Studio Spotlight: &asanas | A Yoga Studio Rooted in Community

At Scoria, we’re proud to partner with studios that go beyond the physical practice—spaces that foster sustainability, inclusivity, and deeper connection. One such inspiring partner is &asanas, a vibrant and welcoming yoga studio in London, Ontario, that has quickly become a cherished hub for community and mindful movement.

Founded in March 2023, &asanas was born out of a desire to offer more than just a space to flow. It was created to be a true yoga home; a place where people of all backgrounds and levels can feel safe, seen, and supported. We recently connected with the studio’s founder, Lena, who shared the heart behind &asanas, what makes the space so unique, and why Scoria’s cork yoga mats are her top choice for heated classes.

1. What inspired you to start your yoga studio, and how long have you been open?
"I was inspired by two of my very first yoga teachers who used to own the studio where I first practiced. During 2020, they both left that studio and were teaching all over the city with no real yoga home. Many of their students, myself included, were wandering around and following them.

After a practice with the two of them at the YMCA, in the multipurpose room - where a student arrived late and practiced in snow pants - I finally asked when they were going to open their own studio. They said their studio-owning days were behind them—but with mine still ahead, I said, 'If you won’t open one, then I’ll open a studio for you.'

A few weeks later, the lease was signed, and a few weeks after that, the doors opened for our soft launch in March 2023. We have just passed our two-year anniversary!"

2. What kind of community and atmosphere do you aim to cultivate within your studio?
"We aim to cultivate a space and atmosphere that is welcoming, inclusive, peaceful, and feels like you're arriving home—a place to find comfort and connection with the community or with yourself. It’s very important to me that everyone and every body feels comfortable and welcome, as yoga is a practice for all. We aim to inspire people to live into all eight limbs of yoga, beyond just the third limb of asanas. There is so much more to yoga, and we do our best to open people up to the other aspects of the yogic lifestyle."

3. Why did you choose to offer and/or use cork yoga mats in your studio?
"I found cork yoga mats to be the best ones I’ve ever practiced on for a heated practice, so as a studio that offers hot yoga, I knew they’d be a perfect fit. Once you warm up or get a little sweaty, they have an incredible grip.

I also found these to be the first mats I’ve used that I don’t need to put a mat towel on top of. The cork absorbs sweat as you practice, the way a towel would, and it provides the softer texture and comfort that a rubber mat doesn’t."

4. What is your most popular mat from Scoria?
"The Blossom mat has been a favourite, as well as the 6mm mats!"

At Scoria, we’re continually inspired by the way studios like &asanas bring yoga to life, not just through movement, but through mindful intention, inclusive community, and genuine heart. We're deeply honoured to be part of their journey and to support their vision with tools that reflect their values.

If you're in the London, Ontario area, we highly encourage you to visit &asanas for a class and experience the space for yourself. You’ll also be able to shop a curated selection of our cork yoga mats and props in person right at the studio. It's perfect if you want to feel the texture, grip, and comfort before bringing one home.

Stay tuned for more highlights from our growing community of studio partners. We're grateful to be in touch with these inspiring stories from other businesses, studios and founders!

For more stockist partners, visit our stockist page and search for a local studio or store near you!

Til next time ~ 

Love,

The Scoria Team