word on the block is…
Q&A with the Founders:
What Led You to Yoga as a Career?
Jules Karp (left) ♨️
I was lucky to discover my calling as a yoga teacher early in life. I completed my first 200-hour Vinyasa training when I was 18 years old after being introduced to the practice at an Ashram (monastery) in South India. We practiced Sivananda Yoga every morning at 5 am, and I absolutely loved it. Since then, I’ve become well-versed in various yoga lineages—including Bhakti Vinyasa, Power Yoga, and Bikram Yoga. I gained extensive in-studio experience in NYC, Miami, and San Diego and I'm ready to share my vision and values of yoga with our Brooklyn community at the Block.
IG @juleskarp
Ashleigh Bello (right) 🌀
I took my first yoga class in South Korea while working as an English teacher at 22 years old. I learned right away that people don't have to speak the same language to give and receive the gift of yoga, a lesson I always carry with me. My dedication to a consistent practice took root after I moved to Brooklyn. It grounded me in the city and in myself when I was navigating big life changes. Many years later, during the pandemic, I completed my first 200-hour Vinyasa teacher training and never looked back! I've taught in Brooklyn studios for the last 5 years and noticed a need for more inclusive spaces—I'm excited to create the space of my dreams, where diversity is celebrated and a holistic yoga practice is encouraged.
IG: @ashleighbello
Spill the Tea on Construction
At the Block, we believe in transparency (in yoga terms—AKA Sutras—it's called Satya or Truthfulness). So, we're not going to lie... they do not make construction easy in this city for start-ups.
We had high hopes that we'd open in the fall, but winter is fast approaching—we're rolling with the (Department of Buildings) punches and targeting a December 2025 opening date.
Most of the delays we experienced this summer were permit-related. We just had to trust the process and wait. The good news is that the city blessed our project, and now everything is moving fast.
We completed demolition of the former fun-house of a retail store, and we're busy transforming it into your yoga dream haven ( before and afters coming soon). 📸
Completed
🌀 Framed the walls and cafe desk
🌀 Painted a pitch-black ceiling into something more zen
🌀 Installed the plumbing for 5 showers
🌀 Started building our HVAC system so that we can breathe fire in the hot room
Up Next
🌀 Wiring for very cool mood lighting
🌀 Shower and bathroom tiling
🌀 Close the walls and add some doors
🌀 Install fixtures and hot room equipment
🌀 Shopping for furniture, equipment, and decor! Let us know if you need to get rid of things 😉
Take a look inside our construction process, and please keep us in your thoughts. We will share a specific opening date when we're further along.
The Block is Hot and Superstitious
Fun Fact: We signed the lease on March 20, which also happened to be the Spring Equinox 2025, totally unplanned. The Block believes in signs from the universe...
Did you know that our official company name is Spring Affair LLC?
We can't wait to host special classes and events for our members to commemorate that life-changing milestone. Until then, we're excited to share snippets of our music vibe on Spotify. Check out our company theme song.