In October 2018, I was getting ready to head out to teach 26&2 (formerly known as Bikram Yoga) at Hot 8 Yoga, Santa Monica. Upon picking up my yoga bag to carry necessary things; water, dry clothes, a towel, etc. To my own surprise, I discovered numerous single-use plastic bags discarded on the floor of my closet. Quite frankly I was shocked. Not only by the pile of plastic bags I had subconsciously stored but also by the realization of where they had come from. Hot 8 yoga, like most other hot yoga studios, provided single-use plastic bags to students for carrying wet and sweaty yoga clothes home.
The experience was so surreal it left me feeling compelled to do something. That very night I ordered a wet bag online and when the wet bag arrived, I was not very pleased. The bag’s quality was average at best. The make was as generic as it came. There was no sense of personalization, no trace of style or appeal. It seemed as though the concept of Yoga Wet Bags was non-existent.
Against all odds, uncertainty, financial concerns, and flat-out fear of the unknown. With unwavering determination to solve the plastic bag problem, to inspire change, and to offer something different and better, I founded Souleva.
In line with our brand purpose, I derived our name from the French word ‘soulever,’ which means raise, lift elevate, etc.
I hope you make us part of your journey or find something here that you didn’t even know you are looking for.