In our latest installment of People in the Flow, we shine the spotlight on Asha Michibata, a yoga teacher and entrepreneur who left the high-paced fashion industry to follow her passion for mindful movement and community.
From teaching yoga in Thailand to founding Ruma Yoga in Malaysia, Asha shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery, resilience, and spreading positivity through yoga.
What initially drew you into practicing yoga?
I started my first yoga class in a fitness gym. While I didn’t connect with the teacher, I was immediately drawn to the movement and how it made me feel. Intrigued, I began self-teaching through YouTube videos and exploring yoga on my own for a few years.
How has yoga influenced your life beyond the physical aspect?
Yoga has profoundly shaped my character and habits. It has transformed how I think and react to situations. For example, I’ve become much more patient when dealing with people, which has made a big difference in my daily interactions.
What inspired you to become a yoga teacher?
It was a “take the leap of faith” moment for me. I quit my corporate job to travel and search for peace and happiness. Along the way, I met so many inspiring people who motivated me to step into teaching yoga myself.
What did you do before becoming a yoga teacher? What was the moment like when you decided to take the leap?
Before yoga, I worked in the fashion industry—a world of tight deadlines, sales targets, and endless events. It was exhausting.
One evening, sitting on my balcony and staring at the stars, I realized I wanted to wake up excited to go to work. That moment marked the beginning of my journey to finding purpose and fulfillment through yoga.
Tell us more about Ruma Yoga. What makes it unique?
After completing my Hatha Yoga Teacher training in India, I started teaching in Thailand and lived there for six years before opening my studio. When the pandemic hit, I returned to Malaysia and began teaching online for friends and family.
In 2020, I founded Ruma Yoga without knowing where it would lead. Over time, it has evolved into a thriving fitness community. As a community, we don’t have a physical studio—we teach anywhere and everywhere. Collaborations with major studios and brands have helped us grow.
What makes Ruma Yoga unique is our philosophy: we are all students, here to learn and support each other rather than compete. My teaching style is about doing what feels good for your body—making yoga accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
What challenges have you faced while building the community? How have you overcome them?
One major challenge is accommodating the schedules of 9-to-5 workers who form a significant part of our community. It’s frustrating when people can’t attend despite our efforts. To address this, I’ve introduced guest instructors and diverse events to keep the offerings fresh and engaging.
What are the most rewarding aspects of being a yoga teacher and entrepreneur?
The most fulfilling part is hearing how yoga has changed or improved someone’s life. Knowing that I’ve made a positive impact makes all the challenges worthwhile.
What’s something about being a yoga teacher that surprised you?
I started teaching in 2015, and what surprised me most is how yoga has transformed from a collection of individuals to a close-knit community. These individuals have formed friendships and relationships, creating a beautiful support network.
How do you balance your energy and time between business, health, relationships, and daily life?
Planning ahead is essential. It’s not easy, but with proper organization, I manage to juggle all aspects of my life.
What advice would you give to someone hesitant to try yoga?
Take that leap of faith because everyone starts as a beginner. Yoga is for everyone, and the journey is worth it.
What do you do when you’re not teaching?
I love traveling and creating content, which takes up a lot of my time.
What are your thoughts on the yoga industry and community in Malaysia?
I believe the industry needs more support and acknowledgment from the government. As a community, we could do better by organizing more events that bring people together and foster collaboration.
What’s next for you in the next 3-5 years?
I’d love to own a studio and continue building a supportive and inclusive yoga community.
What advice do you have for aspiring yoga teachers and entrepreneurs?
Build your character first and be passionate about what you do. Good work ethics and persistence are key. There will be bumps along the way, but things will eventually fall into place if you stay committed.
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That’s a wrap! Do you have a favorite yoga teacher or entrepreneur in the industry? We'd love to hear about them! Send us their names here or via Instagram DM so we can spotlight the incredible individuals shaping the yoga community.
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