In 2014, Canadian surfer/yogi, Chad Turner sold all of his belongings and decided to move to Bali, to develop a range of super colorful, luxury yoga mats made from recycled plastic bottles. Since then Yoga Design Lab’s footprint has grown to 50+ countries, and across more than 300 retailers.
“I was seated in the back of a packed yoga class while on vacation. Looking around, all I saw was a sea of unoriginal, mass-produced, solid colored mats. My thinking was, there must be a way to create a highly functional product that was also aesthetically beautiful, and so the journey began.”-Chad Turner, Designer/Founder Yoga Design Lab
Described by Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue as ‘stunning works of art,’ the young brand has been shaking up the industry with visually stunning yoga products, blending eco-friendly technology and fashion-forward design.
“The mission was to create beautiful, highly-functional products with the smallest eco footprint possible. Countless yoga mats end up in landfills because they’re made from non-recyclable, hazardous materials. We wanted to help change that.” -Turner
Taking inspiration from the magical island, Yoga Design Lab has developed a complete range of designer yoga products including; yoga mats, towels, wheels, leggings, props, bottles and a pure essential oil yoga mat spray made from hibiscus, orchids, roses, jasmine, etc, growing throughout the island.
“Living in Bali has provided such an incredible backdrop to live/work surrounded by locals and a diverse International community of digital nomads, entrepreneurs, yogis, healers, and travelers all drawn by the undeniable magnetism of this island. Work life here is relatively unparalleled in my opinion. You’re able to plug in and get a ton accomplished, and then when you’re finished just close your laptop and you’re in Bali. When I thought about it, the choice was pretty easy.” -Turner
Yoga Design Lab launches its newest collection of eye-catching yoga mats made from recycled plastic bottles next week, just in time for summer. $1 from every purchase goes to support Urban Youth Yoga Programs in need.
As a self-funded lean start-up, YDL is comprised of a diverse team of digitally nomadic yogis scattered around the globe working from laptops and attempting to balance work/life/travel goals, all the while working towards a common goal. The company is focusing on Europe and Asia as it key growth objectives, with the first YDL store scheduled to launch in Tokyo in 2018.
