Lighthouse Yoga Studio: A Sanctuary in Wilmington’s Historic Rehder Florist Building
- Adi Krishna
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
#AzaleaFest is in full bloom, and as Lighthouse Yoga Studio welcomes a month of celebrating Mother Earth, we must first acknowledge our building's roots and connections to Carnivorous Plants, Historic Wilmington and the N.C. Azalea Festival.
Nestled in the heart of Wilmington, NC, Lighthouse Yoga Studio stands as a beacon of tranquility and connection. But before it became a sacred space for movement, breath, and community, the building had a long and storied past, deeply rooted in Wilmington’s horticultural history.
A Dream Takes Root
Lighthouse Yoga Studio was founded by Juliet, also known as Adi Krishna, out of a passion for holistic well-being, mindfulness, and inclusivity. Having experienced the transformative power of yoga firsthand, Juliet envisioned a place where people of all backgrounds could come together to cultivate inner peace, strength, and self-awareness. She sought not just any space but one that carried a sense of history, grounding, and natural beauty. When she discovered the former home of Will Rehder Florist, she knew she had found the perfect location.
The Rich History of the Rehder Brothers
The building that now houses Lighthouse Yoga Studio was once home to a thriving florist business operated by the Rehder family, known for their deep love and knowledge of plants. The Rehder brothers, Henry and Stanley, were pillars of the Wilmington horticultural community. Henry, a nationally recognized horticulturist, played a pivotal role in the creation and growth of the N.C. Azalea Festival, earning him the title of “Mr. Azalea.” His lush gardens were legendary, hosting the festival’s queen’s portrait sessions for decades.
Stanley, equally passionate about plants, dedicated his life to preserving native carnivorous plants like the Venus Flytrap, which is indigenous to the Wilmington area. His conservation efforts led to the protection of these delicate species and the creation of the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden. Together, the Rehder brothers left an indelible mark on the local landscape, ensuring that Wilmington’s natural beauty would be celebrated for generations to come.
A New Chapter in an Old Space
The building that once overflowed with azaleas, camellias, and rare botanicals now offers a different kind of sanctuary. Where floral arrangements were once crafted with precision and care, students now practice yoga with the same attentiveness to balance and harmony. The energy of the Rehder brothers’ dedication to beauty, nature, and preservation continues to resonate through the studio’s walls.
Lighthouse Yoga Studio honors this legacy by fostering a space where growth—both personal and communal—can flourish. Just as Henry and Stanley nurtured the flora of Wilmington, the studio nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of those who walk through its doors. With a mission to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment, Lighthouse Yoga Studio offers classes, workshops, and special events that bring people together in the pursuit of wellness and connection.
Bridging the Past and Present
The history of the Rehder brothers reminds us that beauty and community go hand in hand. As Lighthouse Yoga Studio continues to grow within this historic space, it carries forward the spirit of reverence for nature, heritage, and personal transformation. Whether you are stepping onto your mat for the first time or deepening your practice, you are now part of a story that spans generations—a story of passion, preservation, and peace.
Come visit Lighthouse Yoga Studio and experience the magic of a place where historic Wilmington and healing converge. Just as flowers bloom with care and attention, so too does the soul flourish in a space dedicated to mindfulness and growth.
Visit us at Lighthouse Yoga Studio in the historic Rehder Florist building and be part of a living legacy of beauty, community, and well-being.
Comentarios