From professional athletics to yoga teacher and studio founder, Karolína Smreková's journey has been shaped by a search for balance, community, and wholehearted practice. What began with years of teaching in studios eventually led her to a beautiful old apartment in Bratislava, Slovakia, that instantly felt like home. Following Space By Karla’s recent Manduka Studio Equipment Giveaway win, we spoke with Karla about building a studio that belongs to everyone and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
How did yoga first become part of your life?
When I was a child, both of my parents practiced yoga in one form or another. My mum was passionate about Ashtanga yoga, and my father's heart belonged to Nepal and India. I started practicing asanas when I was around 14 as an additional activity alongside my professional track-and-field career. When I decided to step away from professional sport, I found myself searching for something meaningful-something where there is no winning or losing. That is where I truly found myself through yoga.
I think teaching is in my blood. My mum is a German language teacher, and I am a PE and English teacher, so teaching yoga came quite naturally to me.
I do not see myself as a "studio owner." In fact, I have never really seen myself in that role. Space By Karla is not just my studio-it is a space created and shaped by everyone who walks through its doors. In many ways, it belongs to all of us.
Who has had the biggest influence on your practice over the years?
All of the teachers I have met throughout my 14-year journey of practicing different forms of yoga have profoundly influenced both me and my practice. I have had the privilege of learning from many incredible teachers around the world.
Not all of them have been yoga teachers. I consider my parents, friends, colleagues, university lecturers, and even ordinary people whom I may not know personally to be my teachers. When your eyes are open, a teacher can be anyone-sometimes even my dog.
When it comes to asana practice, however, I honestly feel that I spent a long time searching for "my teacher." I deeply admire many teachers with decades of dedicated practice, but this year I met Petri Räisanen, and something simply clicked. For the first time, I felt certain that this was the path and the approach I wanted to follow.
Petri's kindness, humility, and loving approach to Ashtanga yoga are truly one of a kind.
What did winning the Manduka Studio Equipment Giveaway mean for Space By Karla and your community?
Winning the diveaway was truly an amazing moment for our studio. I felt incredibly grateful, not only because of the beautiful equipment we received, but because it felt like recognition of everything our community has been building together. Space has never been just a physical studio to me; it is a place where people come to connect, grow, and support one another. This giveaway has helped us create an even more welcoming and comfortable environment for our students. The new equipment has elevated the experience for everyone who walks into the space, allowing us to better support our community and their practice. More than anything, this opportunity reminded me how fortunate I am to be surrounded by such wonderful people. The giveaway may have been awarded to the studio, but in my eyes, it belongs to the entire Space community.
How did Space By Karla come to life, and what makes it feel so special to you?
Space By Karla is a place to be. It is a House of the Rising Sun, where you can Come as you are and Nothing else matters. If you feel like I have just used three song titles to describe the studio, you are absolutely right.
Space is my whole heart-not because of the physical space itself, but because of the community that fills it. I never dreamed of having a yoga studio. For years, I taught yoga in various studios and gyms, but then I came across this place. The moment I saw this beautiful old apartment with its soul and character, I was sold.
Space By Karla is a living, breathing, and ever-evolving organism, a place where people feel safe to share their stories, connect with one another, and simply be themselves.
What intention sits at the heart of Space?
I would not say that I have a particular vision. Everything around Space has evolved very naturally. However, if I were to describe the intention behind everything I try to do, it would be the mantra Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu-may all beings everywhere be happy and free.
I created Space as a place where everyone can feel welcome, happy, and free to be themselves.
How would you describe the feeling of walking into your studio?
The feeling is true, fresh and honest.
What can students expect to experience when they practice at Space?
We offer Vinyasa flow, Ashtanga - both led class and mysore style, Yin Yoga and many other workshops focused on philosophy, kirtans, yoga for beginners, etc.
Since introducing the Manduka PRO Lite Yoga Mat, what differences have you and your community noticed?
What we love most about the Manduka equipment, and especially the PRO Lite mats, is the quality. In a world where so many things are made to be replaced, it is refreshing to use equipment that is built to last. The mats feel incredibly durable, and you can tell they are designed for years of practice, not just a season. Our community also appreciates how easy they are to clean and maintain, which is essential in a busy studio environment. At the same time, the PRO Lite mats are lightweight enough to carry around comfortably, making them a great choice for both studio and home practice. For me personally, yoga is a lifelong journey, and I love that these mats reflect the same philosophy. They are reliable, supportive, and made to accompany practitioners for many years. The quality speaks for itself, and our students noticed the difference from the very first practice.
What are you most excited to see as Space continues to grow?
Seeing the community grow and witnessing yoga do its work on us. I truly wish everyone could experience the transformative power of yoga when it is practiced with a whole heart.
What message would you like to leave with the Manduka community?
I just want to say: practice, and all is coming.
Yoga comes with discipline, but it should also be infused with a touch of kindness and compassion toward ourselves. Keep searching for that balance in this crazy thing called life.
Space by Karla x Manduka Playlist
Practice a Dynamic Yoga Flow with Karla
Join Karla for a 40-minute dynamic yoga flow designed to build strength throughout the entire body. Focusing on the legs, arms, and core, this energizing practice combines mindful movement with breath to develop stability, endurance, and balance. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or build functional strength, this class will leave you feeling grounded, empowered, and energized.
Connect with Space By Karla
Instagram: @spacebykarla
Location: Vajnorská 7, 831 03 Bratislava, Slovakia
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