Thy Monzo’s yoga journey started back in 2004 during her university days in Canada. After walking into her first Ashtanga class, something clicked. The breath, the presence, the connection—she had never felt anything like it. Soon, daily practice became part of her life. She discovered Bikram Yoga not long after, and her love for hot yoga took over. By 2007, she completed her first teacher training—not to start teaching yet, but simply out of deep passion for the practice. That passion kept growing until 2010, when she completed another training and began teaching full time. She moved to Australia in 2012 and continued doing what she loved most—teaching yoga.

Building the Studio

In 2015, she opened her own hot yoga studio. It was exciting, but it came with a reality check. Teaching brought her joy, but running the business drained her. Admin, operations, managing a team—it wasn’t her thing. Still, she kept going. When COVID hit in 2020, she took the chance to rebrand. The studio evolved into something that felt more aligned with who she had become. That same year, she launched her Yoga Teacher Trainings and found a whole new spark. Supporting students in deepening their practice felt deeply fulfilling.

Everything shifted again in 2021 when she became pregnant with twins. Alongside caring for her oldest daughter, she knew it was time to slow down and protect her energy. She tried to sell the studio, but it didn’t pan out. Luckily, new landlords took over the lease and offered a buyout. Closing the studio wasn’t easy, but it was the right decision. Her students understood because they saw her living her yoga, not just teaching it. Today, she has no regrets. The words of a past business coach still echo in her mind—“You can make more money, you can’t make more time.” That clarity has stayed with her ever since.

Lessons I've Learned

Two years after closing the studio, Thy is rebuilding in a way that fits her life now. She ran a retreat recently and reconnected with her community in person. She’s also exploring online teaching, creating an online studio at her own pace. It’s slow, but it’s intentional. She reminds herself that this isn’t a fresh start. It’s a continuation. A new chapter that builds on everything she’s lived and learned.

There are moments when comparison creeps in. But that’s when she returns to her deeper practice—the one beyond the mat. The one that grounds her in trust and reminds her that she’s exactly where she needs to be. Showing up authentically. Serving with purpose.

My Message to Founders

Keep listening to your inner voice and stay true to it.

Keep practising yoga on and off the mat so you can show up for yourself and genuinely serve your community.

Business Takeaways from Yoga Founders Magazine

Move with intention

You don’t need to rush. Go at the pace that aligns with your life.

Live what you teach

Your experience is your foundation. Let it guide your offerings.

Redefine success

Money can be made again. Time with family and inner peace matter just as much.

Stay in your lane

Your students don’t need the trendiest version of you. They need the real one.