The Honor Yoga Story
Honor Yoga began in 2013 with a simple but powerful intention: to create a community-centered path for sharing the transformational practice of yoga.
Rooted in mindfulness, inclusivity, and deep respect for the ancient wisdom of yoga
Our Story
The vision was born from the heart of Maria Assunta Parrella, a longtime entrepreneur, yoga educator, and spiritual leader who had spent decades bridging wellness, conscious business, and service.
With a desire to create one of the most supportive systems for yoga professionals—one rooted in compassion, accessibility, and authenticity—Maria laid the foundation for what would become one of the nation’s most values-driven yoga communities.
Rooted in mindfulness, inclusivity, and a deep respect for the ancient wisdom of yoga, Honor Yoga expanded to over 48 studios sold across 10 states by 2020. Many locations opened just before the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that tested every studio’s strength and spirit. While the challenges were immense, they revealed something even stronger—the unwavering heart of the Honor Yoga community.
Those who remained—dedicated yogis, studio owners, and teachers—carried the torch forward, not just preserving the brand, but evolving it. They became the true stewards of our mission: to support humanity through the practice of yoga.
In 2023, Maria donated the brand's assets to the Honor Yoga Foundation, a nonprofit committed to realigning yoga studio ownership with the deeper principles of yoga itself. This marked a meaningful shift from franchise to foundation, ensuring that future Honor Yoga studios would be rooted in purpose rather than profit.
Today, Honor Yoga studios are licensed through the Foundation and led by practicing yogis with formal training, a commitment to personal growth, and the capacity to hold space for their communities. These studio owners embody the original vision—creating inclusive, neutral spaces where all are welcome, and the heart of yoga can truly thrive.
If you're inspired to open your own studio or contribute to the Honor Yoga Foundation’s mission, we’d love to hear from you.
