What happens when two people walk away from the high-pressure world of oil and gas to build a life rooted in community, wellness, and purpose? For Frenny and Andrew, co-owners of Modo Yoga San Diego, the answer was clear: everything changes.
Today, their sunny studio in the heart of Bay Park, San Diego has become a home away from home for thousands of students—but their path here was anything but typical. Their story is one of bold pivots, shared vision, and the transformative power of showing up. We sat down with them to hear how they went from industrial job sites in Alberta to owning one of Southern California’s most welcoming yoga studios—and what advice they have for anyone dreaming of doing the same.
From Burnout to Breakthrough
Before becoming Modo Yoga studio owners, Frenny and Andrew were living a very different life in Edmonton, Alberta. Frenny worked as an electrical engineer, traveling between high-stress sites across oil, gas, and mining. Andrew, a foreman in the scaffolding industry, was managing crews and deadlines under similarly intense pressure.
As the years wore on, so did the toll of their work. “We didn’t have the tools to reset,” says Frenny. “Eventually, the stress started affecting us mentally, emotionally, physically. We knew something had to shift.”
That shift came in the form of a two-year work transfer to Newcastle, Australia. The ocean, sunshine, and laid-back pace of life cracked something open. “We fell in love with coastal living,” says Andrew. “It planted the seed for a new way of life—one built around wellness and balance.”
Falling in Love with the Practice—and the People
Returning to Edmonton, the couple brought their renewed perspective with them. That’s when Frenny stumbled into her first Modo Yoga class—and everything clicked.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” she recalls. “But from the moment I stepped into that warm room, I felt at ease. It was more than a workout—it was a reset.”
Andrew was skeptical at first, but after one class, he was hooked. “I thought yoga was stretching,” he laughs. “But it challenged me physically and helped my body feel better than it had in years.”
Soon, the two were regulars at their local Modo studio, eventually becoming teachers and diving deeper into the community and philosophy that set Modo apart.
Building a Studio, and a Life, Rooted in Purpose
The dream of opening their own studio didn’t come overnight—but it came naturally. “We always had the entrepreneurial itch,” says Frenny. “Once we experienced what Modo offered, we knew we wanted to share it.”
San Diego felt like the perfect place to bring their dream to life. The coastal culture reminded them of Australia, and the city’s wellness-forward energy felt like home.
“Opening a studio was a leap, but not a blind one,” says Andrew. “We brought our strengths—my construction experience and her systems mindset—and leaned on each other every step of the way.”
More Than a Studio: A Space for Community
For Frenny and Andrew, Modo Yoga San Diego isn’t just a business—it’s a community hub.
“To us, community is a feeling,” says Frenny. “We wanted to create a space where people could slow down, move, breathe, and reconnect with themselves.”
And they’ve done just that. Their studio has become a beloved part of the Bay Park neighborhood, even earning recognition as one of San Diego’s best small businesses by both the City Council and the California State Assembly.
But for them, the real wins are personal: watching a nervous first-timer grow into a confident regular, or hearing a student share that yoga helped them through a tough time. “That’s when we know we’re doing something meaningful,” says Frenny.
Why Modo? A Franchise with Heart
Frenny and Andrew didn’t choose Modo Yoga by accident. It was the community’s values—rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and authenticity—that resonated most.
“The Six Pillars aren’t just words on a wall,” says Frenny. “They show up in how classes are taught, how spaces are cleaned, and how people are treated.”
Being part of a franchise gave them the structure and support to grow with confidence, while still allowing them to bring their unique voice to the space. “We’re never alone,” says Andrew. “There’s always someone we can call for advice or inspiration. That makes a huge difference.”
For Aspiring Studio Owners: What It Takes
If you’re thinking about opening a Modo Yoga studio, Frenny has this to say: “This path will stretch you—but in the best way possible. You get to create something that reflects your heart, your values, and your vision for community.”
And while no two journeys look the same, there are some things every successful owner shares: a passion for people, a willingness to learn, and a deep desire to live their values.
“It’s not just about yoga,” adds Andrew. “It’s about creating something that makes a difference. If that lights you up, you’re in the right place.”
Looking Ahead: A Growing Dream
As for what’s next? The dream is just beginning.
“We want to expand,” says Frenny. “We see the potential for more locations in Southern California. There’s a hunger for this kind of space—grounded, welcoming, real.”
Their hope is simple yet powerful: to keep building places that feel like home. “One person, one breath, one class at a time,” says Andrew. “That’s how we make change.”
Inspired by Frenny & Andrew’s Journey?
If their story sparked something in you, we’d love to connect. Modo Yoga is growing across North America—and we’re looking for passionate, heart-led people to grow with us.
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