earning any formal certificates. Coming from what she described as a "poor" background, opening and sustaining a business represented a significant challenge that required her to develop skills across numerous domains. "You wear all the hats," she noted, explaining how she had to learn multiple roles before eventually being able to delegate responsibilities to specialized team members like accountants and social media managers.

Perhaps the most powerful message from the conversation was Waverly's emphasis on accessibility. "Come as you are," she stressed repeatedly, addressing the common misconception that aerial arts require exceptional strength or previous experience. The studio has deliberately designed its programs to be accessible to people of various abilities, ages, and body types. Waverly explained how equipment can be adjusted to accommodate different needs – even mentioning how trapeze bars can be lowered to just inches off the ground or made accessible to wheelchair users. This philosophy of inclusion clearly stems from her own experience of finding her calling later in life, after a brief childhood exposure to gymnastics left her with a lingering desire to explore movement arts.

The journey of Empyrean Arts mirrors Waverly's personal growth. She spoke thoughtfully about how running the business with its 40 staff members has improved her communication skills, particularly in navigating difficult conversations. This professional development has transferred to her personal relationships as well, highlighting how entrepreneurship can foster holistic personal growth. For Waverly, the business represents not just a livelihood but a vehicle for transformation – both for herself and for the countless students who have discovered new capabilities within themselves through movement arts.

As Empyrean Arts celebrates its milestone 10th anniversary, Waverly's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those who might doubt their qualifications or background. Her journey demonstrates that passion, persistence, and the willingness to continuously learn can overcome considerable obstacles, while her studio continues to provide a space where people can literally and figuratively rise above limitations – appropriately named after "the highest realm of heaven that you can be in before you're just in boring old outer space."

To learn more about Empyrean Arts go to:

https://empyreanarts.org/

Empyrean Arts

828-782-3321