We recently connected with Michelle El Khoury and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
For more than 20 years, I had built a stable and successful career first in healthcare and then the pharmaceutical industry. I was proud of the progress I made, climbing the corporate ladder and earning a six-figure salary with annual bonuses. From the outside, it seemed like I had it all—financial security, recognition, and a thriving career. But what most people didn’t see was the toll it was taking on my mental health and the constant internal battle I was fighting to keep it all together.
The seeds of change were planted with the birth of my first child, a less than ideal experience that left me struggling physically and emotionally. When I became pregnant with my second child, I found yoga, and it transformed my life. Yoga became a lifeline during that pregnancy, helping me navigate the challenges of motherhood and regain a sense of control over my body and mind. I felt a deep calling to explore this practice further, particularly in the context of maternal and children’s wellness. But at the time, I was still heavily entrenched in my corporate career.
As I progressed in my career, the demands increased, and so did the pressures. I was balancing motherhood, mental health challenges, and a high-powered job, all while managing my children’s own struggles. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and like so many others, my world shifted dramatically. My children’s needs became even more pronounced, and I found myself questioning everything—especially the work-life imbalance that was consuming me.
That’s when I realized I couldn’t continue on this path. I needed to create something meaningful, not just for myself, but for other families who were struggling to find balance just like mine was. That’s when the idea of Yogamazia truly began to take shape. It wasn’t just about yoga, but about providing holistic support for families from birth through childhood—support that I so desperately needed during my own journey.
Taking the leap to leave my corporate career and start Yogamazia was one of the biggest risks of my life. I faced countless obstacles, including financial setbacks. Despite having collateral, I was denied small business loans because I was told my business wasn’t a good investment. That stung, but it didn’t stop me. I bootstrapped the business myself, using my savings and resources to fund this dream. There were no supporters in the beginning, no safety nets—just my belief that this was what I was meant to do.
There were also many challenges I didn’t anticipate. Entrepreneurship is often glamorized, but the reality is that it requires persistence and resilience. There are moments of doubt when it feels like everything is stacked against me, but I keep taking steps forward. I remind myself that Yogamazia isn’t just a business, it is my purpose—my way of making a meaningful impact on the lives of families. I have seen firsthand the need for maternal and children’s wellness, and am determined to help others find the balance that I struggled to achieve.
Today, Yogamazia is growing and evolving. Every time I connect with a family, help a parent/caregiver find peace during their pregnancy or after having their baby, or watch a child light up in one of our yoga classes, I know that the risk was worth it. There’s still a long road ahead, but I believe in the power of what we’re building. Taking that risk didn’t just change my life, it’s helping others change theirs too. And that’s what drives me every day—to be of service to those who need it most.
Michelle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m the founder of Yogamazia, a dedicated Perinatal Yoga & Well-Being Coach, and a passionate advocate for maternal and children’s wellness.
My journey into this field began as a personal one—after spending over 20 years working in the pharmaceutical industry, I found myself at a crossroads. Although my career was financially successful, the increasing demands of corporate life, combined with the struggles of balancing motherhood and mental health, left me yearning for something more meaningful. I wanted to create a space that supported families on their wellness journeys, something I desperately needed during my own pregnancies.
The turning point came after experiencing a less than ideal first birth and the healing power of yoga during my second pregnancy. Yoga helped me find physical and emotional balance during a time when I needed it most, and I realized the power of holistic well-being, particularly for expecting and postpartum families. That realization led me to create Yogamazia, an organization that supports families through all stages of life—from pregnancy and postpartum to childhood and beyond.
At Yogamazia, we offer a range of services, including prenatal and postpartum yoga, childbirth education, doula support, infant massage, and yoga for children from toddlers to teens. What sets us apart is our comprehensive, family-centered approach. We don’t just focus on one aspect of wellness, but rather provide holistic support that empowers families to navigate the physical, emotional, and mental challenges that come with parenthood. We emphasize community, balance, and practical strategies for thriving during these stages of life. Our core values are centered around G.R.A.C.E.—Gratitude, Respect, Authenticity, Community, and Equity—and they shape everything we do.
The problems we solve are those that many families face during the perinatal period and beyond—feelings of overwhelm, stress, lack of support, and the challenge of balancing their own well-being with the demands of parenthood. We offer personalized, compassionate support that helps families feel empowered, balanced, and confident, whether they are preparing for childbirth, navigating the postpartum period, or seeking to instill healthy habits in their children.
I’m most proud of the community we’ve built through Yogamazia. We have created a safe, nurturing space where families can come together, share their experiences, and support one another on their journeys. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the transformations that take place—watching an expecting mother find peace through yoga, seeing a child blossom through our classes, or helping a family establish a healthy rhythm that benefits both parents and children.
For potential clients and followers, what I want you to know about me and Yogamazia is that we are here to serve you at every stage of your journey. Whether you’re preparing for birth, recovering postpartum, or raising older children, we provide the tools, resources, and community support to help you flourish. My personal mission is to empower families with the balance and confidence they need to thrive, and I’m committed to offering personalized care with genuine compassion and empathy. We aim to be your partner in wellness, helping you create a life of peace, joy, and well-being for you and your family.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building my reputation within the market has been a combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and a genuine dedication to the families that Yogamazia serves.
My work is deeply rooted in authenticity — as someone who has personally navigated the challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, and balancing family life with a demanding career, I truly understand what families need. The foundation of Yogamazia was built on those personal experiences, and I bring that same empathy and connection to each family I work with. My background in healthcare, coupled with my certifications as a perinatal yoga instructor, doula, and childbirth educator, has helped me build authority in this space.
Additionally, consistency has played a major role in establishing trust. Whether it’s through our yoga classes or community outreach, I aim to foster long-term relationships based on understanding, and our values of G.R.A.C.E. (Gratitude, Respect, Authenticity, Community, and Equity). By delivering comprehensive, compassionate care that integrates physical, emotional, and mental wellness, I’ve been able to create a great team and network of supporters that help create a lasting impact that resonates with our community. I believe what sets me apart is the ability to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and holistic care — allowing for Yogamazia to provide not only services but a nurturing environment where families can thrive at every stage.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for Yogamazia has been word-of-mouth referrals and community engagement.
When families have a positive, transformative experience with us, they naturally share it with others. Whether it’s a parent who attended one of our prenatal yoga classes, a postpartum couple who found empowerment through our doula services, or a family whose child benefited from our children’s yoga programs, those personal testimonials have been invaluable in spreading the word.
In addition, being an active presence in our local community — from partnering with schools to participating in wellness events — has helped us connect with new families and organizations. Building authentic relationships through these interactions has organically led to growth.
I’ve also found that educational content, whether through social media, blog posts, or speaking engagements, has attracted clients who resonate with our holistic approach to perinatal wellness. Ultimately, it’s about creating meaningful connections and providing services that make families feel supported and empowered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yogamazia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogamazia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogamazia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elkhourymichelle/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yogamazia
Image Credits
Dantone Creative
Ivory Tree Portraits
Louis Martinez