Meet Janina Washington | Founder of Evoken Studio

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

Hi Janina, how do you think about risk?
Q1: Risk-taking — how do you think about risk, and what role has it played in your life and career?

Risk is the heartbeat of everything I’ve built. From the outside, it might look like confidence — but really, it’s been a practice of moving forward despite the uncertainty. I don’t wait to feel 100% ready, because I know that moment never really comes. Instead, I listen to my gut, take the leap, and trust that the net will appear — and when it doesn’t? I learn. Quickly.

Opening Evoken Studio was a massive risk — financially, emotionally, spiritually. There were moments where it would’ve been easier to play it safe, to wait for more “proof” or more resources. But I believe in putting things out there before they’re perfect. That’s how you magnetize support. That’s how momentum begins.

I’m still very hands-on — I do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work myself, and I’ve had to learn to ask for help (something I’m still getting better at). But what I’ve seen time and time again is that when your intentions are good, the universe meets you halfway. People you never expected will show up to support you.

So to me, risk isn’t something to fear — it’s the price of creating something meaningful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always identified as an artist. Whether it’s through movement, storytelling, design, or building something from scratch—I thrive on creating. (Maybe it’s the Gemini in me) but I’m not someone who sits still for long. Life feels too short not to explore every part of yourself.

My path has never been linear. Acting was my first love, and I’ve dabbled in modeling and other creative projects over the years. But the throughline has always been expression—finding ways to connect, elevate, and inspire. That’s what led me to build Evoken: a wellness space I personally wanted to walk into every day. What began as a vision for a Pilates studio quickly evolved into a full wellness hub—Reformer and Mat Pilates, Yoga, Soundbaths, Breathwork, and in-house massage—all in the heart of West Hollywood.

We now offer online classes to serve our national and international clients, and have completed our first full teacher training program—with more coming this year. Watching new instructors grow within the Evoken way has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey. We’re also preparing for future expansion into other major cities.

I’m someone who constantly craves growth. I get bored easily, so I channel that restlessness into new learning—whether it’s running a business, leading a team, or even getting my pilot’s license. I think what sets me apart is that I don’t limit myself. I follow the pull, and I move. And if I don’t see something that exists yet, I build it.

If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that Evoken is more than a studio—it’s a living, breathing expression of possibility. And we’re just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d lean all the way into the things I love most—movement, good coffee, vegan food, a little wine, or a spicy margarita…and a lot of spontaneity.

We’d start the mornings slow—maybe coffee from Maru, followed by a class at Evoken (obviously) move, reset, and vibe – also who doesn’t love a Pilates session. After that, it’s wide open: maybe a long lunch at Gracias Madre…

One day we’d drive to Malibu—take in the coastline, eat at Malibu Farm, Another day we’d head to Ojai for slow desert energy, crystal shopping, and maybe a vegan pizza at Hip Vegan.
If we’re in full nature mode, we’ll escape to Big Bear or Palm Springs depending on the season we’d hit the slopes or lay by the pool!
And if we’re really feeling wild, we might cross the border and spend a day in Tijuana—tacos, tequila, art, and a little adventure energy.

Honestly, if you give me a little more time and I complete my pilot license, I’ll just fly us around instead.

My version of L.A. is equal parts grounding and expansive. It’s about finding beauty in the in-between—where wellness, creativity, and freedom all meet.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While I’ve led the vision behind Evoken, I definitely haven’t done it alone. A few close friends believed in me from the very beginning. I had an amazing landlord who supported the concept, a partner who held space for me behind the scenes, and a team of instructors and practitioners who continue to breathe life into the studio every day.

It’s taken a small but powerful circle to help bring this dream to life — and I’m incredibly grateful for each of them.

Website: https://www.evoken.co

Instagram: https://Evoken.co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janina-washington-43b84118b

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/evoken-studio-west-hollywood

Other: https://evoken.uscreen.io/pages/home

Image Credits
Katie Mcghie photographer