Meet Parisa Hervani | Yoga Studio Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Parisa Hervani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Parisa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
For me, the driving force behind our success has always been adaptability, growth, and a commitment to evolution. From the way we teach, to how we manage our team, to how we engage with our community—everything is rooted in the belief that we are always learning.

Running a yoga studio means navigating a complex mix of personalities and energy—from clients to teachers and team members —and learning how to show up with compassion, clarity, and strength in each of those relationships. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so we stay flexible, open-minded, and willing to adapt as needed.

Post-COVID, the entire yoga scene in Atlanta transformed. We weren’t just returning to business as usual, we had to rebuild from scratch. The community landscape shifted, and with the rise of corporate fitness models and the decline of mom-and-pop studios, it forced us to ask deeper questions: How do we survive in this new era while staying true to who we are?

At Element Yoga, we come from a different lineage. We don’t offer cookie-cutter classes. Every class is intentional and unique, shaped by the teacher, the season, the energy in the room. That kind of experience requires presence, creativity, and the willingness to constantly refine our craft. We’re not here to just follow trends—we’re here to evolve, to lead, and to create spaces that are personal, powerful, and real.

Success, for us, hasn’t come from being the loudest in the room—it’s come from being the most responsive. We listen, we adapt, and we keep showing up with heart. That’s the soul of our brand.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Nothing about this journey has been easy, but when you’re in alignment, effort doesn’t feel like sacrifice. It feels like devotion. I never once felt like I was giving something up to build Element Yoga; I was working on my dream. And that’s what’s carried me through every challenge, pivot, and reinvention.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that nothing is the end of the world. Stay calm, don’t text when upset, and remember that every single person is carrying something you can’t see—so lead with compassion. That mindset has helped me grow not only as a business owner, but as a teacher, a partner, and a human being.

What sets Element Yoga apart is that we’re not just a yoga studio. We’re a community rooted in presence, adaptability, and transformation. We’re not stuck in old ways. We’ve evolved with every season—from navigating post COVID to the rise of corporate fitness culture, we’ve kept our ear to the ground and our heart in the work. And we’ve continued to grow.

I’m incredibly proud of our ability to stay current and keep creating offerings that serve the changing needs of our community. One example is the growing national demand for mat-based strength formats, especially heated classes. In response, I’m launching a brand-new teacher training this fall called The Mat—a Pilates-inspired format created in collaboration with my dear friend Candice Wells, a fellow Barre Code alum and highly credentialed instructor. It’s going to be strong, smart, empowering, and so needed in Atlanta.

I’m also beyond excited about our current 9-month Yoga Teacher Training in collaboration with Total Practice Yoga. This program doesn’t just teach people how to cue a down dog—it teaches them how to regulate their nervous systems and guide others into real, embodied mindfulness. The ripple effect of that kind of training will go far beyond any studio walls.

And most recently, I’m proud to say our Brookhaven flagship studio just underwent a full renovation—my first foray into interior design! It’s a space that now reflects the warmth, beauty, and intention we bring to every class.

Ultimately, what I want the world to know is that Element Yoga isn’t a formula. It’s a living, breathing reflection of the people who show up—students, teachers, and team members alike. We’re always growing, always adapting, and always doing the inner work so that we can hold space for others to do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the perfect blend of nature, food, movement, and magic—with a few surprises thrown in. Atlanta has such a rich mix of energy: urban, soulful, green, delicious, and full of hidden gems.

Day 1 – BeltLine Vibes + Italian Energy
We’d kick things off with a casual stroll or bike ride on the Atlanta BeltLine, stopping for a coffee at Piedmont Park and people-watching in the sun. Then we’d grab dinner and spritzes at Yeppa & Co., an energetic Italian spot that feels like a European night out.

Day 2 – Yoga + Tastings
We’d of course start the morning with a yoga class at Element Yoga 🤍, then spend the day wandering around Chamblee’s antique markets or heading up to Alpharetta for the best bagel of your life at BB’s Bagels (worth the drive). That night, we’d go big with the tasting menu at Aria—a Buckhead gem for a reason.

Day 3 – Nature + Nostalgia
We’d hike the long loop through the Bamboo Forest off the Chattahoochee River trails—it’s peaceful, lush, and unexpectedly transportive. Afterward, we’d treat ourselves to a killer burger at The Chastain, maybe with a glass of wine on the patio.

Day 4 – Aquariums + Culture
We’d spend a few hours exploring the Georgia Aquarium (yes, it actually rocks) and maybe check out a museum or local art gallery nearby. For dinner, I’d take them to Delbar Buckhead for modern Persian flavors and a vibey, elevated atmosphere.

Weekend Getaway – Clayton, GA
To wrap it all up, we’d head north for a weekend escape in Clayton—think hiking waterfalls, soaking in a cabin hot tub under the stars, and tasting our way through local wineries in the mountains. The pace slows down just enough to reset before coming back to the city.

Of course, we’d sprinkle in a few fitness classes, smoothies, and spontaneous moments too—because Atlanta is packed with movement-forward spaces, fun-loving people, and no shortage of amazing food.

Whether you’re into nature, food, fitness, or culture—Atlanta’s got it, and I’d love to show someone every bit of it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, I want to give a huge shoutout to Ginger Ellington. I may very well still be working a corporate 9-to-6 job if it weren’t for her. Through a somewhat serendipitous and unexpected series of events, Ginger took a chance on me back in 2019, inviting me to partner with her on a Barre Code franchise. That single decision changed the trajectory of my life.

Her trust and belief in me gave me the opportunity—and the push—I needed to step into entrepreneurship. And from that foundation, Element Yoga was born. It’s not lost on me that none of what we’ve built today—the community we’ve created, the healing we’ve facilitated, the sanctuary we’ve become for so many—would exist without Ginger and her family.

So thank you, Ginger. You set off a chain of events that has impacted thousands of lives, including mine. Your support helped spark something that became much bigger than either of us could have imagined.

Website: https://elementyogaatl.com

Instagram: @parisawandering or @elementyoga.atl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elementyogaatl/