Nestled in East Fort Lauderdale, in the beautiful Victoria Park neighborhood, ZenVida

Yoga & Fitness Studio is more than a business—it’s a family’s dream brought to life.

Located in the Gateway Shopping Center, this inviting sanctuary was co-created by

Mariaelena Ferrer, her husband Guillermo Willy Gomez, and their daughter Laura

Maria Weiss. Together, they’ve built a space rooted in healing, community, and

transformation.

Mariaelena and Willy’s journey began in Havana, Cuba, where they were both born

before immigrating to the United States as infants. Willy grew up in South Florida and

graduated from the University of Miami. Mariaelena, on the other hand, grew up in

Houston, Texas, before moving to South Florida in the 1980s, where she attended

Miami Dade College and began building her career in banking.

Their daughter, Laura Maria, was born and raised in Broward County, embodying the

vibrant energy and community spirit of the area. A certified yoga instructor and graduate

of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Molecular Microbiology, Laura has

brought her passion for wellness and science into the heart of ZenVida.

When naming their studio, the family wanted something that embodied peace,

mindfulness, and their cultural roots. The word Zen reflects a state of calm, balance,

and mindfulness — a foundational principle of the studio’s offerings. Vida, meaning “life”

in Spanish, honors Mariaelena and Willy’s Cuban heritage and adds a personal touch to

the name. Together, ZenVida symbolizes a mindful, balanced life, which is at the heart

of their vision for the studio.

A year ago, Mariaelena made the bold decision to leave her 34-year banking career to

pursue her lifelong dream of opening a holistic healing yoga studio. With Laura by her

side, they combined their passions to bring ZenVida to life.

Laura, also the founder of Moonlab Alchemy Herbal Apothecary, added her unique

touch through natural wellness products, including non-toxic perfume rollers, mat

cleaner, and specialty teas, which are sold in ZenVida’s boutique. Together, the family envisioned a sanctuary offering yoga, meditation, sound healing, breathwork, infrared

heat therapy, sauna and cold plunge sessions, and transformative workshops.

“We spent countless hours writing our business and marketing plan,” Mariaelena

recalls. “I still remember tears streaming down our faces as we imagined creating a

space that would be welcoming, safe, and accessible to all.”

The journey to opening ZenVida wasn’t without its challenges. Mariaelena’s familiarity

with East Fort Lauderdale and the Victoria Park community — where she worked for

many years as a private banker — led her to a space in the Gateway Shopping Center.

“It wasn’t love at first sight,” Mariaelena admits. “But there was something about the

energy of the space that drew me in.” After navigating financial and logistical hurdles,

eight months of renovations transformed the once-unassuming site into a vibrant,

healing sanctuary.

Since their soft opening, ZenVida has steadily grown, with a vision to serve every

household in the area. From prenatal offerings for expectant mothers to longevity-

focused classes for older adults, ZenVida is a space for all ages and stages of life.

“Our goal is to make a net positive difference in people’s lives,” Mariaelena shares. “The

mindfulness and physical practices we offer are designed to heal, empower, and uplift.”

A defining feature of ZenVida is its carefully curated team of instructors. Each teacher

brings their unique skills and style, creating classes that are as distinct as they are

transformative.

“We don’t micromanage our instructors’ teachings — that’s where the magic happens,”

Mariaelena explains. “Clients notice the thoughtfulness and individuality, and their

glowing reviews fuel our passion to keep growing.”

Running a business comes with its hurdles, from limited resources to spreading

awareness, but Mariaelena and her family are undeterred. They plan to connect with the

community directly, walking the neighborhood to share flyers and invitations to

experience the “ZenVida difference.”

Despite the challenges, Mariaelena finds her new path deeply fulfilling. “Even the worst

day at the studio is better than the best day in my previous career,” she says. “The

energy of the space and the healing we provide to every person who walks through our

doors — it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of.”

This family has always been deeply rooted in community service. Mariaelena has

served on boards for organizations like Hispanic Unity, Boys & Girls Club, and the Royal

Dames of Cancer Research, while Willy has been involved with Make-A-Wish, Big

Brothers Big Sisters, and the Miami Museum of Science. Their entrepreneurial spirit and

resilience reflect a family ethos of never giving up and constantly innovating.

ZenVida Yoga & Fitness Studio is more than a yoga shala — it’s a testament to

community, resilience, and the power of a dream realized. Guided by yogic principles

like the Yamas and Niyamas, the studio is a place where both clients and team

members are treated with genuine care, respect, and compassion. Whether you’re seeking connection, healing, or simply a moment of peace, ZenVida is here to hold space for you.

1924 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Phone: (754) 200-6228

IG: zenvidayoga

As a yoga practitioner for over a decade, I have struggled to find a yoga studio that challenges me both physically and spiritually. Every studio in the Fort Lauderdale area fell short - they all seemed to have the same flow with little variation or thought. At ZenVida, you will receive authentic and dynamic styles of yoga, meditation and self-discovery. ZenVida is a well-rounded, non-scripted format for all yogis, regardless of where they are in their journey. They have it all: sound healing, breath work, meditation, yin, kundalini, hatha, raja, sculpt, vinyasa and hot yoga. If you're looking for a great studio with positive energy, ZenVida is your shala. Namaste.

-- Emily, a ZenVida Client