1. Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Mariam Al Sayegh. I am a 25 year old mother of 2. I studied Industrial Engineering and spécialiséd in healthcare in the US, then came back to Abu Dhabi and worked at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. During that time I did my 200 hr yoga teacher training, and the following year went on to open The Studio
2. Tell us about your yoga journey, how it all started and why it started:
I took my first yoga class as college student while I was in Boston, as a type of stress relief. Soon after that it became part of my weekly routine, helping me get stronger and releasing the stress from studying.
When I returned to Abu Dhabi I didn’t find anywhere I felt comfortable practicing so I went on to do my 200hr yoga teacher training in order to enhance my practice. Once I finished it, I wanted to share the knowledge I acquired with others, and that’s where the idea for The Studio was born
3. Tell us about your Yoga Studio in Abu Dhabi:
The Studio is a ladies only Wellness and Fitness center. We offer everything from Yoga, Aerial, Pilates, Pole, Reiki and many other fitness and wellness classes. My vision for The Studio is to make it a haven for Women, and to build a community if women supporting each other. The goal is to be able to have a holistic menu of offerings, catering to Mind Body and Soul
4. What makes your yoga studio stand out in the capital:
We aim to give our clients more than just yoga and fitness. We strive to support them to get to their goal, whatever that May be and we take a very personal approach to each client. I personally oversee all of the client requests and class bookings
5. How can you encourage other women, in particular UAE nationals to follow their passion:
As a small Emirati business we try to promote other homegrown businesses as much as we can. Our retail sections contains items from different small Emirati women’s businesses. We also try to encourage our clients who are passionate about yoga and Pilates to join the teacher trainings we have and if it’s something they are passionate about, give them the opportunity to share that by teaching.
6. What are you most proud of from this business venture:
That it has given me the opportunity to help people, physically and mentally
7. What type of yoga do you personally practice
I practice vinyasa mostly. But on some days a gentle flow before bed is my go to to help me sleep better
8. What is your favorite quote:
كن جميلا ترى الوجود جميلا
Roughly translates to “be beautiful on the inside and you will see beauty in everything around you”
9. Share 5 helpful life tips:
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Put yourself first
- Take risks, it’s better to have failed then to regret not trying
- Don’t stress about the little things, that can ruin bigger and better things coming your way
- Follow your passion, whatever that may be
