13 Jun From Burnout to Boldness: Nova Rosaia’s Journey to Warrior One Yoga

Ten years ago, Nova Rosaia wasn’t just searching for a career change — she was looking for something real. Something that felt aligned, grounding, and honest. After years of intense strength training and burnout, she stepped onto the mat seeking a new rhythm. What she found was the beginning of Warrior One Yoga.

What started as a personal healing journey quickly grew into a powerful movement. Today, Warrior One Yoga is a thriving wellness brand with three light-filled studios in Brighton, Mordialloc, and Mornington. But from the very beginning, Nova’s vision was clear: to create a sanctuary. A space where people could land gently and leave stronger.

“Being a warrior is about showing up strong, grounded, and present — on your mat and in your life.”

The name Warrior One Yoga came from the iconic pose, but it held deeper meaning for Nova: presence, courage, and clarity. That energy flows through everything we do — from our inclusive, minimalist studio design to our intentionally gender-neutral brand voice. Ten years on, that original spark still lights the way.

Redefining Success

Like many founders, Nova’s first goal was simple: keep the doors open. But over time, that definition of success evolved.

“Now, success is about impact. How are we contributing to the yoga space? How are we challenging the norms and creating something lasting?”

And lasting it is. Warrior One has grown through fads, changes, and a global pandemic. Our students — many of whom have been with us since day one — are a testament to the strength of our community.

During Melbourne’s long COVID lockdowns, Warrior One became more than just a studio. We adapted, launching online classes and staying deeply connected with our tribe. That time reminded us of something powerful: yoga isn’t just movement — it’s a lifeline.

Learning to Lead with Heart

In the early days, Nova wore all the hats — and like many entrepreneurs, thought that was the mark of a good leader.

“I was definitely guilty of micromanaging. But over time, I’ve learned that real leadership is about trust. Now, it means showing up with honesty, clarity, and heart.”

This evolution in leadership helped Warrior One grow beyond Nova’s daily presence. It became a true team effort — a community led with intention, feedback, and shared growth.

A Practice That Transforms

While Warrior One is known for its strong and fluid yoga classes — from Vinyasa and Slow Flow to Yin — it’s our deeper experiences that leave a lasting mark. Our luxe weekend retreats, teacher training, and international escapes have become a powerful part of the Warrior One story.

“People leave our retreats saying they feel like a new person. It’s not just the movement — it’s the connection.”

Whether it’s a soul-resetting journey to India or a weekend on the Mornington Peninsula, we hold space for people to come home to themselves.

Looking Ahead

Today, Nova is focused on growth, scale, and deepening our impact.

“I’m passionate about creating more community events, big-scale moments that inspire people and amplify the Warrior One mission. We want to continue expanding — locally and globally — and keep creating spaces for people to connect, grow, and thrive.”

Her advice for other founders?

“Growth didn’t happen because we got everything right. It happened because we made bold decisions, took real risks, and kept showing up — even when it was uncertain.”

Originally published by Dynamic Business
Reposted/Repurposed with permission.