When Emma Petersen set out to create Yokigali, she wasn’t just opening another business, she was designing an experience. “I wanted to create a space where people could eat healthy, exercise, and sleep really well,” she says. And that vision has blossomed into a unique three-in-one hub that serves both locals and travelers alike.
At Yokigali, visitors can start their day at the café, savoring wholesome meals crafted to fuel both body and mind. Then, they can move into the yoga studio, stretching and centering themselves in a space designed for focus and calm. Finally, they can retreat to the BnB, a cozy spot for rest and rejuvenation. “It’s a three-in-one experience,” Emma explains, “for our local community and for travelers.”
The Challenge of Juggling Three Businesses
Running a business like Yokigali isn’t without its challenges. “The hardest thing is the sheer number of moving parts,” Emma admits. Coordinating staff across three very different operations, the café, the yoga studio, and the BnB, can be daunting. Yet she credits her team of talented people with keeping the vision alive. “It’s doable, especially when you surround yourself with the right team,” she says.
Keeping Payments Simple
From the very beginning, Emma wanted Yokigali to be cashless. But the realities of running a multi-faceted business meant that wasn’t always possible. For many visitors, cash remains their primary means of payment. This is where Pesapal comes in. By integrating a reliable payment solution, Yokigali ensures that transactions are seamless, whether guests are local patrons or travelers who haven’t yet acquired local currency. “Having Pesapal was crucial,” Emma notes. “It lets our guests focus on their experience, not on how the transaction is going to take place.”
At its core, Yokigali is about more than food, fitness, or a good night’s sleep. It’s about creating a space where wellness is effortless, where convenience meets care, and where every visitor leaves feeling a little lighter, a little healthier, and a little more connected to the vibrant heart of Kigali.
