What I Learned From Opening (and Selling) a Yoga & Fitness Studio Abroad

In December 2024, I said goodbye to a dream I built from the ground up—Hāmama Wellness, a yoga and fitness studio I opened on the beautiful Caribbean coastline of Mexico. For three beautiful, chaotic, challenging, expansive years, that space was my second home, my teacher, and a mirror for my personal and professional evolution.

I wanted to share a few reflections from that journey — not just to celebrate the success of selling a thriving studio, but to offer an honest look at what it means to run a business abroad, grow through discomfort, and connect deeply with a community of like-hearted humans.

But first, watch the Documentary on Hāmama, made by an incredibly talented Filmmaker, Arturo Rodriguez

The Challenge (and Gift) of Running a Business in a Foreign Country

Running a business is hard. Running a business in a country that isn’t your own? That’s a whole different ball game. Between navigating unfamiliar regulations, cultural nuances, and language barriers, I was stretched in every direction. I had to learn on my feet. A lot.

There were days I felt like an imposter, days I questioned whether I had what it took. But every obstacle became an invitation to adapt, ask for help, and clarify my values. I stopped striving for perfection and instead focused on creating a space that felt like a second home—for my clients and for myself.

Personal Growth: Becoming the Person My Dream Required

Hāmama Wellness asked me to grow — not just as a business owner, but as a human being.

I had to learn boundaries. I had to learn to rest. I had to learn to trust my intuition and let go of needing to control every detail. I had to become a boss— even when I didn’t feel ready.

This experience pushed me past my comfort zone over and over again, and every time, I found a new version of myself waiting on the other side. More grounded. More clear. More in alignment with the life I want to live.

Community: The Heart of Hāmama

What I didn’t expect — what continues to make my heart swell — is how deeply I fell in love with the people who walked through those studio doors.

Expats, locals, travelers, yogis, and first-timers — every single one left an imprint on the energy of the space. Some became close friends. Some became collaborators. Some shared stories that moved me and others to tears.

There’s a sacredness in holding space for people to move, breathe, and connect — and I will never take that for granted. To be trusted with someone’s wellness journey is a privilege I’ll always carry with me.

Professional Growth & Opportunities

On a practical level, running Hāmama taught me more than any course or certification ever could. I learned how to manage a team, create class schedules, market a business organically, handle finances, host retreats, and build partnerships — all while staying aligned with my mission.

And because of Hāmama, doors opened. I was invited to collaborate on international retreats, to speak on podcasts, and to explore new creative ventures. Selling the studio didn’t close a chapter — it expanded what’s possible in the next one.

Letting Go With Gratitude

Selling Hāmama wasn’t a goodbye. It was a transformation. I passed the torch with pride, knowing that the foundation was strong, the community was there, and the spirit of the space would live on.

Would I do it all over again? Absolutely — challenges and all. Will I do it again - Who knows! haha. I'm open to what the future brings me, but one thing I know is my mission to help people fall in love with themselves is a lifetime mission and I feel like I'm just getting started.

If you’re thinking about opening your own space — especially abroad — know this: it will change you. It will test you. And it might just be the most beautiful thing you ever do.

With love and infinite gratitude to everyone who was part of this journey — thank you. You made it magic and I will forever be thankful.