The Mamalode Starter Series is an exciting opportunity for us to introduce you to some of the amazing people we get to meet. Starting something takes enormous amounts of work, faith, help and community. Every week we'll share another story of starting. So, community of Mamalode, read up, get inspired and check out these wonder-folk.

Today our Starter Series Interview features the talented Sally Jo Beck, founder of Mocksha Studios. 

Tell us a little bit about your business and how you started it.
Moksha Aerial Studio, Inc. originated under the rood of The Girls Way, a non-profit serving young girls. Bethany Stanbery and I, began teaching aerial silk to girls and adults in 2012. Both of us are certified Yoga and Pilates Instructors, with approximately 10 composite years of aerial training under our belts. As time went on, we obtained more and more aerial teacher trainings. We incorporated aerial slings (fabric hammocks), and offered additional classes including Circus classes to kids and Aerial Yoga to adults. In 2013, it became apparent that Moksha was on the rise and needed its own home and an expansion of equipment and curriculum. The business was incorporated.

Moksha Studio has over 10 instructors and an ever expanding class schedule, covering several Cirque skills for youth and adults; aerial arts (silk, sling, trapeze, rope, straps, aerial hoop/lyra), dance classes, yoga, acrobatic yoga, slack line, and flow arts (the manipulation of props such as hoop, staff, poi, fans, juggling). In addition, we operate a Performers Guild the MASC Artisans (MASC= Moksha Aerial Studio Collective), with over 25 performers. MASC can be seen at events in Montana, Wyoming, California, and Canada. 

What do your kids think about your job?
I have one daughter, Lucia, age six. She thinks Moksha Studio is the best workplace a mom could ever have! True, Moksha studio is a big indoor playground. Kids and big kids alike LOVE to play on the floor and in the air. In particular, Lucia loves to swing over 10 feet high in one of the aerial slings rigged at 20 feet. Her smiles and giggles bring me such joy as I lovingly grease the cogs and turn the wheels of the business.

Tell us about a total mom + biz fail?
I was one of three founders of The Girls Way. While its mission of providing a safe and unique place for girls was widely accepted by the community, and it enjoyed three years of programming, and provided the birth place for Moksha, it ultimately was too much of a financial challenge for me, a single mom, running two businesses, to maintain. It was a sad and difficult decision, however, the door for Moksha and MASC to grow was wide open!

Share with us a total win (brag away!)
Moksha Studio and the MASC Artisans is a total win! We continue to expand programming and Performance Events, while generating a brilliant network of businesses and individuals. We are honored to offer Performance Art at a wide variety of year round events. People express great exuberance when participating in classes, workshops, or enjoying one of our intriguing performances that include a collaboration of disciplines Aerial, Fire, Flow, Acro, and Dance.

What's your relationship with Mamalode? 
Mamalode’s founder, Elke, and I, go back to the late 70’s as pals on the playground. Elke is one of my top role models and I am completely inspired by her every move. I read every Mamalode cover to cover. My daughter, Lucia and I were even privileged enough to be on the cover of the first promotional coverlet in print in 2008 when Lucia was just a couple months old. I find Mamalode to be one of the most brilliant ideas for a publication I have ever known of. Mamas and families unite, it takes a village!

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