The Journey to Soul Friends Yoga Center with WellnessLiving
Last Updated on 23 December, 2025
by Dorsa Gholibeigi
As a novice to yoga myself, I’ve always been inspired by the unique journeys of those who are more experienced in their practice. Meeting with WellnessLiving customer Susan Meymand of Soul Friends Yoga Center in Dallas, Texas, was an incredible opportunity to learn how a group of women combined their independent experiences to give rise to a beautiful community.
Key takeaways:
- Soul Friends Yoga Center was founded as a women-owned nonprofit to build community and make yoga accessible to all.
- The center emphasizes inclusivity, offering classes and programs that support both physical and emotional well-being.
- Using WellnessLiving software helps the team manage scheduling, communications, and community engagement more effectively.
30 years of yoga experience: A journey of transformation and community
Early beginnings and personal growth
Yoga has been a transformative journey for Susan Meymand, spanning three decades of exploration, growth, and community building. Susan’s initial exposure to yoga was in a college class, followed by a free session at a local Indian restaurant. She was immediately drawn to the peacefulness that yoga offered. Her newfound inspiration led her to begin studying poses and meditation techniques from books. Then, to gradually integrate yoga into her daily life.
Despite pursuing various careers (from metalsmith to Montessori teacher to office manager at a chiropractic center), Susan felt a persistent urge for change. Yoga emerged as her calling during a pivotal moment, despite societal pressures that it wasn’t a conventional career choice.
The journey to the soul friends yoga community
Susan’s journey took a significant turn when the yoga studio she frequented abruptly closed, leaving a void in her community. Banding together with a group of committed yogis, a new studio emerged. Together, these strong women founded Soul Friends Yoga Community (SFYC) in late 2022 and gained nonprofit status in early 2023.
The establishment of SFYC was not without its challenges. Susan explains that a major hurdle was defining the organization’s mission. By drawing on the diverse experiences and intentions of each instructor, SFYC found its core purpose: to make yoga accessible to all, treating it not as a luxury but as a vital tool for mental and physical well-being.
The philosophy: Connection as the cure
Central to SFYC’s philosophy is the belief that “connection is the cure.” Rooted in Vedic teachings, this principle emphasizes that suffering arises from a false sense of separation—from others, nature, and oneself. Yoga helps people reconnect with themselves and others by providing an opportunity to step away from life’s chaos and slow down.
Embracing yoga as a pathway to healing and growth
For those curious about yoga but hesitant to start, Susan offers reassuring advice. Yoga, she explains, is a break from the chaotic pace of today’s modern world. A practice inviting individuals to step back, breathe, and gain perspective. She encourages new yogis to welcome imperfection, and emphasizes that being afraid of failure should not stop you from trying. It’s how we learn!
The future of SFYC and beyond
SFYC hopes to continue to evolve as a beacon of inclusivity and accessibility. Through donation-based classes and outreach programs, SFYC strives to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or income, can benefit from yoga.
In essence, Susan’s journey through yoga encapsulates not just personal growth but a profound commitment to building a supportive community. As she reflects on her 30-year odyssey, it’s clear that for Susan, yoga is not merely a practice; it’s a philosophy of connection, healing, and embracing the fullness of life.
This blog post celebrates Susan’s remarkable journey through yoga and highlights how the passion of several committed women transformed into a thriving community dedicated to making yoga accessible to all. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of yoga as a pathway to community building.
If you own a yoga studio and want to see it blossom into a center of community and health, you need the support of partners like WellnessLiving. Our all-in-one platform is affordable for small yoga studios and can support you as you grow or choose to franchise.
Check out this article to learn more about how we can support your journey just like we do Susan’s. Or you can book a free, no-commitment demo of WellnessLiving today to get started!
Dorsa recently joined the WellnessLiving team as a Product Marketing Intern. Driven by her passion for health and wellness, she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in bio-medical sciences with a goal of helping people live as the best version of themselves. With her background in visual arts adding a creative edge, Dorsa is committed to leveraging her skills to support fitness studios in optimizing operations and enhancing client experiences.
