As a woman who professed that I could never be a yogi or an entrepreneur, this is the most 2020 turn of events ever! 💕
I became a yoga instructor during a pandemic and created a business from the ground up. As I'm typing this, I'm still in shock on how this has turned out. Trying on these new caps has been challenging for me - but if you know me, you know that I'm up to the challenge.
I'd love for you to get to know a bit more about my babyyyyy, my brand, Yoga and Mahogany!
Yoga and Mahogany is a lifestyle brand for the modern, melanin-filled yogi. Fusing together issues about equity and education with a journey of style and self-discovery, Yoga and Mahogany is an oasis for revolutionary wellness.
The Yoga and Mahogany platform rests on four pillars of engagement: Assessment, Affirmation, Authenticity, and Aesthetics.
1. Assessment
I want to make Western yoga as diverse and inclusive as possible. Utilizing nearly a decade of experience as a civil rights attorney, anti-racist, activist, and diversity thought leader, I will be offering equity and climate assessments for yoga teachers and studios who want to provide the most inclusive spaces for their students. Normalizing wellness as a necessity for marginalized people is my first priority.
2. Affirmation
I want to affirm bodies traditionally seen outside of the stereotypical yogi ideal. I will provide body affirming and trauma-informed yoga classes, meditations, and journal prompts, for all, particularly stylized for Black women and femmes.
3. Authenticity
I want to share this incredible, winding journey with as many people as possible. Vulnerability is my super power, and I aspire to share my ups and downs as a new teacher and a forever student of yoga. My trials and tribulations will all be documented on my blog. I also will interview and feature other incredible yogis who are inspiring radical change in yoga on and off the mat.
4. Aesthetics
I want all yogis, but particularly marginalized yogis, to look fly while on the mat! The revolution will be a whole vibe. My Yoga and Mahogany apparel, accessories, art, and home goods are all hand designed by me! Vibrant and colorful, my yoga store will be an evolving door of items that spark joy and inspire greatness.
That's "all" for now :)