In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, West Hollywood stands out as a hub of innovation and trendsetting fitness concepts. Amidst this vibrant scene, Evoken Wellness Studio has carved out its own niche, offering a transformative approach that goes beyond the physical. As the studio celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, founder Janina Washington reflects on an incredible journey of growth, perseverance, and community building.
“I launched Evoken because Pilates changed my life—it transformed my body and mindset, and I wanted to create a space where others could have that same experience,” Janina shared. Raised in the UK, Janina relocated to Los Angeles in 2010 to continue her already flourishing modeling and acting career. Impressively, she juggled her busy schedule to open and operate Evoken, creating a studio that redefines what a wellness space can be. “The studio is designed to be a sanctuary where you can connect with your breath, relax, and feel challenged but never defeated. It’s about mind-body connection and creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.”
Located at 1105 N. Hayworth Ave, Evoken’s elegant and intimate space is designed to be more than just a place to work out, it’s a place to unwind. Classes include pilates, yoga, and sound bath meditations, and more recently, the addition of the new wellness suite. Offering advanced recovery services such as contrast therapy, infrared saunas, and cold plunge baths, with the addition of the private wellness suite, Evoken is a one-stop destination that caters to the holistic needs of its clients, combining fitness with elements of relaxation and mental wellness.
Evoken’s success can be attributed to its holistic approach, something Janina is particularly proud of. “We don’t just focus on fitness; we focus on creating an entire experience,” she explained. “From the moment you walk in, the energy is different—it’s warm, welcoming, and uplifting. We always have a beautiful aroma and thoughtfully curated playlists.” Clients have responded enthusiastically to this unique blend of physical and mental wellness, as evidenced by the studio’s staggering achievement of over 11,000 five-star reviews in its first year.
This rapid success has spurred interest from around the world. “We’ve received requests from clients to expand to cities like New York, London, and even Mexico City,” Janina revealed. Such demand has influenced Evoken’s long-term strategy as the studio looks to extend its footprint beyond Los Angeles. “Knowing there’s such demand in these hotspots has influenced our long-term plans for expansion.”
As Evoken enters its second year, Janina and her team are focused on expanding their services to include offerings such as lymphatic drainage massages, IV treatments, and launching exclusive wellness retreats. “We’re excited to introduce more wellness-focused services,” Janina shared. “Having just launched our new wellness suite, it’s an incredible addition for those looking to incorporate recovery into their routine.”
Despite its impressive growth, Evoken’s journey hasn’t been easy . “The first year wasn’t without challenges,” Janina admitted. “Coming from a background of financial hardship, I had to rely on personal loans from friends. There were days where I wore ten different hats, handling everything from customer service to event planning. But the support of my team, our amazing instructors, and my partner made it all worthwhile. It truly does take a village.” The experience has taught Janina the importance of resilience and adaptability, qualities that have become the backbone of Evoken’s brand identity.
The studio’s one-year anniversary celebration on October 5th was a testament to this sense of community. The exclusive VIP event featured live music by DJ Tess, a cocktail and mocktail bar, tarot readings, and raffle prizes. Specialty gift bags, curated through exclusive brand collaborations with Link x Lou, Four Sigmatic, Koa Life, BOMANI, Nialaya, Zero Proof, and more, added a touch of luxury to the evening. Red Carpet arrivals kicked off the event, setting the tone for a memorable night of celebration and connection.
“Our first year has been an incredible journey,” Janina shared. “Seeing the impact we’ve made over the past year and hearing the heartfelt feedback from our clients has been the ultimate success. We’ve built a strong community, and I’m beyond grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our clients and partners.”
As Evoken moves forward, Janina’s vision remains clear: to continue building a wellness space that nurtures both body and mind, while expanding its influence to new locations. With her focus on innovation, community, and holistic health, Janina Washington is poised to become a leader in the wellness industry as Evoken’s growing success has proven… she’s setting new standards for what a fitness studio experience can be.
Written in partnership with Tom White.
