Meet the founder of Kind Yoga, Nathalie Lauzen
The more you know what you want in life, the more you will attract just what you need. Like minded people will always find their way to each other. I have met Nathalie through our friend in common Susan Oubari. We all share the same mission, to empower people and support their well-being.
Nathalie has gone beyond supporting a ritual. She has created an ethical yoga line that supports you physically and mentally, combining self-care with environmental care. We are what we do and what we shop for as well. It was so great to converse with Nathalie and to introduce her here. Discover more about her upcoming exciting projects.
Can you tell us what lead you to create Kind? Where you already in fashion or have you come from the fitness or yoga area?
I have spent over 10 years in the fashion industry and held several roles from buyer, to key account sales and retail management. It was such an interesting journey and I was fortunate enough to have great mentors. I always knew deep down that I wanted to create my own business but never really had that light bulb idea. When I was working at Lululemon and had my second child I realized that I wanted to create a business that could make a positive impact in other people's lives. I discovered yoga with that company and during my mat leave I read a lot about social business. Then I simply tried to combine the experience that I had acquired during my career with this new desire to serve and to make a difference.
Is this your mission statement; “Success can be measured in different ways, I believe social impact is equally as important as profits”?
Yes, I truly believe that we are all responsible to make the change we want to see in this world. A company can be so much more than just a way to make profits. It can not only be sustainable but also a powerful tool to contribute. If at the end of the day, the actions of your company have helped others, to me that is a victory and a fulfilling way to spend my career.
Photo de Yoga Paris
What triggered or inspired you in your business life?
I was inspired by many different actors, but mainly I can mention the social entrepreneur Lelia Janah, who is the founder and CEO of Samasource and LXMI cosmetics. Her enterprises #givework to low-income people using cutting edge social business models. I once watched an interview and she completely inspired me and then the idea of kind came together so naturally after that.
We read so much about fashion going to waste. Conscious consumption with social and environmental impact is definitely the way forward, for nature and our sense of wellbeing. How can we consume whilst feeling the stress of all lingering over our heads? What was the hardest part to make your brand come true?
Honestly, we should all be wearing vintage if we wanted to make a true difference and be environmentally friendly. I believe in quality products and consuming what we need. If we invest in lasting products that we love, we are on the right path.
Your combine style with social impact. You have such gorgeous colours in your shop it's hard to choose. How do you see your brand develop? Have you thought of or do you use botanical dyes?
Thank you! We furthered our brand into a physical location in the center of Paris in the 2nd arrondissement. A 200m2 concept combining yoga studio, café and boutique. We launched just before the lock down and are happy to be open again now. It's also called Kind Yoga and combines our line with a real lifestyle experience.
What are the industries you give back the most? And why?
We have chosen to focus on female entrepreneurs in developing countries because for them we help to create a sustainable and regular income that can make a difference in the long run and trickle back to their communities. We also know that statistically, women reinvest most of their income in education for their children and healthcare.
Self-care creates caring people. I truly believe that when we feel better we do better, as in we take better, more mindful choices. How do you practice self-care? Do you have a morning, day or evening routine that gives you what you need?
I am not myself very disciplined with self-care and routines, I tend to slow down when I am absolutely forced to do so by my body! I have 2 small children at home and I must say that I find my balance by spending quality time with them. My morning shower sets me up for a great day, I take the time to feel the water and enjoy that peace and quiet for a moment, other than that I like to run and of course yoga! I like to mix Vinyasa and Yin depending on my mood.
Are there any retreats or places you went to that you can recommend?
One project that I want to explore more is social impact retreats. We are working with Ayu Yoga School to create a retreat in Morocco next year where people can contribute with a social project while enjoying a full week of yoga, great food and good company. This would be a non-profit retreat, giving back to a local organization. Stay Tuned.
Lastly, what is your favourite place in Paris?
I love to hang out at La Maison Nomade in the 10th, it's the best vegetarian restaurant I know and the crew are friendly and awesome.
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