Community Highlights: Meet Sosha Vongdara of House of Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sosha Vongdara.

Hi Sosha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey in wellness almost nine years ago when I discovered Pilates through Samantha on Sex and the City while I was in college. At the time, I was simply looking for a way to move my body, during fashion school but I quickly realized it was doing much more was giving me mental clarity, confidence, and healing while being a full-time student and working full-time. As I continued my personal practice, I noticed something that stayed with me in most studios, I was often the only Black woman in the room. That feeling of being unseen and unsupported planted the seed for House of Wellness.

I wanted to create a space where women, especially Black women and women of color, could feel safe, included, and empowered in their wellness journey. House of Wellness started small, with just mat classes in a shared studio with an oil paint artist and has grown into a community-centered studio that offers both reformer and mat Pilates, community events, and even a growing wellness collective.

It hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges have shaped the vision into what it is today which is a space built on representation, empowerment, and the belief that wellness truly belongs to everyone.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road whatsoever, but I guess that’s the beauty of the journey, right? Starting a wellness business/studio means wearing all the hats! That’s teacher, marketer, social media manager, accountant, even the contractor at times! There were times when classes were reealllllyyy small (1-3 people infact), or I questioned if people would really connect with my vision.

But those bumps taught me so much. They pushed me to be creative, pray for God’s will for the business, and to lean on community. I’ve learned to laugh through the hiccups, learning to celebrate the little wins, and remember why I started. Every challenge has shaped HOW into what it is today, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
House of Wellness is more than just a Pilates studio, it’s a community. We specialize in mat and reformer Pilates, but at our core, we’re about creating an inclusive and accessible wellness space where Black women and women of color feel truly seen, supported, and celebrated.

We’re known for our warm, community-first vibe. Our classes are intentionally small so that everyone feels cared for, and we host events that go beyond movement, things like wellness walks, community gatherings, and pop-ups that bring people together outside of the studio. I always say our community extends outside our physical four walls.

What sets us apart is representation. In an industry where many don’t feel they belong, HOW was built to change that narrative. We’re creating a space where everyone feels welcome, but where Black women in particular don’t have to question if they’ll be included, they just are.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that HOW has quickly become a home. Most of our classes are full or waitlisted, not just because of Pilates, but because people want to be part of something bigger. Our community is what makes HOW special, and that’s what I want readers to know: whether you’re brand new to Pilates or have been moving for years, there’s a place for you here.

What are your plans for the future?
The future of HOW is really exciting! We’re currently expanding our offerings beyond just Pilates into a full wellness experience. We just launched The House Collective (our sliding scale membership) where everyone has a seat at our table, no matter your financial status. This will evolve into a one-stop space for mind, body, and soul care.

We’re also growing physically. We recently expanded into a bigger studio with reformers, and that’s opened up so many possibilities for classes, private sessions, and events. Looking ahead, we’d love to open a second location, host retreats, and collaborate with other wellness brands.

At the heart of it, though, our goal stays the same; to make wellness more inclusive and accessible. Every step we take from a new class to a new program is about making sure our community feels supported and represented. The growth is exciting, but the community will always be the why.

Pricing:

• Drop-in Classes: $15 for mat, $28 for reformer
• Unlimited Membership: $115/month (mat)
• The House Collective (Sliding Scale Membership): Inquire to Join
• Private + Group Events: custom pricing available (perfect for girls’ nights, wellness gatherings, or bachelorette parties)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.houseofwellnesshq.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofwellnesshq
• Other: https://app.arketa.co/houseofwellness