RIYADH: Yasmin Al-Dosari, a yoga expert, entrepreneur and wellness entrepreneur, learned the basics of yoga during an invigorating trip to India and founded Yas Studio in Al-Khobar with the knowledge she brought.

In 2018, Al-Dossary was looking for healthy places in Al-Khobar but had no luck. She took it upon herself to change the narrative and create more opportunities to explore wellness by launching her own YAS studio.

She said she was “inspired to fill a void and share the empowering benefits of yoga and fitness with my community.”

She strives to create a supportive and nurturing environment in her studio. “As CEO and lead yoga instructor at YAS Studio, my role extends beyond business — I am a mentor and guide on the path to holistic health,” she told Arab News.

In 2019, Al Dosari’s trip to the coastal city of Goa in India deepened her understanding of yoga and its connection to the mind and body. “My journey with yoga is rooted in India, where I was fortunate to immerse myself in its birthplace,” she added.

“It’s a beautiful city with amazing ocean views, lush greenery, and an incredibly serene atmosphere. This picturesque setting made it an ideal setting for yoga and meditation, allowing me to connect more deeply with nature and my inner self,” she recalls.

Her time at Sampoorna Yoga, a yoga training center in Goa, helped her find a community of yogis, whose diverse backgrounds and shared passion for yoga fostered a sense of unity.

She explained, “I attended a highly professional and well-organised yoga school, where the depth and breadth of the teachings greatly enhanced my understanding of yoga and its philosophy.

“The experience was truly immersive, starting our days early with sunrise yoga practices, which deeply instilled a sense of discipline and dedication in me.”

From her experience in India, she emerged a new perspective on her own career path and “channeled her vision for Yas Studio”.

In her studio, she strives to share what she has learned with the Saudi community by offering a variety of yoga classes and wellness-promoting activities. The studio offers Hatha Yoga for core strength and flexibility, Ashtanga Yoga for “a more dynamic sequence,” Yin Yoga for deep stretching and meditation, and Restorative Yoga for balance and calming of the mind and body.

Al-Dosari describes yoga as a practice that “promotes mindfulness, strength, and inner peace” and says its diversity contributes to accommodating practitioners of all levels and interests.

She indicated that wellness is a combination of maintaining an individual’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It is about “creating balance in all aspects of life, whether that be through exercise, nutrition, mindfulness practices, or connection with others.”

She emphasized that the path to wellness will differ from person to person, and so it’s crucial to respect that personality and be patient with yourself throughout the process.

Since its launch six years ago, the YAS Studio community has grown to become a melting pot of women who empower each other. More than just a yoga studio, it is a “sanctuary designed to nurture holistic wellness in a supportive and nurturing environment.”

Speaking about the community response, Al-Dosari said, “The feedback has been very positive. Our clients appreciate the supportive and inclusive atmosphere at YAS Studio. Many have noticed significant improvements in their physical and mental health.”