From Empty Rooms to Yoga Bliss: A Mother-Daughter Journey

Finding Flexibility and Healing: A Mother and Daughter’s Yoga Journey

At 16, Kristina Bazarnova began practicing yoga to increase her flexibility. Her mother, Irina Malysh, turned to yoga for a different reason—to heal after a divorce. Neither mother nor daughter could have imagined that this hobby would lead them to create their own yoga studio, PROYOGA.

Becoming Flexible and Overcoming Divorce: How Mother and Daughter Found Yoga

Irina often attended yoga sessions twice a day. The studio was conveniently located near her home, and she stumbled upon it by chance. The effect was immediate; yoga helped her switch off and clear her mind of heavy thoughts.

Divorce after 18 years of marriage is never easy. Irina knew she had to get through this period, and unexpectedly, yoga became her main ally.

Irina Malysh

Kristina, Irina’s 16-year-old daughter, also became interested in yoga. She noticed changes not only in her mother’s mood but also in her appearance. Kristina was curious to try different asanas and explore the possibilities of her own body.

But something else turned out to be even more fascinating.

You rush to a class, you’re late, you’re nervous. You burst into the room, and the teacher isn’t there. The teacher walks in twenty minutes later, calm and content, and as if nothing happened, says, “Let’s begin.”

Our yoga teacher was an Indian, and he had a completely different attitude towards time and life. This influenced me. But most importantly, yoga itself triggered internal transformations. I became calmer and more harmonious.

Kristina Bazarnova

Our attention is constantly directed outward: phones, communication with colleagues, friends, and errands. But for these 90 minutes, there is only you and your body. It’s a moment of close connection with yourself. You look inward, ask yourself, “What do I feel?” and listen to your reactions. Yoga brings your attention back to yourself. I think this is the key to why people love yoga so much.

“Sitting in an Empty Room”: How the Yoga Studio Was Born

It was either a coincidence or a call of fate—Kristina still isn’t sure. She had just returned from her studies abroad and one evening, while walking her dog, decided to peek into the room where their old studio used to be. She was curious about what was there now.

She met the new owner of the space, who was rarely there. It turned out the room was empty, and the new owner had no time for it—she was pregnant and wanted to focus solely on her child.

I came home, told my mom everything, and we decided to rent the space and open our own yoga studio. That’s how everything started, so unexpectedly and simply.

The room was already ready, and they quickly found teachers—they had the necessary contacts. The name “PROYOGA” came almost by itself. When friends asked Kristina what the studio would be called, she blurted out, “PROYOGA.” They bought minimal equipment, advertised, and waited for clients.

And for a while, we sat in an empty room. It’s an unforgettable feeling. You sit and wonder if people will come—after all, it’s your first time doing this. But there’s no other way: it takes time for things to get going.

The mother-daughter tandem yielded excellent results. At 19, Kristina dedicated all her time to the studio. She communicated with clients, created a cozy atmosphere, handled all organizational issues, and negotiated with teachers. Sometimes she had to earn respect—not everyone immediately trusted a young girl.

Meanwhile, 40-year-old Irina added status and authority, stepping in to resolve complex issues.

The advantage of doing business with a relative is that no one pulls the blanket over themselves. My mom and I have always been on the same wavelength; my mom is my best friend. It’s easy for us to work together. Of course, we sometimes see things differently and argue. But overall, we make a great team.

The project gradually grew and strengthened. But one day, the owner of the space announced that she was terminating the lease agreement—she wanted to open her own yoga studio there. Kristina reluctantly speaks about this period.

It was the only moment when the thought of giving up flashed through my mind. But it was just a fleeting thought, nothing more.

From Full Houses to Empty Halls: How Everything Stopped at Its Peak

Mother and daughter decided that to prevent this situation from recurring, they would buy the next space. The income from the previous studio was enough for their current lifestyle but not much more. So, Irina became the investor in this story—she used her previously saved money. And she didn’t lose out.

In this studio, we experienced what it’s like when people don’t fit in the classes.

Of course, there were plenty of challenges. For example, the renovation lasted not the planned one month, but almost five. During this time, the teachers “scattered” to other studios. By the opening, everything had to be started from scratch: hiring teachers, advertising, and attracting people. But the established name, experience, enthusiasm, and love for the craft bore fruit.

Kristina and Irina continued to practice themselves and began to master new types of yoga.

Sometimes I hear, “Yoga is not for me.” But then a person attends a different class or tries a different teacher—and they are delighted. Yoga is very diverse. One style is gentle, another is super active, in the third you do everything yourself, and in the fourth, you strictly follow the teacher’s instructions.

Teachers are also different. Here, everything matters: temperament, intensity, and even the tone of voice. I am sure that yoga is suitable for everyone. You just need to find your teacher and your style.

Kristina traveled a lot, getting acquainted with yoga in India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Bali.

Some believe that “authentic” yoga is only found in the East. But this is a misconception. Yoga is indeed different there. The mentality leaves its mark. In that climate, for example, you can’t practice active yoga—it’s simply too hot for that.

By the time yoga reached us, it hadn’t “spoiled.” It adapts to us, but the essence remains the same. I think it’s even more appropriate to practice yoga in your own country. Especially since we now have so many amazing teachers.

Soon, Kristina organized a yoga trip to Bali. It was very successful. To accommodate everyone, she had to leave her villa and rent another place.

Workouts, climate, food, people—everything came together. Everyone became more beautiful, slimmer, and energized. In 12 days, the group became like one family. Two years have passed, and we are still in touch.

Immediately after returning, Kristina began looking for new places for such trips and planning new getaways. The studio in Minsk was also thriving: master classes, seminars, and classes ran from morning to evening. There were no free slots left, but there were still people interested.

And one day, they decided: it was time to expand. They bought another space and started renovations.

And then the pandemic hit. Here—huge hall, there—construction. And at the peak time, only 5 people come.

“Everything is Cyclical”: How Yoga Helps Through Crises

“Maybe it’s also the effect of yoga,” Kristina laughs, “but we didn’t despair. You understand that everything is cyclical. This month is bad, but there will be a good month.”

Yoga changes people. I see it even now.