Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Douglas & Drew Muse.
Hi Mel Douglas, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Black Women’s Yoga Collective (BWYC) is dedicated to increasing wellness accessibility for people of color, especially Black people, and creating more representation for Black women in the wellness industry. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to wellness and the opportunity to exist comfortably in wellness spaces. In order to be truly impactful, our wellness practices and spaces must be intersectional.
Founded in 2018, BWYC strives to support the growth and healing of people of color via:
–
– free + affordable yoga classes virtually + IRL,
– specialized workshops + events,
– Black women-centered yoga + wellness retreats,
– free digital wellness resources,
– social justice + impact initiatives,
– community outreach + support,
– community collaboration;
– and so much more.
Since 2018 when BWYC began, our community has grown to over 100k members and counting. Our global community includes people from numerous cities across the US, South Africa, Berlin, South Korea, France, and so many more places. After launching our virtual practice space in 2020, BWYC Studio has held over 200 virtual yoga classes and workshops. We’ve hosted 50+ Black women instructors who shared various styles of yoga, meditation, sound healing, and other movement forms with our virtual community.
In 2022, we began to host Black-women exclusive yoga and wellness retreats. Our retreats are all about beautiful experiences, sisterhood, connection to self, rest, and recharging. Gathering in destination locations like Joshua Tree; Temecula – Wine Country; Tulum, Mexico; and Bali, Indonesia – BWYC retreats are all about Black women coming together to cultivate healing energy as a collective.
Here at BWYC we’re focused on holding space for the community to create true, lasting connections – both within and with others. Whether you’re starting a yoga practice, curious about meditating, or looking to simply feel better, we hope to support you on your journey with wellness in any way we can. Currently serving the virtual, New York and Los Angeles areas – keep an eye out for expansion to new areas!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Black Women’s Yoga Collective (BWYC) has faced a variety of challenges in making wellness accessible for Black women, particularly in breaking financial and cultural barriers. Many wellness spaces are exclusive or expensive, so BWYC has worked to create inclusive, affordable offerings tailored to the needs of Black women. BWYC is shifting the narrative and creating access for black and brown people to feel comfortable and connected in wellness spaces. To address this, BWYC has prioritized accessibility through virtual workshops, community partnerships, and events in welcoming spaces. Balancing affordability with financial sustainability has also required strategic planning. Despite these obstacles, BWYC continues to thrive by fostering community, collaborating with Black and Brown-owned wellness brands, and creating spaces where Black women can prioritize rest, joy, and self-care.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Black Women’s Yoga Collective (BWYC) was created to provide a wellness space where Black women feel seen, supported, and empowered. Traditional yoga and wellness spaces often lack representation and accessibility for Black women, making it difficult to fully embrace these practices. BWYC was founded to break these barriers by offering inclusive, culturally affirming experiences that center the needs of Black women. The collective aims to serve communities by providing affordable workshops, retreats, and virtual offerings that fit into busy lives. Collaborating with Black-owned wellness brands and community partners has been key to expanding access and building a supportive network. At its core, BWYC is about more than just yoga—it’s about fostering rest, joy, and self-care as essential forms of healing and resistance. Through its work, BWYC continues to redefine what wellness can look like for Black women.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The success of the Black Women’s Yoga Collective (BWYC) is deeply rooted in the nationwide community of Black people especially women who have supported us by showing up to our virtual and in-person classes, workshops and retreats. Their commitment to self-care and wellness has fueled our mission and allowed us to grow. Every friend, attendee, and advocate who has participated, shared our offerings, or invited a friend has played a crucial role in our journey. Collaborations with Black-owned wellness brands and like-minded organizations have also helped us expand our impact. BWYC is a collective effort, and our success reflects the powerful, supportive network that believes in and uplifts this work.
Pricing:
- $8 Virtual Classes
- Free Community Events in South LA
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackwomensyogaco.com/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomensyogaco/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGdlUgTUoi28TQMHvRkaBhQ
