small business saturday yoga series
December 10, 2020
But make it ~every~ Saturday!!!
I think this year more than ever we are reminded of the absolute hustle that small business owners crush and the endless hurdles they have to jump in order to provide us all with quality work that comes from their heart and soul -- otherwise they definitely wouldn't be fighting daily to climb that mountain.
Like many of us, I have really been striving to redirect my attention and investments away from big corporations/chains and into small businesses where I can (which honestly I am realizing is possible in most corners of life). And so, every Saturday class for the month of November and continuing into the month of December we have been spotlighting a creative small business!
For this Small Business Saturday Yoga Series, yogis have registered for a 60 minutes vinyasa class for $20 via zoom and left with a $10 discount code to the feature small business. We've gone from artists to fashion to herbal magic and will continue to new directions later in December! (yeeeeee!!!)
((I realize there is no way for you to really feel this without hearing the sound of my voice but shhhheeeeesh I am/have been absolutely giddy over this series))
In this series, we have put some incredible & creative small businesses and independent artists in the spotlight whose work and missions align with all that I hope to elevate and offer in my community spaces- I continue to be so blown away by the creations that exist and the hearts behind them.
To walk down memory lane here are some of the small businesses that were a part of this series and some links to where you can access their work in case it aligns with something you've been seeking.
Artist, Rocky Cotard
(so damn cool in general and his art embodies that)
Growing up in Haiti, my mother instilled in me a passion for fashion. I fostered a love for combining colors careless for how I am perceived but rather allowing what's within to come out. In many ways clothing is my first sense of expression. I hope the colors and designs I have come up with can be a support in your finding your expression. Rocky Cotard
Find his work here: https://www.rockycotard.com/shop
Artist, Jade Tantillo
(absolute sweet angel of a human and fierce/female-empowering creative)
My style of art is ever-evolving. Many of my pieces are tantalizing and suggestive, whether socially or politically. It's my goal to create a clear, consistent, and recognizable style that drives inspiration into others' minds. Jade Tantillo
Find her work here: https://www.jadetantillo.com/prints
Fashion, White Denim Boutique by Natalie Puentes
(independent fashion & woman owned-- a personal fav of mine because it is so so cool to see family chase their dreams)
Fashion has always been a passion of mine & I have always had this dream of opening my own boutique. I wanted to offer trendy and affordable clothing & accessories for women. A few months ago I decided to follow my dreams and open up my dream business. Natalie Puentes, owner and creator of White Denim Boutique
Find her boutique here: https://whitedenimboutique.com
Plant Magic, Sacred Smoke Herbals
(the offerings that this shop provide are one of the cornerstones of my practice and peace... I trust and lean hard on their magic to help me create new sequencing, playlists, and intentions each month and even more so it helps me to be in the right headspace to hold meaningful space for other yogis joining me in practice, movement, and connection. Truly, I can't say enough good things.)
Made by hand & heart with intention. Sacred Smoke Herbals, a woman-owned shop, is a collection of plant spirit offerings handcrafted by women and sourced with the intention of honoring Mama Earth, elevating your rituals, soothing the mind + body + soul, and supporting everyday magick through transformation & connection. Because for millennia people + cultures have called on the spirit of plants. Andrea, owner of Sacred Smoke Herbals
Find the magic here: https://sacredsmokeherbals.com
A lil side note: I am suuuuper pumped for these next ones because as I continue to let my heart lead my practice (and life) always into a more progressive, ethical, sustainable, and accessible love for people and the planet... I was led to these next two offerings:
Sustainable Fashion, Purusha People
(A women-owned, etsy shop turned business, hand-made & ethically-made sustainable yoga wear. And it doesn't end there...Purusha People announce on their site, "Our brand is a small one, but we are honored to give back. A portion of proceeds goes to sponsoring 2 children and their villages in Africa through worldvision.org." I just recently discovered this small business and the more I learn about them, the more I absolutely love their work.)
I still felt like I had something to offer. My desire to create and share just would not go away. There was nothing to lose anymore because I didn’t really have anything. Pat asked me one broke ass summer day, what is meaningful to you? Immediately I said it was to make something beautiful. What’s beautiful? Clothing that is authentic, inspired by nature, conscious, ethical, sustainable. Clothing like I used to make, the epitome of what yoga is in a material form. Hayley, owner and creator of Purusha People
Find her work here: https://purushapeople.com/?ref=yogawithkellywatt
(and!! as a yoga teacher ambassador for this inspiring brand, I'm pumped YOU can receive 10% off by following this link or using the code: KELLYWATT)
And then to round up this blog, we will end with a bigger (but still big-hearted) business shout out that aligns with the heart of the work I am hoping to elevate this series, and hopefully you will find serves your personal practice if you or someone you know are on the market for some yoga products.
Eco-friendly Yoga Products, JadeYoga
(I feel so sentimental about this one...the first mat I ever bought myself when I really felt connected to yoga for the first time in a deep new way -in 2014!! sheeesh time flies- was a JadeYoga mat. Their Travel Mat has literally traveled the world with me, from NY to New Zealand, Hawaii, Australia, Copenhagen, Sweden, Paris, and soooo many other places. Traveling and yoga are two of my favorite ways to stay connected to my self and my peace- so what a freaking amazing thing to get both at the same time and connect with my own practice and see yoga studios around the world with my travel mat-which is an easy fit into my carry-on backpack straps!)
(p.s. I also 'taught' my first ever yoga class, not certified & just passionate lolol, to my sweet sweet friend Irenee on the beachy and magical shores of Kona, Hawaii at the start of our study abroad trip through the south pacific in 2015 on this travel mat....okay end my own personal sentimental rant....let's check out their stuff)
Jade is committed to making the world’s best performing, most environmentally friendly yoga products and giving back to the earth with every product sold...made right, natural rubber is both the most eco-friendly and best performing yoga mat you can get. We are committed to giving back to the earth with every product sold. We want to leave the earth a better place than when we found it. As Jade mats come from trees, we decided to give back by planting a tree for every mat sold. And since 2006, through our partnership with Trees for the Future, we have done just that, planting over One Million trees so far. Through our “Community Partners” program we also try to help out many very special people and organizations trying to bring yoga to those who might benefit from it, but might not otherwise have a chance to try - from schools to prisons and from hospitals to shelters. JadeYoga
Find their shop here: https://bit.ly/2K6fnI6
I realize this year has been particularly challenging for many of us-- & especially financially as unemployment spikes and businesses are continually closing throughout this pandemic. So, if you find yourself in a position to be able to support small and meaningful businesses at this point in the year, or know someone who is looking for different businesses to support, this is for you!
Please feel free to shout out other small, creative, and meaningful businesses that have your heart and support in the comments of this post. For me, this is just the start of finding a way to make my life and my practice more meaningful by elevating and spotlighting others who are out there making absolute magic, following their dreams & passions, and perpetuating goodness in this world.
As always, sending you all of the appreciation and love and wishing you safety, health, peace, and fulfillment for the rest of 2020 and into this new year. Until next time <3
