Koula Ruggeri

Founder

With over 18 years of experience in Australia’s health and fitness industry, my journey has been shaped by a passion for movement, a commitment to excellence, and a deep understanding of people.

I began my leadership career in the beauty and retail space, managing teams of up to 20 for the global cosmetic powerhouse Estée Lauder. It was there that I discovered my love for cultivating strong teams, delivering exceptional service, and creating elevated customer experiences.

In 2006, I followed my passion into the health and wellness space, joining Sydney’s Elixr Health Clubs as Club Manager across two key locations. It was a pivotal shift, one that allowed me to align my lifestyle, values and professional strengths. In 2008, I stepped into a national BDM role for a women’s health club chain, however soon after returned to Elixr. The sense of community, aligned values and authenticity of the club was something I couldn’t walk away from.

Today, I’m proud to lead KĀYA alongside my husband and business partner, Christian.

KĀYA was born from a shared vision: to create a premium wellness destination that blends mind and body disciplines within beautifully curated spaces.

At KĀYA, I focus on what I value most – empowering people. Whether through team development, staff training or member experience, I strive to foster a culture of professionalism, warmth and integrity. I believe deeply in supporting our teams to grow with confidence and purpose, ensuring our members feel truly seen, supported, and cared for.