Rafiki brings multi-use studios to Salisbury centre

Words by Tristan Ovington

THE RESIDENTS of Salisbury have something new to look forward to as Rafiki Studios will be Salisbury’s only multi-use double-studio space in the town centre.

Ilona Burns, the owner of Yoga Stuff yoga supplies shop in The Maltings, gave us the details on her new venue.

“I started making my needle-felt fairies by hand during the lockdown,” explains Vicky, “but I officially launched it as a business on 29 March. Now they are on Etsy and at the Stuff Emporium shop on Winchester Street.

“Eventually, I want to expand to offer cards and other items. There is a lot of scope, as the fairies represent different elements. One is called Elementis, which represents water, earth, air and fire. She comes with her own story, and her hair is made of merino wool.

“Each fairy is unique. They all have different sizes, face shapes and appearances, each comes with a personalised story.

“They make great gifts for people in hospitals. I will be doing custom fairies soon to reach people’s specific needs and inspire comfort and love between family and friends going through challenging experiences.

“They can mean different things to different people, bringing people a message of hope.

“I made a fairy for my friend once. I personalised it with a story relevant to her mother’s passing, which put a smile on her face at a very difficult time.”

Vicky advises people to contact her with any special requests on 07892861588, craftasticvicky@ yahoo.com

“The spaces are accessible and large enough to host various classes, workshops and talks. They will be available for hire for anyone interested in using the spaces for regular classes, one-offs, and everything in between. I will teach yoga classes and run regular sound baths in Studio 1.”

The venue is not just about yoga. “The studios are not just about one discipline,” continues Ilona. “It’s about creating a community-building space where people can explore something new, talk to likeminded people, and know that they are in a safe, nonjudgemental space.

“From a teacher’s perspective, the studios offer a purpose-built space designed to cater to many well-being practices. And it’s not a draughty village hall.”

Rafiki Studios is in Priory

Square, central Salisbury –where the old party shop, Party Seasons, used to be. Sandwiched between The Maltings and The Playhouse.

“Easy access was paramount when looking for the perfect venue for our studios. Not everyone drives, so having a space outside the city centre wouldn’t have made sense.

“In the same breath, having the central car park a few paces away makes life so much easier for those driving in from outside the city.

“Being based in Salisbury, we have a wonderful group of independent businesses supporting each other.

“We’re also blessed to have an excellent well-being community of all kinds, so we’d like to bring them all together.”

Studio 1 will be available to hire from the beginning of May, with an early booking promotion.

If you’re interested in having a look around, drop them a line at: rafikistudiossalisbury@ gmail.com