The corporation of The Yoga Studio of Johnson County was filed with the U.S. Government as a sole proprietor business in November, l994. Suzette Scholtes formed the corporation after teaching for l0 years. Her classes held at community locations had grown to over 40 members per class at some; minimally l5 at others. At that time she was giving fifty percent of the class earnings to a church when opportunity came to create The Yoga Studio of Johnson County.

The first studio was located in Merriam, Kansas; for five years. Her staff grew from four to eight.. A professional focus group was donated by Hallmark Cards, Inc. three years into the business. The only complaint in the focus group was the crowded classes and small space, 760 sq. feet. A wood floor had been laid. The ambience of the small space attracted many and the issue of "more room" became a future goal.

At that time, Karim Memi, staff member, and Suzette became colleagues in yoga. They practiced daily together for over a year. Karim shared her experiences at the Iyengar Yoga School in Pune, India; and Suzette shared what she learned in her many studies. These two women began to vision a larger school to meet the growing number of students now attending the 15 classes.

In Nov., l999, Karim and Suzette formed a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) and moved The Yoga Studio of Johnson County to 7785 Quivira Rd., Lenexa. They leased a 2,300 square foot space, committing to high overhead and operational costs. Suzette used the services previously of a professional consultant to help write and implant a marketing and business plan. This plan was broadened with the new partnership in 2000.

Full insurance was provided for the staff and support services volunteers. The Website formed in l996 began attracting 50,000 visitors a month and continues to this day. Classes surpassed all expectations.

Nearly 400 students a week began to attend the 25 classes or workshops offered at that time. The strategy of their vision and mission became more focused: To help students, teachers, and all who entered our doors to help improve the quality of life with yoga, meditation, and pranayama.

Part of the vision included bringing the US and World's top teachers to Kansas City to help establish depth of yoga teaching, and branch into the realm of teacher's training.

This goal, in place, deepened. The Yoga Studio of Johnson County featured seminars and workshops with these teachers: Arthur Kilmurray, Laruie Blakeney, Kathy Alef of The Yoga Institute of San Franciso; John Schumacher, Dona Holleman, Judith Lasater, Aadil Palkhivia, Barbara Benaugh, Paula Tortolanto, Doug Keller, and Joseph LePage. The trainings were well attended, many of these guest teachers became repeat visitors, including Dona Holleman and Laruie Blakeney. Aadil, Judith, Dona, Doug and Barbara are scheduled to return through 2005.

Suzette began training teachers as early as in l995; but informally through her apprenticeship program. This strenuous program required of the candidate to study with her twice weekly; observe in classes; and assist when ready in restorative classes. In 200l, Karim and Suzette designed teacher's training to broaden into the growing community of yoga. Their teacher training weekend workshops attracted 25 people per session.

Therapeutics of Yoga became soon one of the stronger points of the school. The school purchased tractions ropes, pelvic swings, hundreds of props to help stiff or injured students find the practice suitable for their needs.

All types of yoga were welcome for the interdisciplinary study. Kristen Keune specializes in Integrative Yoga Therapy and remains on staff after seven years. Asthanga teachers came on staff and offered weekly classes. The school previously had been Iyengar-based with hatha yoga offered as well. The yoga styles blossomed into much more.

In l997, Suzette was published by New Leaf Publishing with "Yoga Balance." The Yoga Journal reviewed her audio tape with high recommendations. The audio yoga practice tape has sold over 3000 copies. In addition to news coverage twice in the Yoga Journal; the school and the directors have been featured in the Kamas City Star over 20 times; including full features with color photos; and many local community newspapers. The press this school has generated on yoga in the community has reached millions of readers; in addition to over 30 television and radio presentations as well, likely reaching thousands.

In the past ten years; the directors have presented speeches and programs on yoga to many civic and not-for-profit groups, more than l00. They continue to donate their time and talents to the community.

In December 2003, the school filed with the National Yoga Alliance. Suzette and Karim qualifications combined exceed l3, 000 hours of classroom teaching and over l600 hours of accredited trainings worldwide. In October 2003, the school became a sister school with the Institute of Interdisciplinary Yoga Studies, Wichita, Kansas, to build and broaden teacher training services.