In the heart of Saigon, where the city's rhythm rarely slows, a sanctuary of movement and mindfulness has taken root. Meet Andrea Alejandra, a Peruvian yoga teacher, mother, and entrepreneur whose journey has led her from the quiet discipline of Ashtanga in Atlanta to creating a space where everyone can experience the profound benefits of yoga.

Her story is courageous—she stepped beyond her comfort zone, embraced transformation, and dares to build a community that prioritizes breath, connection, and self-discovery. Every1Yoga isn't just a studio; it reflects her belief that yoga is for everyone, regardless of background or experience.

In this interview, we dive into her journey, the inspiration behind Every1Yoga, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. Whether you're an experienced yogi or someone curious about stepping onto the mat for the first time, her story will inspire you to move, breathe, and live with intention.

Please tell me more about yourself and your life outside of yoga.

I’m a mother to two little girls, ages 5 and 2. Yoga is truly the thread that holds my life together—it’s hard to imagine my world without it. Beyond yoga, I have a deep love for movement and discipline, which is why I practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and climbing. I also love to read, spend time in nature, and cherish quiet moments with my kids and our dog. Since adopting a vegan lifestyle at 26, my life has been guided by the principles of non-violence, both on and off the mat.

How long have you been practicing Yoga, and why did you start?

I first stepped onto a yoga mat in 2009 when I was 19, completely by accident. I never expected it to become a lifelong practice, but it kept calling me back. During university, my life felt chaotic—I was constantly chasing the next party, the next thrill. Yoga became my sanctuary, a place where I could escape that cycle and tune into something deeper. By 22, yoga had become a daily practice, and I often say it saved my life. It gave me the courage to be in my body, to listen, and to feel.

What does Yoga mean to you personally?

Yoga is liberation. It’s the mirror that never lies to me about my mental and emotional state. When I tune into my breath, I access my intuition. Yoga has been the one constant in my life through all its twists and turns. No matter where I’ve moved or how much life has changed, my practice has remained my anchor.

Who were your biggest influences or mentors in the Yoga field?

Marsha and Kathy, my first Ashtanga teachers in Atlanta, shaped my practice in profound ways. They introduced me to the Primary and Half of the Second Series of Ashtanga Yoga, but more than that, they believed in me. They held space for me during difficult moments and continue to do so years later. Their kindness, patience, and unwavering love for yoga inspire me to teach with that same authenticity.

How does Yoga feature in your daily life?

Yoga isn’t something I do; it’s how I live. It’s in the way I observe my thoughts, how I interact with the world, and how I navigate life’s challenges. Yoga teaches me not to react impulsively but to respond with clarity and purpose. It’s a practice of self-inquiry—facing my shadow self with compassion so I can realign with my truth.

What inspired you to become a yoga teacher, and how did that journey shape your life before opening Every1Yoga?

Yoga transformed my life in ways I never imagined. As a child, I was filled with fear, and though some might say I still am, I know I’ve come a long way.

Life has taught me that there’s no perfect timing, no perfect people—just the present moment and that everyone is doing the best we can with what we have. I’ve come to understand that people need tools to navigate life with more ease, to be present, and to suffer with grace. Yoga is one of those tools.

After becoming a mother, my identity felt completely absorbed by that role. For years, if you had asked me about myself, I would have simply said, "I’m a mom." But as my daughters grew, an old part of me started to wake up—the part that longed to share yoga. Opening Every1Yoga was my way of stepping back into my purpose.

What was the turning point that made you decide to open your own yoga studio in Saigon?

It was when I realized I felt comfortable stepping away from my kids for longer stretches. I saw how much love and support they had from the people in their lives, and I felt a creative energy bubbling inside me. I wanted to teach more.

A good friend introduced me to my current landlord, and when I walked into the space, I just knew. It was one of those moments where fate—or maybe just good timing—stepped in.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in bringing Every1Yoga to life, and how did you overcome them?

Honestly? I feel like I’m still overcoming them every single day. Running a business is a constant learning process. My biggest challenge has been shifting from being “just” a teacher to being an entrepreneur—learning marketing, organizing myself, and committing to the work of building a sustainable business.

There’s so much I don’t know, but thankfully, we live in a time where resources are abundant. I take it one step at a time, staying focused on my purpose: sharing yoga with as many people as possible.

What is the vision behind Every1Yoga, and what makes it unique from other yoga studios in Saigon?

Every1Yoga is built on breath and sustainability. It’s about helping people truly know, accept, and love themselves so they can move through life with more ease. I want people to step into this space and feel supported—not just in their practice, but in their whole being.

The goal is longevity—not just in movement but in how we navigate life’s challenges with resilience, grace, and grit. Every1Yoga isn’t just about doing yoga; it’s about living yoga.

How has being a studio owner changed you personally and professionally?

Owning a studio has forced me to take my yoga practice beyond the mat in ways I never expected. I’ve had to manage stress and anxiety at a new level, and I’ve had to face parts of myself that I once avoided. If I want my business to grow, I have to grow. That means embracing my shortcomings, restructuring my habits, and continuously evolving.

Where do you see Every1Yoga in the next five years, and how do you hope to contribute to the yoga community in Saigon?

Five years feels like a lifetime away! But my hope is simple: to provide a space where people don’t just understand yoga intellectually but feel it in their bodies. When breathwork, meditation, and movement become as natural as brushing your teeth, transformation happens.

What do you think are the most valuable qualities of a yoga teacher?

Sincerity and a deep love for the practice. A great teacher doesn’t just teach yoga—they embody it.

How do you build a connection with your students?

By caring and listening. Connection requires you to be genuinely and emphatically with someone. This can’t be faked. My mother always told me that every person is like a universe, and I believe that deeply. Everyone has a story, and I love getting to know people. Connection is the foundation of everything.

How do you continue to grow and learn as a yoga teacher?

I read, meditate, journal, and most importantly, I listen. People are my greatest teachers.

What’s a book, movie, or piece of music that has deeply inspired you?

Calle 13 – Me Vieron Cruzar—a song about courage and resilience.

What’s a hidden talent or hobby that most people don’t know about you?

I practice BJJ and Muay Thai—which is funny, given my devotion to non-violence! It’s way out of my comfort zone, but I think teachers should always be learning new things. It keeps us humble and reminds us how it feels to be a beginner.

What’s a daily ritual or habit that brings you the most joy?

Looking at the sky. I studied molecular biology, so nature has always fascinated me. When life feels overwhelming, I remind myself that the clouds keep moving, the sun keeps rising—everything flows.

What advice would you give to someone new to Yoga?

Be open. Take it slow. Find a teacher who aligns with where you are right now.

What advice would you give to yoga teachers considering opening their own studio?

If it’s your calling, do it. The world needs more people sharing healing practices. Be brave.

As our conversation ends, one thing becomes clear—Andrea has built something far greater than just a yoga studio. Every1Yoga is a space for growth, for finding balance in the chaos, and for reconnecting with oneself.

Her journey is a testament to the power of trust, patience, and passion. It reminds us that transformation isn't about waiting for the perfect moment but about taking the leap, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

For those seeking a deeper connection with their practice, breath, or simply themselves, Every1Yoga offers a welcoming home. And for anyone dreaming of starting something new—opening a yoga studio, sharing their passion, or stepping into a calling—her story proves that anything is possible with dedication, resilience, and a willingness to grow.

The journey is never linear, and the lessons come in waves, but the courage to begin sets everything in motion. Step onto the mat, take a deep breath and trust in the path ahead—because, as Andrea beautifully reminds us, yoga isn't just something we do. It's how we live.