Yoga Mats

In 2012, founder and owner Chris Willey of Yoloha was building surfboards using non-traditional materials that were eco-friendly, durable and high performing. His pursuit for a better, greener material ended with the discovery of cork. 

Cork outlasted and outperformed any other natural material and, best of all, it provided a non-slip surface even when wet, eliminating the need for wax for traction. Practicing yoga at a local studio and finding himself slipping on traditional foam yoga mats a light bulb when off in his head.

Working out of his garage with the help of his parents, he set out to create the first prototype cork yoga mats, hand-laminating the cork and recycled rubber layers together, working well into the night.

The minute we introduced the mats to the local studio, he knew he was onto something special. Teachers would grab the cork mats before any students could get their hands on them. As they say, the rest is history. . . "

"My family and I are so grateful to all our loyal customers for allowing us to continue this amazing journey of discovery. We are glad to invite you all in our pursuit for more eco-friendly, high-quality yoga products. 

-Chris Willey and The Yoloha Family


How we met Chris & the Yoloha family:

Just days after we decided to cancel my trip to Kenya, Nikki Boggs invited me to the Love Shine Play Yoga Festival in North Carolina.  The dates coincided with my flights, so I had already cleared my schedule and found coverage for the shop...seemed like the best thing to do. 

And oh, what a weekend!

At the festival we met Chris Willey.  His mats caught my eye, and they were responsibly sourced, anti-slip, more gentle on the knees...all the things I was looking for...but there were so many choices.

I ended up visiting Chris several times throughout the weekend, struggling to pick just  the right one for me...he had demo mats to try out, but I had question after question, and I kept asking Nikki to help me decide...and then we started talking about our mission and vision, and the next thing we worked out an arrangement to carry these amazing mats in our shop! 

Chris was there with his family, and I was so impressed with his knowledge and attention to detail.  When I asked him his favorite mat, he said "The original.  It was my first one I made and still my favorite overall."

We'd love for you to stop by and test out our demo mats and choose a gorgeous design that fits you.

Thank you Chris and Nikki for patiently helping me decide.  I hope I can help you now as well.

-Cherie Catron