Originally posted in FRANK
November 2022

From numbers to Namaste, Shari Thompson left her career in the finance industry to follow her fascination of fitness.

The Franklin County native moved to New York in 1987 where she spent more than two decades. Zealous for Zen, the mother of two decided to step away from the spreadsheets to pursue her true passion of instructing yoga. With lifelong movement practice and years of teaching experience, starting a small business seemed like the perfect fit. In 2005, she took the leap to open her first yoga studio in New York.

Frankfort inevitably called Thompson back home after 30 years away. She was encouraged by friends and family to continue teaching and open a new studio which turned her once Old Kentucky Home into My Old Kentucky OM Yoga Center.

“Frankfort is a quirky little town and it draws you back,” Thompson explained. “When I left Frankfort, I never thought I would come back to such an inclusive place. This is why the studio fits right in.”

Thompson’s Frankfort studio on West 2nd Street opened in 2018 and focuses on Vinyasa yoga – a style which concentrates on the connection and correlation between breaths and motion throughout the session.

As a small business, My Old Kentucky OM strives to give support to others in the community as competition from large organizations can be intense. “Frankfort is loving, kind and accepting of the studio.”

Independence Bank’s Local Love initiative considers the positive impact shopping local can have in the lives of individuals all around.
“Our Bank is here to support small businesses year-round as these are our neighbors and our friends.” Frankfort Market President Greg Burton says. “Local Love pinpoints these areas where we can show support and grow in our community. This business is an excellent resource for relaxation and rejuvenation.”

Independence Bank supports Shop Local events across its footprint each November to encourage everyone to put their money where their heart is—in their Old Kentucky Home.

“You teach yoga and open a studio because it is a passion, not for the money. That is what a small business is all about,” Thompson explains. “Local Love is just the best idea. We need to share our local love – extend ourselves to those around us trying to make it.”

Whether it is visiting the local Farmers’ Market, getting involved in a fundraising golf scramble, participating in Local Love events on Small Business Saturday or taking time to schedule a team session at My Old Kentucky OM on the Mind Body Fitness app, Independence Bank strives to fully commit to the communities it calls home and encourages everyone to do the same.

Small Business Saturday this year is November 26.

For more information on Local Love and find other ways to support your community visit 1776bank.com/LocalLove