Welcome to another exciting feature on the Wild Bluebell Homestead blog, where we shine a spotlight on the talented crafters and small business owners who make our collective community so vibrant and unique. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Emily, the innovative mind behind Zenful Yoga, a local business that’s making waves with its eco-friendly cork yoga mats. As part of our ongoing series to get to know the artisans and entrepreneurs in our midst, Emily shares her journey, inspirations, and the sustainable ethos that drives Zenful Yoga. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast or simply passionate about supporting local, eco-conscious businesses, this interview is sure to inspire. Don’t forget to follow Zenful Yoga on Instagram to stay updated on their latest offerings!
What motivated you to start Zenful Yoga, specializing in eco-friendly cork yoga mats?
During Vancouver’s fourth covid19 wave, I realized the need for a sustainable and health-conscious alternative to traditional yoga mats. My old PVC yoga mat was not only falling apart but also harmful to both health and the environment. This discovery led me to research eco-friendly options, and I was intrigued by cork yoga mats, popular in Portugal but not readily available in Canada. I started Zenful Yoga to fill this gap in the market, aiming to provide high-quality, environmentally friendly yoga products.
How do your cork yoga mats stand out from traditional options?
Our cork yoga mats at Zenful Yoga are a blend of renewable cork and natural rubber, making them a sustainable alternative to synthetic mats. They offer a naturally good grip that improves with moisture, are antimicrobial, and contain no toxic chemicals. This combination not only benefits the environment but also enhances the yoga experience. Moreover, we ensure our mats are FSC™ certified, reflecting our commitment to preserving forest ecosystems.
Can you elaborate on the eco-friendly aspects of cork harvesting for your mats?
The cork used in our mats is sustainably harvested from cork oak trees in Portugal. In this process, we only remove the outermost layer of cork, ensuring the trees are not harmed. Paired with eco-friendly natural rubber, our materials avoid the use of harmful plastics like PVC and TPE, making our mats both biodegradable and environmentally responsible.
What can you tell us about the durability and environmental impact of your yoga mats?
Our cork yoga mats are incredibly durable. For instance, one of our mats used in a local yoga studio has withstood approximately 2,125 sessions. This longevity greatly reduces the frequency of replacing yoga mats, thus diminishing waste. Additionally, at the end of their lifecycle, our mats are biodegradable, ensuring they are earth-friendly even as waste.
Who would benefit most from using your cork yoga mats?
Our mats are suitable for all yoga enthusiasts, whether they are beginners or experienced practitioners. They are particularly ideal for hot yoga due to their moisture-absorbing and non-slip properties. The extra cushioning also makes them a great choice for those practicing yoga or workouts at home, offering additional safety and comfort.
Could you provide some care tips for maintaining cork yoga mats?
Maintaining our cork yoga mats is easy. They require minimal cleaning, thanks to their natural antimicrobial properties. When cleaning is necessary, use cold water and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. It’s best to store the mats rolled up with the cork side out and to keep them away from direct sunlight to preserve their quality.
Do you have any customer feedback on the benefits of using your mats?
Yes, we have received numerous positive reviews. Our customers appreciate the non-slip surface and the cushioning of the mats, especially in hot yoga classes. They also value the eco-friendly aspect of our products, aligning with their personal values and commitment to the environment.
Besides yoga mats, what other eco-friendly products do you offer?
In addition to yoga mats, we offer cork yoga blocks, acupressure massage balls, and essential oil sprays. We are also excited about introducing handmade yoga mat-carrying bags and straps, expanding our range of sustainable yoga accessories.
How can customers purchase your products, and what shipping options do you offer?
Our products are available online on our website, and we also have them stocked in select stores. We participate in various popup events where customers can purchase our products in person. For online purchases, we offer free shipping for orders over $99 and a local pickup option for those in the Vancouver area.
What future plans do you have for Zenful Yoga in terms of sustainability and product range?
Moving forward, we plan to continue educating our community about the benefits of eco-friendly yoga products. Our goal is to expand our product line thoughtfully, ensuring that every new addition aligns with our sustainability values. We want to lead by example, showing that it’s possible to offer high-quality, environmentally conscious products.
What personal activities do you enjoy outside of running Zenful Yoga?
Outside of Zenful Yoga, I enjoy painting, attending hot yoga classes, and experimenting with sourdough bread recipes. I also love going for walks in nature and reading books by authors like Brene Brown, Michelle Obama, and Glennon Doyle. These activities allow me to unwind and keep my creativity flowing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey with Zenful Yoga?
Running a small business like Zenful Yoga is challenging, especially in the current economic climate. Every purchase from our customers means the world to us and helps support our mission. In British Columbia, the importance of supporting small businesses is even more significant, given the high rate of self-employment and the challenges faced by the sector during the pandemic. I am grateful for all the support we have received and look forward to continuing to serve our community with sustainable yoga products.
We hope you enjoyed this insightful conversation with Emily from Zenful Yoga. Her dedication to sustainability and creating high-quality, eco-friendly yoga products is a testament to the innovative spirit thriving in our community. To learn more about Zenful Yoga and to explore their range of sustainable yoga products, be sure to visit their website. Also, we encourage you to stay connected with us at Wild Bluebell Homestead by subscribing to our email newsletter. Not only will you get regular updates about the amazing local crafters and business owners in our community, but you’ll also receive exclusive content, tips, and stories that celebrate our collective passion for craft, sustainability, and local entrepreneurship. Subscribe today and join our journey in nurturing a vibrant and connected community!
