Today we’d like to introduce you to Yagmur Griffin.
Hi Yagmur, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I earned my degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin, where my passion for wellness started. During my time in undergrad, I discovered heated fitness classes and quickly fell in love with not just with the workouts themselves, but how great they made me feel afterward.
After graduating, I moved to Houston and began my career in marketing. Though I loved my work, I had always felt a strong entrepreneurial pull and knew I eventually wanted to create something of my own in the wellness space. Over time, I found myself missing the style of heated classes I had grown to love in Austin. My professional goals, combined with my selfish desire for these classes in Houston, led me to explore opening a studio in Houston myself.
Ritual One originally opened in Dallas, and while they are not a franchise, I had admired the brand and unique classes for some time. I decided to reach out, and what followed truly felt like kismet between me and my two business partners, ultimately leading to a seamless partnership to bring Ritual One to Houston.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any business, the first year came with its share of challenges. While Ritual One had been established in Dallas for several years, bringing the concept to a new market like Houston required a period of adjustment and a willingness to learn through trial and error. One of the biggest obstacles was finding and training instructors, not only for our opening, but as the studio began to grow more quickly than anticipated. Our training process is intentionally rigorous and takes time, and there were moments when that timeline felt at odds with the pace of growth. I was fortunate to find an incredible group of opening instructors who believed in the brand early on and helped establish trust and credibility in Houston. From there, it became much easier to attract and develop the level of talent needed to continue scaling thoughtfully.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Ritual One Houston specializes in a range of infrared-heated fitness classes including Power Sculpt, R1 Hot Pilates, R1 Strength, and Power Vinyasa. Each method ranges in intensity and caters to different fitness and personal goals, but all of them take place in a very thoughtfully designed studio and are led by extremely talented instructors.
The studio rooms are equipped with infrared panels that distribute heat evenly, an ionization system that keeps air purified and clean, and antimicrobial, shock-absorbent floors to reinforce low-impact workouts that drive results.
Our instructors are not only certified in each of their formats, but also trained in our signature Ritual One teaching method to deliver a consistent, elevated experience in every class.
What I’m most proud is the community we’ve built through focusing on culture and a top notch experience. Signing up for a new workout class can be intimidating, especially when classes are marketed as athletic and musically driven. My team has been able to maintain the high caliber of intensity that the brand is known for, while still welcoming new clients and building relationships with existing ones who choose to trust us with their workouts each day. This approach has created a strong sense of community where clients feel connected not just to the class, but to the space and the people in it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://houston.ritualoneyoga.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ritualonehtx
Image Credits
Hunter Hanks with Silverstreet Media
