The Yoga Lounge began in 2017 by Kelly Knight (with the unwavering support of her husband, Alex) as a heartfelt vision to create an inclusive, nonjudgmental space that honored the rich tradition of yoga while building a connected, heart-centered community here in New Smyrna Beach. I opened the doors with the hope that everyone who walked in would feel at home with themselves, have the opportunity to grow their practice, and connect with like-minded yogis.

At the time, I was also a brand-new mom learning to navigate a whole new rhythm of life. The warmth and support of our yoga community uplifted me during those early days, and to this day, The Yoga Lounge remains a family-run studio. Much of the behind-the-scenes work is a team effort, often with help from my husband and the occasional presence of our kids, who have grown up witnessing what it means to nurture a small business rooted in care, dedication, and community.

Our first home was a humble space in Plaza 44, where a small group of local teachers came together to support this shared vision. In the early days, there were often just one or two people in a class, but we always believed that whoever showed up was meant to be there. Although our classes have grown, that belief still guides us today. Whether teaching one student or a full room, a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, we treat every person who walks through our doors with the same respect, compassion, and genuine care.

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to close, we weren’t sure if we’d ever reopen. But with the support and encouragement of our community and a continued passion for sharing the richness of yoga, we opened our doors again in 2021, this time in a cozy space on US1.