Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Canela
Hi Maria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I discovered Bikram yoga 20 years ago while working in sales, searching for a way to manage stress. Almost immediately, I fell in love with the practice—it became more than just a stress reliever; it was a transformative experience. After five years of dedicated practice, I knew I wanted yoga to be a permanent part of my life, so in 2007, I took the leap and enrolled in teacher training.
When I returned to Orlando, an incredible opportunity came my way—I was able to become a part-owner of a new yoga studio in West Orlando. Just a year later, I took over as the sole owner, and it has been the most rewarding journey of my life. Building a community and sharing the power of hot yoga has been an experience beyond anything I could have imagined
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing our community has come with its challenges, but every step of the journey has been deeply rewarding. Being so close to Orlando’s attractions, we’ve had the unique opportunity to serve both local students and visitors, which has been an exciting learning experience.
During COVID, we adapted by offering virtual classes, ensuring that our community could continue finding peace and connection, no matter where they were. Expanding our offerings to include Pilates and Yin yoga was another challenge, but it proved to be incredibly beneficial, allowing us to reach even more people and enhance the studio’s impact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Orlando Hot Yoga and Pilates?
Located in the heart of West Orlando, Orlando Hot Yoga and Pilates is more than just a yoga studio—it’s a community. We offer a diverse range of yoga styles, personal training, skincare, holistic services, and massages, all designed to support overall well-being. As both the owner and a dedicated student, I take great pride in fostering a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and deeply connected to the people who walk through our doors. What sets Orlando Hot Yoga and Pilates apart is our commitment to offering more than just hot yoga. We host unique events, from vision board workshops to sound bowl healing and meditation classes (Art of Living). You can view our website and sign up classes here: https://orlandohotyoga.com/
Above all, we are most proud of our deep investment in every single student. I’m at the studio every day—teaching, greeting students, and ensuring that everyone feels at home. As a small business, we take immense pride in supporting our local community and creating a space where people can grow, heal, and connect
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck often intersects with preparation and hard work. The more you put yourself out there the more “lucky” things tend to happen. Being prepared and consistent has always been successful for me.
Pricing:
- Introductory package: 30 days unlimited for $55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://orlandohotyoga.com/
- Instagram: @orlandohotyogaandpilates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrlandoHotYogaAndPilates
