When taking a step back, looking around, and absorbing the community of Fayetteville, there is one factor that stays consistent: Connection. The most basic definition of connection is, as Miriam Webster‘s dictionary would define, a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else. The beauty of such a broad statement is the way in which it can be applicable to all aspects of human life, and the individual I interviewed today, Connie Lytle, has her own perception of this.
Connie Lytle is an Arkansas Native, graduating from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Social Work. It is evident that this community has always been the heart of her passion, expressing to me her joy found in connecting with others and how it led her to where she is today. When June approaches, it will mark the fourth year of her employment at Lululemon, located on 200 W Center St. and just off the corner of the town square. Connie smiled when reflecting on her time spent there, confidently stating, “I know I am at my dream job. I am so happy to be a part of this place.”
Connie expressed her gratitude for working at the store, noting the people she has connected with, the integrity of the company, and how it has transformed her life. “What I like about Lululemon is their stance on feeling,” She continued, “Whether that be feeling good in the clothes, feeling energized from a workout, or feeling centered and connected with yourself.” This brought up her first perception of connection, noting how a lifestyle centered on physical, mental, and spiritual health helps her feel connected to her true self. However, this story is not solely about the company of Lululemon, but rather how this specific location works in tandem with other studios to make an accessible space for wellness within the community.
The ambassadors at the store, alongside Connie, are all working in multiple ways to introduce a segway for both individual and community connection to occur, starting this month in May. Every Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., the local store is offering free fitness and wellbeing classes. Taught by professionally trained instructors, these classes offer an opportunity to connect, move, and grow with those in your community, leaving no barriers for entry. The goal of this is to show people that anyone can participate in a healthy lifestyle, and by connecting with yourself and others you are already on track to improving your well-being.
These Saturday sessions are not limited to one type of exercise nor the store itself, as Connie invited me to the free Strength and Flow class on May 10th of this week, conducted by the owner of Hive Physical Therapy, Emily Waldorf. The class will occur at Lululemon, starting at 7:00 a.m., and is described as a “powerful and playful Mother’s Day weekend event.” There are so many opportunities that will be available this summer, including mental fitness with ambassador Angela Beaulieu, flow classes by ambassador Heather Scofield, and even a wellness workshop designed for teenage girls who are looking to implement healthier habits, occurring on May 29th from 6 to 8 p.m.. The outpouring of free events and opportunities created by this store’s employees and ambassadors, in collaboration with others in the community, is more than enough evidence to showcase their passion for helping everyone connect with themselves.
In a day and age centered around technology, mental health decline, and a desire for third places within the community, Connie and her coworkers have a mission to bring us all together on one thing, and that is connection. Connie specifically is looking to promote all of these opportunities, as she has seen the way it has impacted her life and those around her. “I see light in everyone” she expressed. To connect with Connie and keep track of specific events, she gave her personal Instagram, the username being @celytle . I highly encourage everyone to check out Lululemon, and be inspired by the difference they are making in the community today. Everyone deserves a chance to connect with others, their bodies, and their mental health.
Ryanne FitzGerald
Contributor
Ryanne FitzGerald is pursuing her Advertising and Public Relations degree at The University of Arkansas, and is a new Star Shopper intern. From her bio:
I ultimately set out to study advertising and public relations because I enjoyed how it mixed business with creativity, and I knew if I did not end up in a field in which I’m passionate that I would be sure to burn out. I have always been a creative person, and I would even go as far as to say it is the overarching quality of me that bleeds into everything I do. It is not limited to any form, whether its music, dance, fashion, painting, cinematography, poetry, crafting or more, I will be drawn to it. This is what pulled me to advertising in the first place, as I found old commercial jingles growing up took more precedence in my mind than learning about times tables during my formative years. I am a firm believer in everything being art, down to the lines created by a trail of ants or the way littered trash mimics wildflowers.
