An Inspired Chat with Parisa Hervani of Brookhaven

Parisa Hervani shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Parisa, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I always try to get my workout in first thing if I can — it sets the tone for my entire day. I wake up and go straight into my skincare routine and use my NuFACE, which feels like a mini ritual to wake up my skin and energy. Then I take my dog, Pêpé, out for a walk — he’s five and full of personality, so it’s always a fun start. While he eats, I take about five minutes of stillness — no phone, no music — just to center myself before the day begins. After that, I’m out the door to work out, usually yoga, Pilates, or a strength class. Movement first thing clears my head and keeps me grounded, especially with how full my days can get running the studio.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Parisa Hervani, owner of Element Yoga, a boutique studio based in Brookhaven, Atlanta. I founded Element with a vision to create a space where movement, mindfulness, and modern life meet — a studio that feels as grounding as it does inspiring.

At Element, we offer yoga, barre, and Pilates-inspired classes, but what truly sets us apart is the experience: our team of over 25 teachers from all walks of life, the sense of community that thrives inside our walls, and our dedication to blending high-quality instruction with genuine human connection.

Beyond the studio, I also run FitConcierge, our corporate wellness arm that brings yoga, mindfulness, and fitness directly to companies across Atlanta. We work with organizations to elevate workplace wellness in a way that’s accessible, consistent, and deeply impactful.

Before launching Element, I worked in corporate finance and in the startup world — experiences that taught me structure, resilience, and how to build from the ground up. Today, my mission is to help people reconnect with themselves through movement and mindful living — whether that’s in a studio, at a retreat, or in the middle of a workday.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding Element’s impact through retreats, consulting for new and growing wellness studios, and developing FitConcierge into the go-to platform for corporate wellness in Atlanta.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think bonds break when fear steps in — when we start protecting ourselves instead of showing up honestly. Whether it’s fear of being misunderstood, rejected, or not enough, it closes us off from real connection. For me, choosing love over fear has been a guiding principle, in relationships and in life.

It’s actually what led me to leave my corporate job years ago. I realized that the life I wanted — one built on connection, healing, and presence — couldn’t be found in the constant rush of spreadsheets and deadlines. I chose to follow what I loved most: creating spaces for others to reconnect with themselves through yoga, stillness, and community.

What restores bonds, I think, is that same choice — love over fear. It’s empathy, humility, and remembering that we’re all just trying to find our way home to ourselves and to each other. When we meet people with softness and understanding, connection naturally returns.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For me, no fear is greater than “I can’t.” Once you believe that, you’re right. But the same works in reverse — if you believe you can, you’re also right. I tell everyone who has a dream: you have to be a little delusional to make it happen. Honestly, to start a business or bring something new into existence, you have to believe so deeply that you can do it, even when everything around you says otherwise.

My sister recently started a wellness collective in California called Noor Wellness Society, and I thought her idea sounded a little far fetched at first. But instead of saying that, I conspired with her dream. Every time she called me with doubts, I cheerleader her instead of giving life to her worries. Now she’s hosting her second sold-out event in her first month. That’s the power of belief.

When I quit my corporate job with no experience working in a gym and no capital, people probably thought the same thing — who are you to do that? But I believed in my purpose so deeply: to help people reconnect with themselves through yoga and wellness. I chose love over fear, showed up every single day with that slightly delusional confidence, and did everything I could. The rest eventually fell into place.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the wellness industry is that everything has to look a certain way — that health, healing, or yoga should fit into a perfect aesthetic. We see so much content that makes wellness feel exclusive or unattainable, when in truth, it’s meant to be inclusive, messy, and deeply human.

Another lie is that busyness equals success. I see so many teachers, entrepreneurs, and wellness professionals burning out trying to prove their worth through constant output. But true wellness — for both students and studio owners — comes from rest, boundaries, and consistency, not hustle.

And finally, I think our industry sometimes tells itself that community just happens on its own. But real community takes intention, effort, and authenticity. At Element Yoga, I’ve learned that connection doesn’t come from trends or branding; it comes from creating spaces where people feel genuinely seen and safe to be themselves.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve learned that healing and success aren’t linear — they spiral. We circle back to lessons again and again, each time with a little more awareness and compassion. I think a lot of people expect growth to be a straight line upward, but real transformation is often uncomfortable, messy, and humbling.

I also understand deeply that the energy we bring into the world matters more than anything we do. Whether it’s teaching a class, running a business, or just showing up for someone — our presence, our intention, and our ability to lead with love have a ripple effect we can’t always see.

Most people chase outcomes. I’ve learned to trust alignment instead — that when something is meant for you, it unfolds with ease, and when it’s not, forcing it only creates resistance. The more I choose peace over pressure, the more things fall into place exactly as they’re meant to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Elementyogaatl.com
• Instagram: @Parisawandering