We had the good fortune of connecting with Frani Assaf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frani, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Who I surround myself with, within my business and personal life. I want people who lift me up and also call me out when needed. Community has been vital to my success and the longevity of the yoga studio. The SweatBox has always strived to be a diverse and inclusive community. This diversity has guided my decisions during pandemic closures and BLM protests, as well as kept us afloat while we were closed for 6 months during 2020.

Our focus on community is why students seek us out and have been practicing with us since 2001. Our teachers are the face of this community, which is why I am very specific with who I hire and making sure my staff reflect the diversity of the community.
I feel incredibly honored and supported to have so many smart, kind and talented people in my life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own one of the oldest hot yoga studios in Seattle. We were founded in 2001 by a queer woman and her business partner, who had been in rock bands most of her life. These two women wanted to create a space for spiritual and physical discovery in the city’s gay neighborhood and center of nightlife and music, focusing on two groups who normally would not have access to yoga. I bought the studio in 2019, after teaching and managing the studio for 16 years. I helped grow this community into a very diverse and welcoming space for ALL. Our mission has always been to cultivate and nurture a supportive environment for students of all practice levels who value health, wellness and community. As such, our offerings support physical, emotional and spiritual growth for all students by teaching with open minds and open hearts.
I am most proud of the diversity of our student body and their commitment to community. We offer a free Yoga for BIPOC class the last Sunday of every month. We have sponsored clothes drives every winter, raised money to support Real Rent Duwamish (Seattle occupies Duwamish land) several times a year and donated profits to Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and Doctors Without Borders.
Our community believes that Yoga is more than just asana/postures, but how we move through the world. As we study the 8 Limbs of Yoga and work towards Samadhi/liberation, we understand that our liberation is tied to each other. I am proud of the dedication and compassion of my SweatBox community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Pike Place Market is a must – all the smells and colors of the vendors are breathtaking, as is the view of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound at sunset. Dinner at the Pink Door or Place Pigalle and a show at the Can-Can.

Capitol Hill – I love my neighborhood! We have the best coffee in the city between Caffe Vita and Wunderground (mushroom coffee) and SOOO many great restaurants – Spinasse, Kedai Makan, Mamnoon, Bar Melusine, Frankie & Jo’s vegan ice cream, Life on Mars and Plum Bistro (vegan), Skillet (brunch), Ba Bar, Stateside, Bar Rumba.

I would hit a show at Neumos and grab a cocktail at Gemini Room or Life on Mars (has an extensive mocktail menu). Also a must to see OG venues where bands like Nirvana played at The Comet and Barboza.
We have great shops – Retail Therapy is my go-to for the best cards and gifts, Retrofit for interestng homegoods, Likelihood for the rare and best sneaker selection. For that extra special occasion, Lisa Marie Couture. The best kids boutique is Bootyland+Two Owls.

I would also hit up Volunteer Park on the top of Capitol Hill for the Asian Art Museum…my favorite in the city. We have so many wonderful museums and galleries all over the city, including SAM, The Frye and Burke on the UW campus.

A favorite of all my friends/famiily who visit is to take a ferry to Bainbridge or Vashon Island and do some beach combing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Christopher Assaf. He has been supportive every step of the way in my yoga journey as practitioner, teacher, manager, director and owner. He always has my back and steps in often to remind me how brave and capable I am.

Website: www.sweatboxyoga.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweatboxyoga/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSQyKJ2YxcgLMp1_F_TzUSA

Image Credits
Frank Correa

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