We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nikki Kerth Rohrs a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nikki, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I began teaching yoga in 2004, while working a full-time corporate job in my early twenties. Growing up, I wasn’t athletic—apart from a brief stint in junior varsity softball—but in my early adulthood, I started working out with a close family friend who was a personal trainer. What began as a curiosity quickly turned into a passion. I became a self-proclaimed gym rat, loving how movement made me feel stronger both physically and mentally. I thought, Maybe this is my way out of corporate America—maybe I could teach group fitness classes or become a personal trainer, or both. On a whim, I reached out to a friend whose sister was a master trainer for YogaFit, signed up for their next Level 1 training, and was immediately hooked. Yoga became more than just a workout—it became a lifeline, offering mental clarity, emotional healing, and a deep sense of purpose.
For years, I tried to turn my love of yoga into a full-time career but faced challenges and roadblocks. Balancing a demanding 8-to-5 job while teaching yoga classes on the side led me to burnout, time and time again. I would take breaks from teaching, thinking that climbing the corporate ladder was the key to success and happiness. But every time I returned to the mat—whether as a teacher or student—I was reminded that sharing the gift of yoga was what truly filled my heart. Witnessing students’ growth, both on and off the mat, and being part of their transformative journeys has always brought me immeasurable joy.
Everything shifted for me at the end of 2021. After a shocking diagnosis of stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and seven months of treatment, I was declared cancer-free. Surviving cancer awakened something profound in me—a realization that life is too short to stand on the sidelines. I had spent years hesitating, crippled by fears: What if I fail? What if I don’t fit the mold of a yoga teacher? Who am I to open a yoga studio? For a long time, I believed my dreams were too big. But cancer changed that. It showed me that waiting for the “right time” was no longer an option.
That clarity led to the creation of Evolve Yoga. I wanted to build more than just a studio—I wanted to create a sanctuary where people could heal, grow, and evolve. Life isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. I believe that our past shapes us but does not define us. To evolve into the best versions of ourselves, we must step outside our comfort zones and embrace the possibility of failure—because not trying simply isn’t an option.
What sets Evolve Yoga apart is our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive space where people of all backgrounds and experience levels feel seen, supported, and empowered. We offer a variety of classes—from yoga and meditation to sound healing and wellness services—all designed to nourish the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit. Our mission is simple yet profound: “Evolve your body. Evolve your mind. Evolve your life.”
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Evolve Yoga is more than a place to practice yoga—it’s a home for personal growth and transformation. Every student who walks through our doors is invited to embark on their own journey of evolution, just as I have. My story is one of resilience, courage, and embracing life fully—and I hope it inspires others to do the same.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m the founder and owner of Evolve Yoga Lounge in Oak Point, Texas. My journey into yoga and wellness began over 20 years ago, sparked by a desire to find balance, strength, and healing both physically and mentally. Over the years, I’ve faced significant personal challenges, including multiple car accidents, surgeries, breast implant illness, and a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2021 that led me through seven months of chemotherapy. I’m grateful to share that I am now three years cancer-free. These experiences profoundly shaped my approach to life and wellness, reinforcing my belief that healing begins with setting a strong foundation. Yoga was my anchor during those times—it helped me rebuild my strength, find peace, and reconnect with my purpose.
Evolve Yoga Lounge was born from that journey of healing and growth. Our mission is simple yet powerful: “Evolve your body. Evolve your mind. Evolve your life.” We’re a modern boutique yoga studio dedicated to inspiring personal growth through yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness practices. Our studio is a sanctuary where people of all levels and backgrounds can feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to evolve in their own unique ways. We offer a variety of classes, from heated power flows and restorative yoga to sound baths, meditation, and specialty classes like prenatal and kids yoga. Our Wellness Hub also provides holistic services like Reiki, cupping, and chakra balancing to support comprehensive well-being.
What sets Evolve Yoga Lounge apart is our commitment to creating a high-end, yet welcoming experience that focuses on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. We aren’t just a place to practice yoga; we’re a community where people can connect, heal, and grow together. Our studio atmosphere is thoughtfully designed to engage the senses, with infrared heat, fun music, unique lighting, and a team that genuinely cares about every individual who walks through our doors. We believe in accessibility and encourage people to explore what works best for them.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built—a space where people feel safe, seen, and inspired to show up for themselves. Seeing our students transform—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally—reminds me why this work matters. Evolve Yoga Lounge is more than just a business to me; it’s a reflection of my personal journey and a testament to the resilience and growth we’re all capable of.
For anyone considering visiting us, I want you to know that you don’t have to be flexible, experienced, or “good at yoga” to start—you just have to be open to evolving. Whether you’re looking for physical strength, mental clarity, or a supportive community, we’re here to walk that journey with you. Evolve is about progress, not perfection. It’s about embracing where you are today while cultivating who you’re becoming.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2021, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This period was incredibly challenging, not just physically but emotionally as well. Facing chemotherapy and the uncertainty about my future, I had to dig deep into my well of resilience.
Throughout my treatment, which lasted for about seven months, I continued to practice yoga as much as my health would allow. Yoga was not just a form of physical activity for me—it was and continues to be a profound source of spiritual sustenance and emotional relief. The practice helped me maintain my balance and find peace amid the chaos.
This journey has deeply influenced my approach to yoga and the way I manage Evolve Yoga Lounge. The lessons I’ve learned are woven into the very fabric of our studio, shaping the principles I share with both my staff and our clients. We strive to create a nurturing environment where everyone can find strength and healing.
This experience has taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hard times; it’s also about emerging from them with a new perspective and a renewed commitment to helping others on their paths. It’s about continually evolving, not just in body and mind, but in spirit as well.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the toughest lessons I had to unlearn was that not everyone has good intentions, despite appearances. The original contractor I hired for building my yoga studio ended up embezzling funds. It was a situation I hadn’t anticipated, and it took me six months into the construction to realize what was happening. This revelation was devastating. I experienced significant anxiety and depression, struggling with sleep and appetite because I felt betrayed and vulnerable. It was as if my dreams were crumbling before my eyes.
The experience taught me the hard truth about trust and verification, as a friend humorously cautioned me before. However, during these challenging times, I was forced to reconnect with my core motivations for starting this studio. My ‘why’ was rooted deeply in my personal journey — surviving cancer and fighting for my life had imbued me with a mission to help others heal. This purpose became my anchor, helping me navigate through the storm.
Thankfully, I believe that the universe had a plan for me. Despite the setbacks, and the heavy realization of the betrayal, I found strength in my mission. The ordeal reiterated why I embarked on this path: to offer healing and peace through yoga. It was a painful but enlightening journey that reshaped how I approach business and personal relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.EvolveYogaLounge.com
- Instagram: @EvolveYogaLounge
- Facebook: @EvolveYogaLounge
- Linkedin: @EvolveYogaLounge
- Yelp: @EvolveYogaLounge
