Soul of Yoga Celebrates 25 Years in Encinitas

The yoga institute marks two and a half decades of instruction and community gathering in the Encinitas area.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Health and Wellness

Gouache-painted illustration of a serene, empty yoga studio with sunlight streaming through linen curtains, reflecting a peaceful community wellness space. — The Soul of Yoga studio in Encinitas celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, marking a legacy of community wellness and professional instruction. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Soul of Yoga, a cornerstone of the Encinitas wellness community, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. Since its inception, the studio has expanded from its origins to offer extensive teacher training and academic programs.

Why it matters

The studio prioritizes sharing resources and fostering community connections over purely profit-driven models. This approach has helped the institute become a local hub for both recreational practitioners and professional yoga instructors.

The studio has trained more than 1,500 yoga teachers throughout its history. It maintains a consistent 200-hour teacher training program as part of its core curriculum.

The players

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly is a co-founder of The Soul Center which eventually evolved into the current studio.

Trisha Kelly

Trisha Kelly co-founded The Soul Center with Tom Kelly in 2001.

Ryan Stanley

Ryan Stanley is the current owner of the studio who purchased the business in 2017.

The details

Founded as The Soul Center in 2001 by Tom and Trisha Kelly, the business rebranded to Soul of Yoga in 2003 after moving into a larger commercial space. Current owner Ryan Stanley, who purchased the studio in 2017, continues to offer eclectic styles rather than adhering to a single lineage.

The Soul Center was founded in 2001.
The studio moved into a commercial space and rebranded in 2003.
Ryan Stanley was introduced to the studio in 2010.
Ryan Stanley purchased the studio in 2017.
The 25th anniversary celebration takes place in 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The collaboration with the California Institute for Human Science demonstrates the trend of merging holistic wellness with formal accredited study. This positions the studio as both a community space and an academic institution within the competitive wellness sector.

Students can enroll in the 200-hour teacher training program or pursue a master of arts degree in internal health. These programs are designed for practitioners looking to professionalize their practice through the institute's established academic pathways.

The takeaway

Maintaining a focus on community gathering allows small wellness businesses to thrive over long periods. Residents interested in deep study can look toward established programs that combine traditional yoga instruction with higher education opportunities.