Every studio begins with a story. For Monica, it started with a yoga practice that transformed the way she viewed her body and gradually grew into a vision for a different kind of studio. Inspired by the belief that everyone deserves to feel welcome, she created LX Portal in Lisbon, Portugal, a bright and welcoming space where yoga feels approachable from the very first class. We spoke with Monica about her journey from student to studio founder, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why building community has always been at the heart of her vision.
Can you introduce the studio and share how the idea first came to life?
When I first started practicing yoga in Lisbon, I struggled to find a studio that felt bright, welcoming, and simple. Many spaces felt dark, crowded, or intimidating. I wanted to create a peaceful oasis filled with natural light and plants, where people instantly feel at ease. More than anything, I wanted a studio with a genuine sense of community, where people feel seen, welcomed, known by name, and never intimidated.
Before opening the studio, what was your own journey with yoga and teaching, and how did it lead to creating this space?
I started practicing yoga to help manage back pain from scoliosis. I wasn't particularly sporty or flexible, so I wasn't sure yoga was for me. In my very first class, the teacher said something that stayed with me: yoga isn't about how you look or how advanced you are. It's about listening to your body without judgment. That completely changed my perspective. I realized you don't need to be flexible, spiritual, or have everything figured out to benefit from yoga. Over the years, yoga became a way to build strength and improve my health at my own pace, and I wanted to create a space where anyone could experience that same feeling.
Can you tell us about the journey from the first idea to opening day?
Finding the right space was by far the biggest challenge. I visited countless spaces that felt dark or cramped before walking into our current home. The natural light, high ceilings, beautiful archway, and neighborhood immediately felt right. We intentionally keep class sizes small so everyone has room to move and breathe comfortably. Once we found the space, everything else came together surprisingly quickly. My background is in project management, so bringing the vision to life was one of the most enjoyable parts of the journey.
Was there anything you thought would be easy that turned out to be much more challenging, or vice versa?
One of the biggest surprises was how international our community became. Many of our students are expats, Erasmus students, or digital nomads staying in Lisbon for just a few months. It can be bittersweet when people move on, but it's incredibly rewarding to know the studio became part of their Lisbon experience. We've embraced that rhythm, welcoming everyone, whether they're here for a week, a month, or forever.
Every studio develops its own identity over time. How did you decide what classes to offer and what you wanted your studio to be known for?
As our community grew, so did our schedule. We started with a single all-levels vinyasa class and have expanded to include Power Yoga, Sculpt, Barre, Mat Pilates, and Candlelight Flow. All of our classes are taught in English, creating a welcoming space for Lisbon's international community as well as locals. While every class offers something different, they all share the same philosophy: combining movement with mindfulness in a way that feels approachable. We love showing people that yoga doesn't require you to fit a certain mold. You don't have to be flexible, spiritual, or experienced to belong here—you just have to show up.
Building the right teaching team is an important part of a studio. What qualities do you look for in new teachers?
The most important quality is kindness. I look for instructors with genuine warmth, curiosity, and a desire to help people. Our team truly cares about their students and love introducing people to yoga, not just leading a sequence. Many of our members are trying yoga for the very first time. Our teachers do an amazing job of making people feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. We want everyone to feel that yoga is for them, regardless of their experience, flexibility, or fitness level.
What is one part of running a studio that people rarely see but takes a lot of care behind the scenes?
Running a studio is a bit like hosting a dinner party every day. There are countless little details, from preparing the space and caring for all our plants to scheduling classes and making sure every guest has a wonderful experience. Then there's everything behind the scenes, like marketing and operations. The biggest challenge is balancing all those moving parts while keeping the experience effortless for our students.
If you could go back to opening day, what is one piece of advice you'd give yourself?
I'd remind myself not to avoid something simply because it's unfamiliar. There are so many incredible tools and resources available today, and almost anything can be learned with patience and curiosity. It's not so different from yoga. You don't master a pose on the first try, but you improve by showing up consistently.
What advice would you give to teachers who dream of opening their own studio one day?
Start by building a community before you build a studio. Spend time teaching, hosting events, and getting to know the people you hope to serve. Listen to what they need, and think about the unique value you can bring. When your decisions are guided by your community, everything else becomes much more meaningful.
Take a class at LX Portal Yoga
Manduka x LX Portal Yoga Playlist
Connect with LX Portal Yoga
Website: lxportal.pt
Instagram: @lx_portal
Yoga Styles Offered: All-Levels Vinyasa, Power Yoga (Vinyasa), Candlelight Flow (Slow Flow, Restorative), Mat Pilates, Sculpt, and Barre.
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