Lauren Elassad on the Path Into Yoga

A Turning Point in London

In London, I was overwhelmed by insecure thoughts and painful memories. It felt like I was suffocating. In a moment of desperation, I called my mum, asking for help. She found a traditional yoga studio nearby, where I was introduced to a simple 20-minute sequence of breath and movement. From that moment, everything truly began to change.

Through direct felt experience, my thoughts started to slow. The noise in my head softened, and I began making better choices—from how I moved to what I ate. Most importantly, I realized I wanted to share this practice with others.

That decision led me back to Sydney, where I enrolled in a one-month, 200-hour yoga teacher training immersion. That single month was transformative.

From Breakdown to Breakthrough

After completing my training, I made bold decisions. I left my six-year relationship, moved out of my mum's house, and quit my stable job. I leapt headfirst into full-time yoga teaching.

But the reality of teaching wasn't easy. I was excited to share my passion with the world, but I quickly found myself burnt out—teaching 5 a.m. classes all the way through to 8 p.m, with no time left for my own practice. I was emotionally and physically exhausted. It wasn't sustainable, and financially, it was a struggle.

Yet, it was also my greatest teacher. I learned where my limits were, what balance really meant, and how to build something lasting without losing myself in the process.

Creating an Online Sanctuary

During the 2020 lockdown, I launched an online community—offering free sessions to support others and myself. With no clear plan, it grew organically as clients began insisting on paying, and it naturally evolved into a business.

Today, five years on, the community continues to thrive. I offer three live online sessions weekly, along with a platform of yoga, breathwork, and meditation resources to support everyday life.

Alongside my online work, I teach in person across the Gold Coast—in studios, gyms, homes, on beaches, and through private sessions. Each class is a chance to give from an open, full heart.

A Mission to Guide Deeper

My mission is to guide people into the deeper work within themselves. To help them reconnect with the part of them that knows there is more than what they are currently struggling with.

Whether it's through a group class, a one-on-one session, or a powerful breathwork journey, I aim to offer an experience that creates inner space, clarity, and strength. Yoga didn't just help me—it changed my life. It taught me to live with presence, with intention, and with the courage to trust my own path. Now, it's my joy to share those tools with others and walk beside them as they remember their own power.

Business Takeaways from

Start from service: My business began by offering help, not by chasing profit. That authenticity became my strongest foundation.

Trust your gut: Some of the most successful offerings I've created came from no plan at all—just trusting what felt right.

Get uncomfortable: Growth came from stepping outside my comfort zone and saying yes, even when things felt uncertain.

Comparison kills joy: Everyone builds their business differently. Honour your unique path and your own timeline.

Balance is key: Teaching from a place of exhaustion doesn't serve anyone. Creating a life that supports your energy is essential for sustainability.

At , we don't just share inspiring stories — we break down what makes yoga businesses succeed. By learning directly from real founders and entrepreneurs, we extract actionable lessons and proven strategies you can apply, so you can avoid common mistakes, feel more confident, grow faster, and make bold choices with clarity.