Yoga, one of the oldest practices in the world, is making waves in Saudi Arabia and transforming wellness practices along with personal growth. At the forefront of the drive is award-winning yoga master Lana Nazer, whose studio in Jeddah is a sanctuary for those seeking balance and clarity.

Exposed to the ancient art at a young age, Nazer now aims to transform the lives of those around
her by introducing them to the calming zen of yoga. She sat down with Destination KSA to explain her vision and her mission. Suffice it to say, it was an enlightening experience.

What inspired you to start your yoga journey and eventually open your own studio?
My yoga journey was profoundly inspired by my mom, who introduced me to the practice during my childhood. Those cherished moments we spent practicing together ignited a lifelong passion for mindfulness and wellbeing. After living abroad for college and work, I returned to Saudi Arabia with a vision to create a proudly Saudi yoga studio that met international standards and offered exceptional customer service, as well as cultivated a wholesome community that you would never get bored of. This dream has blossomed into Karama Yoga, a place where everyone can explore their unique wellness journeys.

Can you tell us about a moment or experience that reinforced your passion for teaching yoga?
One of the main things that brings joy to my heart and ignites my passion is offering senior yoga at Karama. All three of my grandmas have practiced yoga with me since I opened the studio over eight years ago, and witnessing their journeys has been incredibly heartwarming. One of them has Alzheimer’s and arthritis, and seeing her progress—her memory improving and her pain lessening—along with the biggest smile on her face after finishing classes is a feeling that keeps me going. The physical, mental, and emotional improvements I’ve observed in all of them are the best reward I could ever ask for.

It warms my heart and lights my soul. I do this for them and for every woman, girl, and child who is ready to live a better and more balanced, mindful life.

As a wellness advocate, how do you balance the business side of the studio with maintaining a peaceful, mindful space for your students?
Being around people fuels me. I create a nurturing, grounding environment through my daily routine. I start my day with a swim or a morning walk with my dogs, and I focus on holistic practices throughout the day. Whether it’s sharing meals with family and friends, running team meetings in a non-stressful way, or ending my evenings with calming breath-work and a warm cup of tea, I infuse mindfulness into
everything I do. In my free time, I genuinely love working the front desk at Karama. Meeting new people and connecting with our regular students brings me immense joy and reinforces my sense of community.

Winning this award is a huge achievement. What does this recognition mean to you and your team?
We won best yoga studio in the Middle East four years in a row. Winning this award is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team. I am deeply humbled by this recognition, which validates our mission to create a nurturing space for our community. It inspires us to continue innovating and serving our students with love and passion. We are truly grateful for the ongoing support from our community.

Our ambition is to be the best yoga studio not only in the Middle East but also internationally, setting a standard for excellence and inspiring others around the world.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the wellness industry who are looking to make an impact?
Just do it. There will never be a perfect time, so if you have a dream or an inner voice telling you to pursue something, go for it. Trust yourself as you figure things out along the way and follow your passion wholeheartedly. Embrace challenges and never underestimate the power of community.

Surround yourself with a strong support system and remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Stay true to your values, and let your light shine bright. The impact you can make is profound, and every small step contributes to a larger movement of positivity and empowerment. Let your fire guide you.

For more information visit, karama-yoga.com.