At Mimi Yoga & Pilates, the goal has always been more than just a good workout. Founder Mimi Ghandour calls it a work-in — the kind of practice that asks you to move through something, not just move. Across infrared-heated locations in Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and Aventura, that philosophy shows up in every class, every training, and every collective breath that opens a session.
The studio was born through a personal reckoning with anxiety, transition, and the question of what it means to truly take care of yourself. What Mimi found on the mat, she built into a community. And what started as Instagram Live classes during a pandemic has grown into one of Miami's most trusted names in yoga and Pilates.
Below, Mimi shares how it all came together, why the mat is the best mirror you'll ever own, and what "Just Show Up" means to her.
How did your personal practice lead to opening Mimi Yoga & Pilates?
When my daughter was born with special needs, our family relocated to Miami to find the best care for her. The stress of that transition brought on intense anxiety, and I was drawn to yoga almost instinctively. The very first time I rolled out my mat, something shifted. The practice gave me the tools to look inward, calm the noise in my head, and take ownership of my life rather than feel like a victim of it.
What started as a personal lifeline slowly became a calling I never saw coming. When the pandemic hit, studios shut down overnight and I found myself unable to teach in person, but my community was craving connection during such an isolating time. I started hosting classes on Instagram Live and thousands of people showed up. With the encouragement of my now-husband, we launched Mimi Yoga as a full online platform with live sessions and hundreds of recorded classes. That momentum led to pop-up Yoga Teacher Trainings and retreats, and it became clear that this community deserved a permanent home. Our first studio opened in Wynwood in October 2022, and we haven't looked back since.
What is Mimi Yoga's mission?
To create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space that celebrates community, kindness, and authenticity. A place that truly feels like home.
Mimi Yoga & Pilates shares the belief that wellness can power transformation, on and off the mat. How does turning inward through practice support that kind of change?
There is no hiding when you step on your mat; you're forced to face it all. Yoga has an incredible way of revealing that you are your own true teacher, and that all the answers are already within you. You just need to pay attention.
How are your approach to wellness and emphasis on women’s health reflected in the studio’s programming and culture?
Our infrared-heated yoga and Pilates classes deliver an incredible workout, along with what I call a "work-in." As much as our classes are physical, they also support mental health. Yoga is meditation in motion, and this form of movement is often more accessible to those who struggle with traditional meditation.
Beyond our regular classes, Yoga and Pilates Teacher Training are cornerstones of our studio culture and among the most transformative experiences we offer. We have watched women walk through our doors carrying grief from losing a loved one and leave with a renewed sense of purpose. We have seen women find their voice, step away from toxic relationships, and gain the confidence to open their own wellness studios. Witnessing that kind of growth is exactly why we do what we do.
What do you hope students feel or discover here?
I hope students leave feeling calm, balanced, and like they belong. Everyone is welcome at Mimi Yoga & Pilates, and we put a strong emphasis on community to make people feel at home.
How has the studio evolved since it first opened, and what’s ahead?
We've always offered mat Pilates, but as demand grew, we added more to the schedule. That coincided with our 2025 rebrand, when we became Mimi Yoga & Pilates.
Right now, our focus is on opening our third location in Aventura, but we hope to continue expanding to offer the best classes, workshops, and trainings at every location.
What advice would you share with someone thinking of opening their own studio?
Be prepared to roll up your sleeves. From the outside (and on social media) it looks easy, but it's anything but. Expect unexpected expenses, construction delays, and the daily reality of managing the business, your instructors, and your clients. It's far more than just showing up to teach a fitness class, but it is all worth it!
Why did you choose Manduka as your studio equipment and retail partner?
Manduka is an industry leader, and we're committed to providing the best for our students. The PROlite® mats are perfect for hot yoga and Pilates — durable, easy to clean, and built to withstand the heat. We've also found that students will rent a Manduka mat and towel, love the experience, and decide to purchase their own.
Take a Class
Want to feel the work-in for yourself? This full-body flow taught by Mimi is built for when you want to take it slow without sacrificing the burn. Accessible to all levels.
Press Play
Take your practice anywhere with Mimi Yoga & Pilates' curated playlist:
Connect with Mimi Yoga & Pilates
Website: mimiyoga.com
Instagram @mimiyogastudio
Interested in bringing Manduka into your studio? Explore our Studio Equipment Program to learn more.
