We were lucky to catch up with Diana Esanu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Diana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I came up with the idea for Tula Yoga Studio in early 2022. At the time, I had co-owned another yoga space with a partner, and although we had to close it sooner than expected, the experience taught me more than any success could have. I had already been teaching for five years in a variety of studios, and when that space closed, I felt a deep disappointment. Over time, though, I realized that what felt like failure was actually divine redirection and preparation.
For nearly a year, I searched for a new location – the community I had built over those years and experiences needed a home again. This wasn’t just about creating something for myself. It was about rebuilding a space to hold all of us.
One day, while grabbing sushi, I walked outside and noticed a vacant space next door. It immediately caught my attention. Around that same time, I already had a trip to Tulum booked, and I had no idea how much that trip would influence the vision for the studio. The colors, textures, and overall feel of Tulum ended up inspiring much of Tula’s interior design and atmosphere.
The space itself was already laid out in a way that didn’t require major renovation, which felt like another sign after months of searching. But beyond the physical space, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what I had seen in other studios, what helped them thrive, and where they fell short. I took major inventory of my own missteps. One thing became very clear: my area desperately needed a studio that prioritized diversity, accessibility, and a genuinely safe environment for all people. That became my non-negotiable foundation.
I chose the name Tula in 2022 after researching the Sanskrit root and learning that it means balance. Balance isn’t something we perfect; it’s something we practice. It’s a continuous dance of finding steadiness within ourselves and our lives. That intention has lived at the center of this studio from day one.
Tula is the result of patience, reflection, and intentional action. I’m grateful for the aligned. luck that showed up at the right moments, but also proud of the care and thoroughness that brought the vision to life. It’s now a harmonious space where community and diverse, accessible classes come together in balance.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Diana, and I’m the founder of Tula Yoga — a studio built from both lived experience and a deep devotion to the practice. I’ve been teaching yoga for over six years, and my path into this industry unfolded in a very human way: through curiosity, healing, trial and error, and a genuine desire to elevate other along with holding space for others.

Tula was built on that intention: diversity, accessibility, and true inclusivity without the noise or performative trendiness. I wanted a studio that felt like a sanctuary — grounded, warm, and balanced — a place where beginners, advanced practitioners, and everyone in between could practice without intimidation.
What We Offer at Tula
Our class offerings intentionally reflect the diversity I believe yoga should hold. At Tula, we provide:
Vinyasa & Slow Flow for those who want movement paired with breath
Restorative & Gentle Yoga for grounding, nervous system support, and somatic release
Hot Yoga for practitioners who thrive with heat and intensity
Power Yoga for strength-building and energetic movement
Yin Yoga for deep stretching and introspection
Beginner Foundations for new students who want a safe, welcoming entry point
Sound Bath & Meditation–based Classes for inner stillness and emotional regulation
Specialty Workshops on breathwork, mobility, mindfulness, and seasonal themes
This range allows people to meet themselves exactly where they are — mentally, emotionally, and physically — and move between different styles depending on their needs that day.
Pilates and YogaFit classes for those focused on strength and mobility.
What Sets Us Apart
Tula is not just another yoga studio. It is a balanced space — intentionally designed to feel harmonious, calming, and human. What sets us apart is the combination of:
highly diverse classes without overwhelming the schedule
accessible, welcoming guidance for students at all levels
teachers who lead with authenticity, compassion, and depth
a studio culture rooted in community over competition
an environment that holds both softness and strength
I’ve learned through my own missteps, teaching experience, and community conversations that people don’t just seek yoga — they seek a place where they can feel understood and supported. That became the soul of Tula.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud that Tula feels like home for so many people. I’m proud that students walk in and say they feel safe, grounded, and inspired. I’m proud of the balance woven into every detail — from the interior design to the class offerings to the energy we cultivate. And I’m proud that what started as a vision in my mind is now a thriving, intentional community space.
More than anything, I want people to know that my work — and everything Tula represents — comes from sincerity, reflection, and a genuine desire to serve. Tula is a place for everyone, and it’s built on the belief that balance is not a destination, but a practice we keep returning to.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

Absolutely. Running a small studio means that unexpected moments—like the minor flood we had last summer—can shake things up quickly. Even though the damage was minimal, it still required time, money, and temporarily closing our doors. And on a smaller scale, inclement weather and last-minute no-shows can create that same ripple effect: fewer students in class, lost revenue, and the pressure of keeping everything balanced behind the scenes.
What’s helped me overcome these moments is understanding that challenges are part of the journey. I’ve learned to meet them with resilience, adaptability, and trust. Trust in myself, trust in the community we’ve built, and trust in the vision that fuels Tula. Every day offers another chance to move forward with intention—to keep showing up, staying diligent, and nurturing the space we’ve created. That mindset has carried the studio through uncertain moments and allowed us to grow stronger because of them.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Without a doubt, it’s the community that built Tula’s reputation. In a small town, word-of-mouth travels fast — but what matters most is that the words being shared are genuine. People don’t talk about us because of flyers or digital ads; they talk about how the space feels, how they’re treated, and how their practice grows here.
Authenticity has carried this studio further than any marketing strategy. The real impact happens inside the room, and when students share that experience with their friends, family, or online, it creates a ripple that no amount of promotion could replace. My reputation is simply a reflection of their truth — and I’m deeply grateful for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/tulayogahs
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulayogahs?igsh=MTA5NDVkaXdreTliNQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CXFQ9QBtm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Maddie Wiles