THE BLACK WOMEN'S YOGA COLLECTIVE

Today we'd like to introduce you to The Black Women’s Yoga Collective (BWYC), a community organization dedicated to increasing accessibility to wellness for Black and brown communities. They’re also dedicated to increasing representation for Black women in wellness spaces. Founded in Crenshaw in 2018 BWYC offers free and affordable in-person classes and events, virtual programming, and digital wellness resources. If you believe that everyone deserves access to wellness and support Black women, we invite you to become a part of the community! @blackwomensyogacoBlackwomensyogaco.com

 Get to know the spirited group of women behind the Black Women's Yoga Collective, and let them inspire you through their relationship with yoga and movement.

MEL DOUGLAS (@meldouglasyoga) 

Tell us about how creating/being a part of a wellness community has changed your life 

Forming and being a part of the Black Women’s Yoga Collective has been an incredible, life changing experience. Getting to do what I love surrounded and supported by this community has created so much beautiful energy in my life. I see so much more joyful possibility in each moment because of this community.

How did you come to Yoga? 

I actually found yoga at a gym in Crenshaw. I was looking to spice up my gym routine and had no idea I would find one of my life’s great passions. I quickly fell in love with the practice, canceled my gym membership, and started going to studios. 

How do you stay connected to your intention through movement?

I focus on funding movement that feels good in my body, instead of focusing on what things look like or what it should look like. When I connect with finding movement that feels good in my body I’m able to flow with and honor however I am in each moment.

 What do you look for in the perfect yoga/movement outfit? What do you wear to chill in?

The perfect movement outfit is fitted but not too tight with breathable fabric that feels good on the skin. I don’t have to worry about adjusting it a bunch while I move because it stays in place. And it makes me feel super cute! To chill, I love cozy matching sets. Honestly, so glad sweatsuits are having their big style moment because I’m living in them!

What messages do you want to share?

I would encourage everyone to do so much less! We get convinced that we have to hustle hard and work 24/7 to be successful. But rest creates so much more energy for success and joyful expansion in our lives. 

Tell us about how creating/being a part of a wellness community has changed your life 

Being a part of the black wellness community has really opened me up into sharing more of myself. More love, more life! I hadn’t realized how important it was for my community to just see me living free and happy.. that realization always brings me back to focus.

How did you come to Yoga? 

I ended up with really bad back problems after giving birth to my 2nd son.. I chose to do yoga everyday to heal my back & it truly became my place of peace. A breath of my own after building my family.

How do you stay connected to your intention through movement?

I journal before I move.. immediately before I move, to dump my thoughts & set up a goal (intention/mantra) before I begin moving.. that way I have a point of reference & can focus on what I want.

 What do you look for in the perfect yoga/movement outfit? What do you wear to chill in?

Comfort first!!! Dryness second!!! I’m a sweat pants and cropped sweat shirt type of chill.

What messages do you want to share?

Share love!! Be love!! Live love!! Love love!!

DREW (@bodybendyoga) 

How did you come to Yoga? 

I found yoga in middle school. I got a DVD in my McDonald’s salad and tried yoga for the first time. I found free classes in high school and a yoga clothing stroe down the street. Never looked back... that was over 11 years ago.

How do you stay connected to your intention through movement?

Hahaha I don’t, I continue to refocus as many times as needed. It's a practice and I’m gentle with myself. I honor whatever version shows up and some days are easier than others.

 What do you look for in the perfect yoga/movement outfit? What do you wear to chill in?

The perfect yoga movement outfit is snug but not tight. Hugs your body without restriction, there is no baggy materials getting in the way. Things that don’t crease or roll when you move to take nice yoga photos. Honestly, Electric & Rose has the perfect yoga pants.

What messages do you want to share?

The message I want to share is everything in the whole world is made up by people, you are well within your right to make stuff up at any time. You don’t need permission to exist in ways that make you happy.

How did you come to Yoga? 

I found yoga my senior year of college and initially it was just as a form of fitness. 

 WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN THE PERFECT YOGA/MOVEMENT OUTFIT? WHAT DO YOU WEAR TO CHILL IN?

When I search for fitness outfits I look for fashion & function. Meaning am I going to look cute in it and will I be able to get in a good workout without having to worry about things rolling down or falling out. 

What messages do you want to share?

I want people to finally understand that healthy looks different on different bodies. And we have to stop judging people by their outward appearance.