Celebrating 10 Years of Joya: A Journey of Transformation and a Vision for the Future

It feels almost surreal to be celebrating Joya’s 10-year anniversary! We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings as a one-room Bikram Yoga studio in Livermore back in 2014. I still vividly remember my first hot yoga class in 2007—lying on the floor for most of it, staring in awe at the other students who seemed completely unfazed by the 105-degree heat (which felt more like 120 degrees!). I thought to myself, “Wow, I want to be able to do that.” It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done—harder than skydiving or scuba diving, —but also one of the most exhilarating. That feeling kept me coming back day after day. Within that first month, I knew deep in my heart that this was my calling. It took eight years from that transformative moment to finally open the doors to our first studio, and what a journey it’s been since then.

Thank you all for being part of this incredible ride, with a very special, heartfelt thank you to our original founding members who have been with us since day one. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.

Over the past decade, Joya has grown into one of the hottest (pun intended), most successful, and truly transformative studios around. We’ve evolved as a community, expanding our offerings beyond Bikram Yoga to include Pilates, Barre, Cycle, Strength Training, transformative Teacher Trainings, and inspiring workshops. You’ve also witnessed my own personal and spiritual growth as I’ve traveled to remote villages, studying with Indigenous tribes, shamans, and medicine men and women, learning about spirituality and plant medicines, and bringing those sacred teachings back to Joya.

What makes Joya so special is what it has become for so many of us. More than just a workout studio, Joya is a home away from home for some, and for others, a “church”—a sacred space for healing, growth, and connection. Many of you may be wondering what’s next for Joya, and I’m excited to share that we’re dreaming big! Razi and I are at a crossroads: do we franchise and expand Joya’s reach, or do we keep it a family-run operation, much like In-N-Out? As we weigh the pros and cons, one thing is certain—Joya has become a movement ready to touch more lives. The world needs more of what Joya offers: a safe space, a healing center where people can be their authentic selves, connect, and grow—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Just like that transformative moment I had during my first month of practicing yoga, I have the same deep knowing now that Joya is destined to inspire and heal even more people in the years ahead.

Here’s to another decade of transformation, community, and joy—together! We’d love for you to join us in celebrating Joya’s 10-year anniversary with a lineup of exciting festivities, including a huge sale you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more details on all the fun we have planned!

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