“I was definitely guilty of micromanaging, I thought that’s what being a good leader looked like”
This week’s Founder Friday feature takes us inside the story of Nova Rosaia, founder of Warrior One Yoga, and how a personal craving for balance sparked a movement in Melbourne’s wellness scene.
From burnout to boldness, Nova’s journey is one of quiet reinvention, a reminder that powerful things often grow from life’s most vulnerable moments. A decade ago, Nova Rosaia wasn’t just searching for a career shift, she was looking for something more honest, more aligned, more real. Burned out from years of intense strength training and craving a way to reconnect with her body, she and her then-husband found their way to the mat.
What started as a personal journey to rebuild physically and emotionally soon became the seed of something much bigger. That seed grew into Warrior One Yoga, now a premium wellness brand with three light-filled, coastal studios across Melbourne in Brighton, Mordialloc, and Mornington.
But for Nova, Warrior One was never simply about movement. From day one, it was a vision rooted in sanctuary. She imagined a space where people could land gently and leave stronger. “Being a warrior is about showing up strong, grounded, and present, on your mat and in your life.”
The name Warrior One Yoga came from the iconic pose, but for Nova, it carried something deeper: an energy of presence, courage, and clarity. That energy is now woven into every element of the brand. From the minimalist design to its intentionally gender-neutral tone, Warrior One defied the soft stereotypes often associated with yoga. “We wanted to create something that felt inclusive and powerful. Something gender-neutral that could stand strong for years to come. Ten years on, I still love the name. It feels bold, clear, and totally aligned with who we are.”
From just making it work to making it matter
“I said yes before I felt ready. I backed myself, even when it was scary.”
Like many founders, Nova’s early definition of success was simple: keep the doors open. Pay the bills. Get people in the room. But over time, that definition expanded. “Now, success is about impact. How are we contributing to the yoga space? How are we challenging the norms and creating something lasting?”
That lasting impact is evident. More than a decade in, Warrior One has weathered the fitness fads, endured a global pandemic, and stayed grounded through change. Many students who rolled out their mats on day one are still showing up years later. Nova is the first to admit it wasn’t easy. But it was worth it. “I said yes before I felt ready. I backed myself, even when it was scary. And I surrounded myself with incredible people who believed in the vision and were willing to build it with me.”
Then came the ultimate stress test: Melbourne’s relentless COVID lockdowns. With over a year of forced closures, the very concept of community had to evolve overnight. “It was one of the hardest times. Over 365 days of forced closure. But giving up wasn’t an option.” Nova and her team moved quickly, launching online classes and finding new ways to stay connected with their community. “Our community reminded us we weren’t just a business, we were a lifeline.” It’s a testament to the emotional infrastructure Warrior One had quietly been building all along.
Learning how to lead without holding on too tight
In the early days, Nova tried to do it all. Like many entrepreneurs, she equated leadership with control. “I was definitely guilty of micromanaging, I thought that’s what being a good leader looked like. But over time, I’ve learned that real leadership is about trust. Now, it means showing up with honesty, clarity, and heart. It means creating space for others to lead, too.”
That evolution has helped Warrior One thrive not just as a brand, but as a business that doesn’t depend on Nova’s daily presence. “I’ve also come to really value feedback. I want to keep growing, and I know that being a strong leader means listening, learning, and constantly evolving.” That growth mindset is more than just philosophy, it’s the reason Warrior One is still growing, even after ten years.
A practice that became a passport to transformation
Though Warrior One is best known for its beautiful, fluid classes in Vinyasa, Slow Flow, and Yin, it’s the immersive experiences that often leave the biggest impact. From luxe weekend retreats to teacher training and international escapes, the brand has expanded into something far beyond a traditional studio.
“People leave these experiences saying they feel like a new person. It’s not just the movement, it’s the connection. That’s what truly sticks.” Whether it’s a sun-drenched retreat on the Mornington Peninsula or a soul-resetting journey to India or Thailand, Warrior One has become known for creating spaces where people come home to themselves.
Looking ahead with heart and ambition
Growth didn’t happen because we got everything right, it happened because we made bold decisions, took real risks, and kept showing up no matter what.
With three thriving studios, a deeply connected team, and a growing global retreat calendar, Nova is turning her focus outward to growth, to scale, to bigger impact. “I’m passionate about creating more community events, big scale events that bring people together, inspire them, and amplify the Warrior One mission. Running overseas retreats is also a big passion of mine, and I can’t wait to offer more of these life-changing experiences in new locations. It’s all about deepening our impact locally and beyond, continuing to create a space where people can connect, grow, and thrive.”
And to any founder wondering if they’re ready? Nova leaves them with this: “Growth didn’t happen because we got everything right, it happened because we made bold decisions, took real risks, and kept showing up no matter what. We stayed committed to our values, backed our team, and kept moving forward even when things were uncertain. That’s what made the growth possible.”
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