Voted as a winner of “Best Yoga Studio and Yoga TTC in Hong Kong” in our Love Local Awards 2024, IKIGAI is spreading the power of yoga to an ever-growing community.
In an era where mental and physical well-being come first, IKIGAI is clearly a trailblazer as one of Asia’s up-and-coming yoga and meditation studio brands. We hear that many who go to IKIGAI say it’s a gift for themselves – a time when they can unwind and relax, stepping away from work and the stress from their daily lives. Indeed, research shows that regular practice of yoga and meditation helps us manage our emotions better, gain better control of our bodies, and build our confidence. How did IKIGAI’s co-founders, Gianni Melwani and Aymeric Vollant, realise their vision and develop their concept? We speak with the duo to find out.
Reshaping Asia’s wellness scene with IKIGAI
Hi, Gianni and Aymeric! What’s the mission behind your brand?
We founded IKIGAI with the intention to help people find balance in their lives and reconnect with themselves through yoga and meditation. Having gone through our own fair share of adversities, we’re both extremely passionate about sharing the importance of taking charge of one’s own physical and mental health in a natural way. This means exploring how we can use our own body and mind to relieve stress, recharge our energy levels, and discover a renewed sense of purpose – without using external stimulants or distractions.
What makes IKIGAI stand out in the competitive wellness market?
We believe what makes IKIGAI special is how we take a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. We truly try our best to personally care for every individual that comes through our doors. And with a team of over 25 dedicated teachers, we take pride in our quality of instruction and guidance, all of whom do their best to ensure personalised attention to every student.
What’s more, we hold over 100 curated classes weekly across our three studios in Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui, catering to a wide variety of levels and preferences. From yoga class styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga, and more, to specialty classes like infrared warm yoga, aerial yoga, wheel yoga, and prenatal sessions, IKIGAI ensures holistic experiences that nurture the mind, body, and soul. Additionally, we offer meditative practices, including mindfulness meditation, sound healing and therapy, breathwork, and others.
In addition to our classes, we provide some of the most detailed Teacher Training Courses on the market. These courses are special in the way that they give a healthy blend of physical empowerment and philosophical education, equipping individuals with tools to navigate the ups and downs in life. Our trainings welcome everyone regardless of level and encourages them to take on the challenge as they learn along the way. Our ethos is: As you walk, the path appears, so take the first step!
Another major part of IKIGAI is our community and events. We host regular workshops, masterclasses, intensive courses, and continuing education programmes throughout the year to provide further opportunities for growth and refinement. Also, we love to celebrate connection and friendship in our community through social gatherings and one-of-a-kind wellness experiences, such as the Floating Sound Bath.
Our last note is: While most yoga studios tend to have a feminine-focused design and vibe, we position IKIGAI as a gender-neutral brand, making it a more inviting and less intimidating space for men who wish to join – not least because both of us are advocates for men’s mental and physical health!
What’s your vision for IKIGAI? Tell us what’s in store!
Our vision for the future is to build a multi-network of studios across Hong Kong and eventually globally. We aim to empower more urban individuals to reconnect with themselves, naturally and sustainably through the transformative practices of yoga and meditation, and in spaces where the pressures of modern life dissolve. Ultimately, our goal is to build a larger wellness hub and facility where people around the world can access high-quality talks, eat healthy food, take part in courses, surround themselves with nature, and even stay in for a while. We’ll continue redefining the yoga studio experience with a unique blend of services, community-oriented environment, and unwavering commitment to holistic wellness.
IKIGAI has studios in Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui.
This post is in partnership with IKIGAI.
