Hidden Gems: Meet Crystal Morales of Calmate Yoga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Morales.

Hi Crystal, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started when I was looking for a local yoga studio in Hawthorne. I was experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma and all I wanted was to be in space close to home and create movement. I came to realize that yoga was not offered in any of the local cities like Gardena, Lawndale, Lennox and Hawthorne. The closest studios were in cities that I didn’t frequent or were too far away. I wanted to find a space that was close to home and somewhere I could connect with local community members.

I decided that I would be the person to create that space. I went on to take my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) at a studio called The Tree Yoga Cooperative in South Central LA. They focus on decolonizing yoga and offer a refreshing outlook on this practice to communities where yoga isn’t readily available. It was the exact program I was looking for. It gave me a new perspective on the importance of community and accessibility. Fast forward to today, and these are the main pillars I use in my business.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s definitely been – and still continue to be- challenges on this journey! I can say with confidence though that the numerous hurdles have developed close relationships with people that saw the potential in me and Calmate Yoga.

For one, my family has never owned a business. Figuring out the back end of running a small business has been an experience that I was not prepared for. Luckily, I have had help from wonderful programs like Cielo, that have helped me navigate the in’s and out’s of being my own boss.

Secondly, the financial aspect! I had decided prior to taking my YTT, that I would quit my job. I truly took a chance in starting my business with the savings I had left in the bank. I also want to acknowledge my husband who has been so supportive throughout this process. With his help, I’ve been able to pursue Calmate Yoga full time. I don’t think I would’ve been able to grow my business without him in my corner.

Lastly, establishing my business in a community where yoga wasn’t on the map. I noticed that many of the folks that were coming to class were students experiencing yoga for the first time. I remember in my early teaching career, I was teaching classes that were fast paced and noticed that they may not be physically accessible to some students. I learned that not everyone was looking for that kind of class. Many were looking to enjoy their movement and accommodate to their bodies. I soon realized that students preferred to have alternatives to poses to better suit their practice. Just like them, I also learned to shift my sequences to a more well rounded style.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Calmate Yoga?
At Calmate Yoga, I’d like to believe that we specialize in community. Like any other business, we definitely need money, however, we try our best to keep our classes affordable for all. We have a sliding scale (starts at $10!), offer class passes, and hold promo’s throughout the year to make it accessible. And if you can’t pay, we don’t send you away.

We have partnered with one of our local cities to offer free yoga for the public during the summer months.

We’ve also held a few (free!) clothing swaps throughout the year to try and give clothing another chance instead of being tossed. Added bonus: people who can’t normally shop can do so comfortably at our swaps since it’s free. Whatever is left gets donated to a local org we work with so all pieces serve a purpose.

Plus we do volunteer work with local orgs, mutual aid groups, and non-profits to make our communities a better place to live!

Additionally, we also offer anything from corporate yoga to private classes! We do it all (almost)

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m a big fan of accessibility, so of course I love the library. I push the Libby and Hoopla apps to everyone I know because we should all read a little bit more. And the library is one of my go-to’s for free resources too (and they also host book clubs which is so cool)

One of my favorite podcasts is called Yoga Off The Mat. They discuss a wide range of topics from de-colonizing yoga, to using your yoga props more effectively, to how we should slow down in our day to day lives. It gives me clarity for sure.

My favorite book is Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele. The Yamas and Niyamas are 2 of the eight limbs of Yoga. These 2 limbs explore the ethics of yoga. I reference this book in my day to day life to notice where I can be more intentional and become more self aware, both on and off the mat.

Pricing:

• Sliding Scale ($10 to $25) for drop in

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.calmate-yoga.com
• Instagram: calmateeyoga
• Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/calmate-yoga-81468917193

Image Credits
Credit to Ana Suarez and Rocio Mendez