From Practice to Purpose: The Story Behind Darman Yoga & Wellness
When I first stepped onto my mat years ago, I didn’t know it would change my life. Yoga became more than movement—it was a mirror, a teacher, a space where I could just be. The impact it had on my life was profound, and slowly, a quiet dream began to grow: to create a space where others could experience that same transformation in their own way.
That dream became Darman Yoga & Wellness.
I envisioned a studio that felt like a soft landing. A place where people could come exactly as they are and feel accepted, supported, and safe—especially those seeking healing in ways that fall outside the “traditional” mold.
As both a yoga teacher and a public health researcher, I’ve always seen the value in both worlds—the spiritual and the scientific. But too often, yoga spaces lean too heavily in one direction. I wanted to create a space where Eastern philosophy and Western evidence-based practices could exist in harmony. Where people could learn about their subtle bodies and also feel grounded in anatomy, trauma-awareness, and nervous system regulation. Darman was born from the belief that both approaches are sacred.
The name Darman reflects that vision. In Armenian, it means “remedy” or “healing.” It’s a word that connects deeply to my heritage and who I am. This space is a reflection of my culture, my path, and my purpose—to offer healing for the mind, body, and soul.
The process of building the studio wasn’t easy. I was working full-time, consulting on multiple public health projects, and trying to write a business plan at night. Every wall color, every piece of decor, every brushstroke took time and intention. But I wouldn’t have made it through without the love and support of my partner—my rock throughout this entire journey.
Opening the doors brought a wave of emotions. I felt excited, anxious, hopeful—and guided. I leaned on my intuition and trusted my spirit guides to lead me where I was meant to go. I’ve been told that when people walk into Darman, they feel peace, calm, and surrender. That’s exactly what I hoped for.
Through this journey, my own practice has transformed. I used to gravitate toward fast-paced flows—something that matched my high pitta energy and Type A personality. But I’ve come to realize that peace doesn’t live in movement alone. It lives in stillness, in breath, in silence.
Creating Darman has been just as much an inward journey as it has been an external one. I’ve had to let go of perfectionism, quiet the inner critic, and trust the process. It reminded me that healing isn’t something we force—it’s something we allow.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I can’t wait to welcome you into the space.
In gratitude,
Naré Nazaryan, MA, RYT
Founder, Darman Yoga & Wellness
