RICHMOND, Ind. – Rise Studio opened to the public in March 2025 with a focus on meditation, sound baths and wellness.

Since then, owner Melissa Wehrley has continued to expand the studio’s offerings while building a community around meditation and self-care.

Wehrley, a Richmond resident and nurse of nearly 20 years, said her interest in meditation developed through years of practicing martial arts.

She eventually became a daily meditator and began exploring the use of sound to help people relax and meditate.

“I recognized how influential sound was with helping people relax and to be able to meditate,” Wehrley said.

Her background in nursing also played a role in opening the studio. Wehrley said she sometimes felt limited in how much direct care she could provide because of charting, insurance requirements and other aspects to health care.

“Meditation has been an outlet for life,” she said. “Meditation has definitely helped me feel more balanced and capable and able to function as a human being and as a nurse.”

Wehrley said she was not certain what business she would create when the space became available in Richmond.

“I honestly wasn’t even sure what I was going to put in here yet, but I just went on intuition that I needed to make something here,” she said.

Rise Studio now offers group sound bath meditation, private sound baths, meditation classes, workshops and special events. Wehrley said the studio typically offers at least three group sound baths each month and at least one special event.

It has also expanded to include cacao ceremonies, terrarium workshops and other events. The studio also hosts tarot readings and has practitioners offering services such as massage and Reiki energy work.

During sound baths, participants are guided through breathing and meditation before transitioning into the sound portion of the session. Wehrley primarily uses seven crystal singing bowls, along with chimes, percussion and a Chinese Atlantis gong.

“Not every sound bath is going to be the same,” she said.

Wehrley describes the sessions as an energetic, intuitive sound experience, rather than a musical performance.

Private sound baths are available for groups of up to 10 people for $150, according to Wehrley. She also offers one-on-one sound experiences using singing bowls and tuning forks.

“I wanted to offer some of the things hands on that we don’t really have a lot of locally,” she said.

Wehrley said she has worked to create an environment that feels comfortable and inviting.

“I wanted people to come in and have a feeling of maybe that they are walking into something curious and maybe magical,” she said.

Wehrley said her approach to wellness is influenced by her martial arts background and the idea of focusing on what a person can control.

“Through martial arts, learning that the only control we have is ourselves and everything outside of us is not for us to control.”

That philosophy shapes how she views her role at Rise Studio.

“I’m a facilitator and I want to help people get in a place where they feel good and that they can have balance and heal themselves,” she said.

Rise Studio’s events change from month to month as Wehrley continues to gauge the interests of the community. For those attending a sound bath, Wehrley recommends wearing comfortable clothing and bringing water. Participants can also bring a journal.

The studio’s retail area is currently open Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. Event information and booking are available through the Rise Studio website and social media.

Wehrley said her larger goal is to encourage people to make time for their own well-being.

“When we take time for ourselves, it increases our ability to love and care for others so much more,” she said.

She said that is especially important for people who spend much of their time caring for others.

“The carers of the world need care,” Wehrley said. “Everyone needs to give back to themselves a little bit and in whatever capacity or facet that helps them feel better.”