L’ANSE – When Intention Yoga and Wellness Center first began offering classes in May, it was the first space in Baraga County specifically dedicated to yoga and other non-traditional wellness arts, according to managing owner and lead instructor Shanel LeRue. Things have taken off quickly, and on Saturday Intention will celebrate its grand opening with its first seasonal wellness fair.

Along with LeRue’s hatha yoga demonstrations throughout the day, the fair will feature local massage therapists, essential oils, chiropractors, skin care experts and a representative of the LaRose Wellness Retreat, as well as local artists, representatives from Cadeau Consulting and Baraga County Trails in Motion, and food and beverages from Java by the Bay.

“I’ve heard an outpouring of excitement, both for the business and from others for the opportunity to share theirs,” said LeRue.

LeRue said she became a certified yoga instructor in 2008, and had taught since then as an employee and in rented spaces. The desire for her own space “just came from the love and passion of yoga itself,” she said.

Then LeRue realized she could create a place to host other practitioners as well. She’s hoping to hire teachers and offer classes in disciplines such as tai chi, karate, fitness boot camps or fitness for the elderly, and to begin teaching Zumba herself. She also plans on renting out space, both for long-term classes and short-term events.

“I wanted to provide a space that could help other locals in a trade, or small business, to offer their skills or goods to this community,” she said.

Along with the main-floor studio space, Intention also has a furnished basement for less vigorous events and classes, also available for rent when LeRue isn’t offering aromatherapy, guided imagery or mediation sessions there.

LeRue said her first business challenge was rehabilitating the building that now houses Intention. The building was originally a church, she said, and then a preschool. BHK Child Development had owned it most recently, she said, but hadn’t used it for anything but occasional meetings in recent years.

“The building was quite dilapidated, the outside especially, when we bought it. We were denied insurance at first,” she said. Externally, the building needed a new roof, siding and doors, while the inside required repair of damaged walls, painting and updating.

Neighbors, she said, have been excited to see the improvements in the building.

Looking forward, LeRue said she’s confident Baraga County will support the business, with a wide-variety of people you might not expect signing up for yoga classes.

“The majority of clients come from an older group, and quite a few men are interested as well,” she said. “I think we’re seeing a surge in people interested in their health and their wellness, and they’re looking for better ways.”

The Wellness Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 4 Meador St. in L’Anse. For more information, go to iywc.org.