In a city where life moves fast and stress seems the norm, Elena Gaita offers a refuge in Ixelles. Her yoga studio, 'The House of Yoga', is a place to unwind and reconnect with the essential. Gaita, originally from Rome, has traded the world of European lobbying for a path of serenity.
Fourteen years ago, Gaita came to Brussels for a six-month internship and decided to stay, now initiating the process for Belgian nationality. For ten years, she worked in European affairs at an NGO fighting corruption. To soothe her nerves, she pursued her passion for yoga, leading to her becoming a certified teacher in 2018. She balanced her demanding job with teaching in various Brussels studios until opening her own in 2022 at 14 Rue de la Paix.
The journey to opening was challenging, with administrative hurdles like obtaining a building permit proving difficult. With assistance from Ingrid, an advisor at hub.brussels, and financial support from [finance&invest.brussels] and [Bruxelles Économie et Emploi], the studio became a reality. Despite a tough initial period, word-of-mouth referrals led to a growing clientele and a strong community.
In early 2026, Gaita expanded by opening a second room on the first floor of her Ixelles location. 'The House of Yoga' now boasts twelve instructors and a continuously growing, loyal customer base. Gaita remains committed to the spiritual approach of yoga, maintaining small class sizes of up to twenty people, ensuring a personal welcome for everyone.
“"Plan generously. Very generously, even: keep a margin of at least 20% of your own funds for unforeseen circumstances."
