Beauty Boss: Cleo Vo-Dai, Founder of IMA Yoga, Shares Her Top Mindfulness Practices, How to Build a Strong Community, and More
Cleo Vo-Dai.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Cleo Vo-Dai, yoga instructor and Founder of IMA Yoga—a Miami-based studio that offers heated yoga, pilates, and movement classes. A Montreal native, Vo-Dai has been a resident of Miami since 2008 and originally opened her yoga studio under the name Modo Yogo Miami Beach in 2017 as a passion project alongside her successful public relations and international marketing career, in addition to traveling the world with Cirque du Soleil.
In 2024, Vo-Dai made the decision to branch off from Modo Yogo as part of her natural evolution, which led to the opening of IMA Yoga. She has hand-picked a team of top instructors in the industry, who each have a minimum of 500 hours of training with multiple certifications across various styles and disciplines rooted in personal practice.
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IMA Yoga’s client roster includes A-list celebrities like Adriana Lima, and clients are drawn to the studio’s range of accessible classes that are challenging, healthy, and fun. Available for all levels, from beginners to advanced yogis, IMA Yoga classes include hot yoga and pilates to build heat and strength, Vinyasa Flow to focus on fluid movement, Yin Yoga to encourage deep stretching and stillness, Power Yoga to strength the body and mind, and specialized options such as Prenatal and Restorative Yoga for tailored support and relaxation.
Vo-Dai and IMA Yoga are dedicated to offering a place where every student can find balance, strength, and inner peace, in addition to encouraging mindful practice and supporting personal growth in a serene environment. We chatted with Vo-Dai who shared her favorite beauty and wellness tips, secrets for success, best advice, and much more.
When was IMA Yoga founded and what’s the meaning behind the name?
I opened the studio seven years ago under the name of Modo Yoga Miami Beach—Modo being my home studio in Montreal. The same week the studio opened, I gave birth to my daughter Colette and became a mother for the first time. Needless to say, it was a very difficult week, but when the time came to become an independent studio, the name IMA ("mother" in Hebrew and Arabic, "being present" in German, and "now" in Japanese) was a natural fit.
What inspired you to open a yoga studio?
Miami felt like a paradise when I moved here from Canada, and I wanted to contribute something to the community. The studio became not only a great place to take classes, but also an amazing place to meet great people in Miami.
IMA Yoga is based in Miami, Florida and offers heated yoga, pilates, and movement classes.
Where is your studio located?
We are located in Sunset Harbor in Miami Beach.
What classes do you offer? What’s your most popular?
We offer infrared yoga classes, hot pilates, sculpt, and movement classes. Honestly, all the classes are very popular, from Power Flow to Soundbath & Yin. I would say that Creative Movement by Ashli Katz is one of our most unique offerings. The first part of the class is energetic, fun dancing followed by yoga and breathwork.
What do clients love about coming to IMA Yoga?
Students often refer to IMA Yoga as a studio that feels like home. Our instructors are truly the best of the best (honestly), and people love coming for the classes and staying for the tea.
Future plans?
We will soon launch our signature clothing brand, and we are about to announce our second location.
IMA Yoga’s client roster includes A-list celebrities like Adriana Lima, and clients are drawn to the studio’s range of accessible classes that are challenging, healthy, and fun.
What are your top mindfulness practices?
Practice daily yoga and movement.
Cold plunge twice weekly for two minutes.
One hour without phone per day.
During my yoga meditation, I like to pay attention to the things I can be grateful for.
Nourish the body with excellent, nutritious, and healthy food.
What are your favorite sustainable beauty products?
I love the Tata Harper skincare line; it is organic and scented with essential oils that make you feel like you just left the spa. I also love the face oil from Agent Nateur and Tatcha, a Japanese lip care product.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by so many people in my community who balance family and career without sacrificing their commitment to their own personal development.
In addition to having a successful public relations and international marketing career, Vo-Dai also traveled the world with Cirque du Soleil.
Secret to success?
Be authentic and do what you love so you won't be counting the hours you put in.
Beauty secrets?
Happiness is the number one ingredient for beauty, and stress is the worst enemy. Do whatever is needed to avoid stress.
Wellness tip?
Make yourself a priority. Your daily practice is as important as a doctor's appointment.
How do you like to relax?
I like to share tea with my friends after class or a glass of red wine. I also love a good night of dancing.
For more information about IMA Yoga, visit the website and follow on Instagram: @imayogastudio
[Images courtesy of Cleo Vo-Dai & IMA Yoga]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk