These are ancestors with which I lived, to whom I talked, and with whom I spent so many years. The family, community, and closeness they made sure to cultivate and nurture has stayed close to my heart even decades after they passed.

It is the same feeling of comfort that I take with me into uncomfortable spaces. Those uneasy spaces, such as in my very first yoga class at a studio space in Kirkwood, a neighborhood in the city I love, Old Atlanta.

Since then I wanted to create tools that inspire radical self-care for Black people.  It is a different type of care that prioritizes your mind. When there are personal, structural, and environmental stressors that trigger fight-or-flight, it causes our brains to release a stress hormone called cortisol. As this happens, our bodies change: our senses are heightened and blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose levels increase. If these triggers happen often, we develop poor health from the chronic stress. North and Sloan was developed over many years as I managed stress by cultivating the safe feeling of home.

Studies (an experience) have shown that practicing yoga and/or meditating, improves the psychological effects of stress and anxiety. Yoga and meditation are for everyone and anyone can reap the benefits of practice. North & Sloan mats are ideal for yoga, meditation, Pilates, prayer, or exercise. They are useful in helping you on your spiritual wayfinding journey – everyday. 

You will be proud of the moments that you spend with yourself as you perform self-care, in yoga or any practice, on your new North+Sloan mat, and we’re here, right along with you, fam. Let’s take care, together!

With love from Atlanta,

Brea, CYT-200 

she/her/thou/shawty