We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elka Almeida . Check out our conversation below.
Elka, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are truly sacred to me. I wake up around 5:30 or 6am and start with a 20-minute meditation to center myself. After meditating, I take a few moments to practice gratitude and repeat affirmations, setting a positive, intentional tone for my day. Then I read at least 10 pages of a spiritual book that will enhances my day and inspires my teachings.
Next, I prepare a light, healthy breakfast and make myself a coffee or cacao, which feels like a nourishing little ritual. I move my body with yoga or some other mindful activity, depending on what I need that day. I also make my partner his coffee, and we always take a moment to hug and kiss each other, grateful for another day together.
My mornings are very sacred to me. I truly believe this is a practice anyone can start to implement into their life, just like brushing your teeth or washing your face. But for me, it never feels like a chore; it’s something deeply special that fills me with joy, presence, and intention. I also don’t check my phone until 8am, so these early hours are dedicated entirely to nurturing my mind, body, spirit, and relationships.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Elka Haeckel, founder of Elka Yoga & Wellness. I’m originally from Bahia, Brazil, and I’ve been immersed in the world of wellness, yoga, and personal transformation for more than two decades. I’ve studied yoga and meditation since 2003, and it’s been the foundation of my life’s work ever since.
I’ve owned and operated two successful yoga and wellness centers in San Diego for over 15 years, creating vibrant communities rooted in healing, connection, and growth. I’m also a certified wellness coach through Harvard Medical School and a life coach trained by Accomplishment Coaching. Over the years, I’ve led countless retreats around the globe and guided more than 300 students through transformative Yoga Teacher Trainings.
What makes my work truly unique is how I blend ancient wisdom, from yoga philosophy, Meditation, Kabbalah, and Clarity Breathwork with modern science and soulful coaching. I don’t just teach techniques; I create sacred spaces where people can heal, awaken, and step into their highest potential.
Right now, I’m especially passionate about empowering women through retreats, mentorship, and life coaching, helping them break free from old patterns, trust their inner wisdom, and courageously live the life they’re meant to lead.
At my core, I believe transformation is not just possible, it’s our birthright. And I feel deeply honored to walk alongside others on this beautiful path of remembering who they truly are.”
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I wasn’t good enough or strong enough to do things on my own, that I needed someone powerful, like my father, to protect and guide me. I came from a very traumatic childhood. At a very young age, I lost my father in a violent tragedy that left a hole in my family’s heart forever. Growing up with a young single mother in a deeply machismo society, I internalized the belief that I didn’t have the power within me.
I went through rebellious teenage years, trying to mask my pain, and by my early twenties, after moving to the U.S. to start over, I found myself trapped in deep depression and anxiety. I was completely disconnected from myself, coping through partying and substances, and although therapy helped, it didn’t heal me.
Then yoga found me, and everything shifted. I began to see myself differently, as a divine being worthy of love. I learned to nurture and truly accept myself.
Today, I no longer believe I am powerless or not enough. My trauma led me to my purpose: teaching yoga, breathwork, meditation, coaching, and holding space for others to heal. I trust myself. That is my daily affirmation. And I’m grateful that what once felt like my deepest wound has become the source of my greatest strength and service.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It is safe. You are not broken. You are so strong. And everything you need is already inside of you. Trust that one day you’ll see how all of this pain is shaping you into the incredible, loving, and powerful woman you’re meant to become.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I deeply admire my partner, not for any position of power, but for the incredible strength of his character. He is one of the most authentic, kind, generous, and brilliant people I’ve ever known, and every day I feel grateful to share my life with him.
What I admire most is that he doesn’t judge others. He’s real. Even though he’s a scientist and not what many would label ‘spiritual,’ that’s exactly what makes him so special to me. Because to me, spirituality isn’t about labels or rituals; it’s about who you are at your core, your integrity, compassion, and the way you move through the world.
Some people go to church every Sunday yet live out of alignment with what they preach. Pablo, on the other hand, embodies true goodness and humility without ever trying to prove anything. He’s one of my greatest teachers, my best friend, and the love of my life. I feel truly blessed to walk this journey with him.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
fI I were to lay down my name, my roles, and all my possessions, what would remain is the purest truth of who I am, my essence, which can never be taken from me. It is the unwavering authenticity of a soul unafraid to be real, to love wholeheartedly, and to live with an open heart. It is my willingness to show my feelings and stand in my vulnerability, trusting that this is where true connection is born. And it is my compassion, an innate tenderness toward others that sees beyond masks and honors the sacred in every being. Stripped of everything else, this is who I am at my core, and it is more than enough
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: @elkayoga
- Linkedin: Elka haeckel
- Facebook: Elka Haeckel
- Yelp: Elka Yoga
- Youtube: Elka Youga
Image Credits
photo by @camilabadrophoto
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