Gold Coast based Sahaja Yoga Mats is solidly committed to be a force for good in the local and global community. State of Sahaja is more than a yoga mat and yoga studio company. It was founded by local Gold Coast yoga teacher Judes Yang to give back to others, inspired by the kindness others had shown her. We are excited to have her on board as a Supporting Partner of Champions Retreat!
State of Sahaja is more than a yoga mat and yoga studio company. It was founded by local Gold Coast yoga teacher Judes Yang to give back to others, inspired by the kindness others had shown her.
Judes started Sahaja Yoga Mats in 2017, and more recently State of Sahaja: Yoga Studio That Gives Back in 2019. Together, they are very proudly the first and only:
• Certified B Corporation® yoga studio in the world
• yoga mat company in Australia
• and business on the Gold Coast
It has been through their 1% For The Planet commitment, supporting charities that do good through monetary and in-kind donations; and also creating and selling yoga mats sustainably that Sahaja has been able to achieve this recognition.
Judes’ idea for the business all began when she received unwavering kindness from those around her during some of her darkest days. Only 5 years ago, Judes was diagnosed with PTSD after spending years overseas in a yoga cult and suffering psychological and emotional abuse from her former yoga teacher. Upon her return to Australia, it was through the love and support of her family, friends and the practice of yoga that she credits still being here today.
Having always been a believer in doing business for good, the kindness that had been shown to her was the final inspiration she needed to begin a social enterprise. Both the yoga studio and yoga mat company are run with the philosophy of giving back. This has been deeply ingrained into their business plan from the beginning, so that they can always “light up” other people’s lives during their times of need — also a metaphor for the Sahaja brand. For every yoga mat sold, a solar light is donated to a family in Mozambique.
The yoga studio has been created as a place on the Gold Coast for all. It is a socially forward studio that believes in fostering community; the space is home to all styles of yoga and welcomes all types of people (experienced yogis and beginners alike) brought together by a shared desire to connect through yoga and give back to others.
Some of the things that make Sahaja different are:
- chemical free – we clean only with essential oils and natural cleansers
- no single use plastic – we don’t even use tea light candles
- our mats are made from recycled plastics and heat bonded to natural tree rubber. Both the mat and its packaging are recyclable.
Anytime, anyone takes a class and nurtures their own wellness, they will be contributing to the betterment of another person and lighting up their life simply by showing up on their mat.
The name Sahaja was chosen by Judes as it means “your inherent naturalness” and to be in spontaneous flow. Sahaja is a reminder for Judes to always remember who she is, to stay in the flow of life. She hopes that her company will also serve other’s in this way, and looks forward to continuing her work in this space.
