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Community Highlights: Meet Core Lab Wellness Melanie Zaid & Viviana Zarruk of Core Lab Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Core Lab Wellness Melanie Zaid & Viviana Zarruk

Hi Core Lab Wellness , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Core Lab Wellness was born out of a simple yet powerful realization: we couldn’t find a yoga and wellness space that felt like home. One evening, as we walked across the Brickell Key bridge after an outdoor yoga class, we talked about how difficult it was to find a studio that was both convenient and aligned with the style of practice we loved. Melanie, a new mom and serial entrepreneur, was navigating the challenges of balancing motherhood and self-care, while Vivi, a corporate marketing director at L’Oréal, was beginning to feel the pull toward something more fulfilling beyond the corporate world. Both of us had been avid yogis for years, but as we prepared to move to Key Biscayne, we kept asking ourselves—where would we find a place to practice that truly felt right?

That conversation turned into an idea, and soon, an opportunity. Rather than waiting for the perfect space to appear, we decided to create it. Without being certified instructors ourselves, we approached Core Lab Wellness from the perspective of devoted practitioners, focusing on what truly mattered: the client experience, the community, and creating an environment where both seasoned and emerging instructors could share their craft.

From day one, Core Lab was designed to be more than just a yoga studio—it’s a sanctuary where well-being is elevated, yet never out of reach. Our thoughtfully curated space is an indulgent escape, designed to inspire balance, beauty, and transformation. Every detail, from the calming scents to the spa-like aesthetics, was chosen with the intention of making each visit feel like an act of self-care.

But at its heart, Core Lab is about community. We believe wellness goes beyond the mat, which is why we offer more than just classes. Today, Core Lab hosts yoga teacher trainings led by world-class instructors, intimate community events with local wellness experts, and immersive workshops on mindfulness, creativity, and self-care. Our annual retreat in Guatemala has become a signature experience, bringing our community together in a breathtaking natural setting to deepen their practice, reset, and reconnect.

At Core Lab Wellness, we believe that well-being is a luxury everyone deserves. It’s not about perfection—it’s about finding balance, embracing both strength and softness, discipline and indulgence. Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, you’ll find a place here.

Because luxury isn’t about what you have—it’s about how you feel.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but it has been a rewarding one. From the very beginning, we were fortunate to be embraced by our community, growing alongside the incredible instructors and clients who make Core Lab what it is today.

One of our biggest challenges has been balancing family life while running a business. Just a few months after opening our doors in August 2022, both of us found out we were pregnant—welcoming our babies just two weeks apart in July 2023. This life-changing moment forced us to rethink how we operated, leading us to build a system of trust, automation, and self-service that empowers both our clients and instructors. Rather than being fully hands-on at all times, we created a model where our community could take ownership of their experience, allowing Core Lab to run seamlessly even when we couldn’t be physically present.

While it was a challenge, it ultimately strengthened our studio’s foundation. We learned that true success isn’t about doing everything ourselves—it’s about creating a space that thrives because of the people in it. Today, Core Lab continues to operate with that same trust-driven model, and we’re grateful to have a community that supports us just as much as we support them.

As you know, we’re big fans of Core Lab Wellness . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Core Lab Wellness is more than a yoga studio—it’s a thoughtfully curated space for movement, connection, and self-care. We specialize in high-quality yoga and fusion classes, community events with local wellness experts, yoga teacher trainings, and immersive retreats, including our annual getaway in Guatemala.

What sets us apart is our focus on experience, community, and balance. We believe in the power of juxtaposition—that two things can be true. Wellness isn’t about extremes; it’s about harmony. You can enjoy a green juice and an espresso martini, embrace both discipline and indulgence, and find strength in both movement and rest.

From spa-like aesthetics to a seamless self-service model, every detail is designed to make well-being feel elevated yet accessible. We’re most proud of the strong, supportive community we’ve built—one where instructors, clients, and wellness enthusiasts come together to grow.

At Core Lab, we redefine self-care. It’s not about perfection; it’s about balance, and we’ve created a space where you can find yours.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
our success is built on flexibility, customer service, innovation, and teamwork.

Flexibility allows us to evolve with our community’s needs, creating a space that feels both dynamic and deeply personal.

Our commitment to exceptional customer service ensures that every client’s experience is seamless, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated.

Innovation drives us to rethink traditional studio models, from our self-service system to the unique blend of classes, workshops, and retreats we offer. And at the heart of it all is teamwork—our incredible instructors, staff, and community coming together to make Core Lab more than just a studio, but a true wellness destination.

Pricing:

  • 1 Unlimited Week classes $65 (Intro Special)

Contact Info:

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