Zen Space Wellness Studios
by Jeannine Gage
For years, Stephanie Jackson worked in the criminal justice system – first as a probation officer, then as a foster care caseworker. It was stressful work.
“I needed something to relieve that stress,” says Stephanie. “I was drawn to yoga. I found it was the only place I could turn my brain off and just breathe.”
Stephanie began taking yoga classes as often as her busy schedule allowed. She had also begun fostering children, eventually adopting four. Stephanie knew she couldn’t continue working a full-time job while taking care of her kids, so she started her own business – a yard card company. During that time, she continued doing yoga and earned her instructor certificate.
A couple of years ago, she went to the grand opening of a large aesthetics salon at Riverside Plaza in Oviedo. Stephanie asked the owners if she could teach yoga there, and they agreed. A few months later, the owners told her they wanted to sell their business.
Stephanie offered to buy it, transforming the business into Zen Space Wellness Studios, which opened in January 2024. She recruited a community of health and wellness providers who operate out of Zen Space, including practitioners of massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. Stephanie also added a full schedule of yoga courses, including parent/child classes, classes for kids ages six to nine, and yoga for tweens. As a mom, she believes yoga can be especially beneficial for families and youngsters.
“Kids don’t know how to regulate, how to check in with their bodies, and they don’t get as much movement as they should,” she says. “I have seen them be amazed at what they can do in the classes.”
Another very popular offering at Zen Space Yoga Studio is puppy yoga. Through a partnership with the nonprofit Pet Rescue By Judy in Sanford, adorable puppies are brought into the studio for a class once every six weeks or so.
Other wellness services include red light/salt therapy and mental health counseling. Stephanie also retained some of the previous salon’s spa and beauty offerings, such as waxing, facials, and barber services. But it’s the health and wellness offerings – particularly yoga – that are the cornerstones of Zen Space Wellness Studios.
“We just want to be here for anyone who is in pain and needs help,” she says.