You can only get this from being in contact with the Earth.  Being barefoot is the best but we know that isn’t always an option so check out Juil Sandals with their Energy Flow Technology that keeps you connected to the Earth. The following article was written by Roy H. Lidtke, DPM, CPed, FACFOAM.

Click here to visit Juil’s website and shop today!

Whether you are looking for that perfect last-minute gift, or you feel like you could use a little gift yourself, be present has the perfect solution. Check out all the info on how to enter and more, below:

How To Enter

To enter to win your $108 gift card to be present, simply email us at contests@yoganonymous.org with “be present” in the subject line. Your email automatically enters you into the drawing. We will pick three winners at random on Friday, December 23rd at 5pm EST. GOOD LUCK!

Why We Love be present

be present makes clothing that is easy to wear both in and out of the yoga studio, whether you are practicing yoga, or hitting the town, be present has got you covered. Check out some of our favorite items below:

Men’s Renew Elite Sleeveless Tee

This sleeveless top is brand-new to the men’s line for the season. Made from eco-friendly recycled polyester, this crewneck sleeveless tee has a long torso with a slightly fitted body.

Men’s Practice Pant

The signature men’s pant – this ankle length pant has darted knees and two front patch pockets.  The elastic drawstring waist allows for a comfortable fit and the quick drying Breathe Weave™ fabric make them a staple pant for any style of yoga practice.

Modal® Racerback Tank:

Our brand new Modal® Racerback Tank is eco-friendly, as the fabric is derived from sustainably produced wood pulp.  This top is loose through the torso but has a banded waist, keeping it in place during practice.  The ruching at the center neckline and gathered racerback add subtle yet unique detail.

Versatility Pant

This full length pant is great pant for colder weather.  With 4 snaps at the side, it allows for free range of movement but can be snapped shut as you head out of the studio.  This pant is also available in a long version for taller yogis.

About be present

be present, founded in 2002, is an eco-conscious, Colorado based yoga clothing company. Every be present item is proudly made in the USA, and the line has become widely recognized within the yoga industry.

be present is a family owned business that values close relationships, environmentally friendly practices and overall, simply doing the right thing. You can wear be present clothes to yoga, to work, to travel, to hike, to climb, and to live.

The clothing is made to be simple, versatile, and comfortable. Although the design of our clothing incorporates the yoga philosophy, there are limitless possibilities for wearing the line in and out of your everyday life. These styles have traveled the world, and can withstand the rigors of yoga, skydiving, surfing and climbing, just to name a few.  be present is proud to provide a product that can become a go-to outfit for just about anything.

Click here to visit be present’s website and shop today!

*NOTE: By entering this contest, you will receive an opt-in message to join the be present email list

meSheeky, the progressive activewear line built to fit, fix and flatter, announced today the addition of new tanks, pants and knits to its collection of flirty, feminine layer wear. Staying true to its classic fabric blends, feminine detailing, fresh textures and radiant colors, the latest meSheeky pieces include the stevie tank, odette capri and elle poncho.

The vibrant stevie tank is created with the energetic, active yogi in mind, providing a confident look that stays put when hitting the mat or the street.  Drawing inspiration from a classic ballet top, the stevie tank has a double V design, and offers excellent coverage with a built-in shelf bra, and simple cami straps.  Complete with a deep V in the back to accentuate toned, “sheeky” shoulders, the stevie tank is available in eight charming shades, including glow (yellow), wink (periwinkle), olive (army green), jade (teal), jet (black), splash (seafoam green), berry (magenta) and pure (white).

The odette capri, which features a flattering double seam on hips and back, pairs perfectly with any of meSheeky’s flirty layered skirts for flawless all-around style.  With a comforting higher rise in back for secure coverage and accented with a knotted faux tie at the gathered leg opening, the odette capri comes in seven fabulous shades including olive, punch, jade, jet, slate, splash, and berry.  Both the stevie tank and odette capri are made with deliciously soft stretch jersey that moves, fits and breathes easy for any workout you choose.

“meSheeky was created from my own personal need to find a fashionable, functional piece of fitness wear that was appropriate for both my toughest yoga class and wherever I was headed after,” said Chief Executive Sheekynista, Sarah Tomson Beyer.  “We started with a line of fun, flirty, layer skirts.  We expanded to include innovative tanks and pants.  Today we’ve opened the door to new designs and knitwear bringing more ways for our fans to feel fabulously confident before, during and after class.”

Debuting alongside the stevie tank and odette capri, meSheeky heads in an exciting new direction with the super lightweight and fabulously soft elle poncho.  With a seam running down one side, the 100% cashmere elle poncho can be worn in a variety of flattering ways and is affordable at just $148.  Available in both oat (heathered oatmeal) and jet, the elle poncho adds the perfect touch to any look, whether thrown on over leggings post practice or with a great fitting pair of jeans for a night on the town.

Click here to visit meSheeky’s website and shop today!

Check out the latest info, videos with Shiva Rea & Simon Park, and their new limited edition sandal below:

About Juil

Juil has a full line of women’s and men’s sandals that are made of premium leather with sole conductors that connect the wearer to the earth.  If you haven’t seen Juil sandals before check them out at www.juil.com

Juil is often asked “What do those conductors do?” It’s actually pretty simple.  The conductors connect you with the greatest source of energy on earth: the earth itself.  What does that mean?  Well, let’s start from the ground up: the earth has an endless supply of negatively charged electrons.  Basically, the earth is an enormous magnet.  Electrons abundant on the earth’s surface look to bond with positively-charged molecules.  When this bonding occurs, those positively-charged molecules are neutralized.

Only Juil’s exclusive sole conductors:

~ Keep wearers connected with the earth

~ Absorb and discharge natural energies

~ Keep EMF exposure in check

~ May reduce inflammation and increase energy levels

~ Make their sandals like no other shoe you’ll ever wear

Juil keeps you connected to the earth with every step you take in a way no ordinary shoe does.  Their sandals combine comfort, style, and rebalanced energy.  Because we’re all about your wellbeing.

Do more than walk. Connect.

Be sure to check out their new shoe created in conjunction with Shiva Rea (pictured above), launching next week!

These limited edition sandals will each come with a hand-signed card. They make for the perfect holiday gift – something to use every day that is also very special – Juil will not release these shoes again once they are gone!

Videos w/ Shiva Rea & Simon Park

Check out these great videos below to see what some of your favorite yoga teachers are saying about Juil!

Shiva Rea:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Simon Park:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to visit Juil’s website and shop today!

I AM. is currently running a Kickstarter Campaign which ends on November 22nd. It only takes a minute to help out a great cause. More info below:

About I AM

I AM. is a yoga-inspired company that develops commercial solutions to social problems.

I AM. is a yoga-inspired venture in creative capitalism. Drawing guidance from what the co- founders most value about yoga: interconnectedness, I AM. develops commercial solutions to social problems. It’s inaugural endeavor, Soulwears, is a line of yoga bags & straps that will help Mayan weavers earn a self-determined living wage and fund local infrastructure projects. I AM. is running a 6 week Kickstarter campaign from October 11 through November 22, 2011, to raise the funds necessary to begin production for their Soulwears line of product and make I AM. a reality.

The I AM Story

I AM. co-founders Will Baxter, a financial advisor from Australia, and Nadja Vormann, a fashion designer from Germany, met at a yoga-teacher training-course in Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala. Af- ter Will read Muhammad Yunus’s book about social business and the future of capitalism, “Creat- ing a World Without Poverty,” he and Nadja discussed creating a business that would alleviate poverty by channeling consumer choice.

With his background in finance and Nadja’s background in design, the two saw an opportunity in their immediate environment: creating a sustainable economy for the area’s impoverished weav- ers. Hence was born I AM., a yoga-inspired business model that uses its supply chain to provide employment opportunities in unemployable areas.

The first project in the I AM. Artisan model is Soulwears, a business endeavor to help Mayan weavers earn a self-determined living wage and fund infrastructure projects in their municipali- ties. Specifically, Soulwears engages the women at a higher-than-average wage to handcraft tex- tiles for yoga bags and straps that Soulwears will design, manufacture and sell. Half of the profits from sales will then be funneled back into community projects in the weavers’ villages.

Both I AM. and Soulwears have received widespread praise and endorsement from the yoga community and even caught the eye of spiritual leader and New York Times bestselling author Eckhart Tolle, who participated in the company’s promotional campaign with a photo of himself holding up the word ‘stillness,’ one of I AM.’s seven founding values.

Check out the video below to learn more:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to donate to the I AM Idea’s Kickstarter Campaign!

Click here to visit the I AM Idea website today!

I had the opportunity to attend the Grand Opening on Tuesday evening, where the champagne was flowing and the registers were ringing non-stop, as well as a very special class on Wednesday morning taught by Athleta ambassador, Drisana Carey, filmed for Extra TV’s Workout Wednesday! More info below:

Athleta, the Sonoma based premium fitness and lifestyle brand for women, opened it’s doors in Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 2^nd.  Located in The Grove shopping mall, the store features a broad assortment of apparel for run, yoga, gym/training, swim, hike/explore and more.  With a focus on customer experience and impeccable service, the store offers free alterations in store, kiosks that link directly to the website offering customers access to additional product and sizes, free fitness classes and in-store discounts for fitness professionals.

This marks the fifth Athleta store to open this year, with a total of six retail locations across the United States.  Athleta will open stores in Philadelphia; Washington, DC; Minneapolis; and Westchester, NY by the end of the year, supporting Athleta’s plan to open 50 stores in the U.S. by 2013.

If you live in the LA area, be sure to stop by the new store, address below:

Athleta

The Grove Shopping Center

189 The Grove Drive

LA, CA 90036

Click here to shop Athleta online today!

Be present. Be original. Learn more about the brand below:

About be present

be present, founded in 2002, is an eco-conscious, Colorado based yoga clothing company. Every be present item is proudly made in the USA, and our line has become widely recognized within the yoga industry.

be present is a family owned business that values close relationships, environmentally friendly practices and overall, simply doing the right thing. We wear be present clothes to yoga, to work, to travel, to hike, to climb, and to live.

Our clothing is made to be simple, versatile, and comfortable. Although the design of our clothing incorporates the yoga philosophy, there are limitless possibilities for wearing the line in and out of your everyday life. We’ve seen our styles travel the world, and withstand the rigors of yoga, skydiving, surfing and climbing, just to name a few. We are proud to provide a product that can become a go-to outfit for just about anything.

From the website:

Be original

be present, a clothing line carried in yoga studios, boutiques, spas and resorts throughout the United States and the World, incorporates the yoga philosophy into the design. be present began as clothing for yogis and yoga instructors, and evolved into a company rooted in the experience of yoga, but designed for those who value versatile, simple, comfortable clothing. Yoga is a centuries old eastern philosophy with contemporary devotees, and yoga clothing needed a modern look that embraced and respected the philosophy without being commercial. Our pants are designed to weather the street as much as they are designed to hit the mat. In the years since the first be present pant was introduced, our line has set the industry standard for versatile, agile and mobile yoga pants. be present has consistently been on the forefront of creativity and originality in the yoga world. As the line evolves into a company rooted in the yogic lifestyle but accessible to anyone who values high quality, fashionable and active clothing, we will continue to be a leader in innovative designs.

Be present:

Modern day yoga is often characterized with an appreciation of the present moment. be present is more than a clothing line, it is a way of life. To be present, one must always live a balanced lifestyle: listen to your body, let yourself daydream, have fun, sweat, pay attention to your social, sexual and spiritual being. At the core of be present are the seven chakras. Symbolizing energy centers in the body, each chakra is associated with a color and a symbol. Chakras are essential to the clothing line – which consists of shirts, pants, camisoles and matching chakra panties. The colors for the line are inspired by the colors of the chakras. Need more grounding? Red is root chakra, attributed to stability and inner strength. Want to feel sexy? Orange is sacral chakra, associated with being sensual. Big day ahead of you? Yellow is solar plexus chakra, associated with energy and increased confidence. Need a hug? Green is heart chakra, associated with compassion and unconditional love. Feeling shy? Blue is throat chakra, associated with increased communication and creativity. Want to be psychic? Indigo is third eye chakra, associated with the unconscious self. Need wisdom? Purple is crown chakra, associated with wisdom and the spiritual world.

Wear be present to yoga, to the grocery store, to hike, to cycle, to dinner, to relax, to be. Wear be present to be in the moment, to live.

Be audacious:

We are a grassroots and family owned company infused with the spirit of yoga. The story begins in early 2002, when Amy Lopatin Dobrin started be present. She was inspired to create a line of clothing that was stylish and vibrant, and coming from an athletic tradition that included years of practicing yoga, she saw the need for yoga apparel that wicked, dried quickly, and most importantly, looked good. After spending years in the mountains of Colorado, Amy saw how advanced ski apparel had become with wicking fabrics, quick drying layers and breathable jackets. Although skiing and yoga are entirely different practices, she brought the technically advanced aspect of ski apparel to yoga. Introduced in the first public line, Breathe Weave^TM, is a wicking, breathable, versatile fabric that is exclusive to be present

Amy first designed yoga pants for her brother, Ian Lopatin, owner of At One Yoga in Arizona. Ian loved the pants so much, he asked Amy to make enough to sell in his studios in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. At One Yoga remains one of be present’s largest clients. During these initial creative stages of be present, Amy joined forces with her husband, Jon Dobrin. He had the skills and knowledge as a businessman to assist Amy in the fundamentals of running a business. Jon and Amy tested the initial designs in yoga and Pilates classes. Amy desired a pant that could be worn both in and out of the studio and tweaked her designs until she had a product that was ready for the active lifestyle of a yogi.

We are a small family owned business that values close relationships with clients, environmentally friendly practices and doing the right thing. Every item of clothing is proudly made in the USA. We like to think of ourselves as a family of creative spirits who love yoga, love clothing and love to have a good time. We wear be present clothes to yoga, to travel, to hike and to have fun. The be present line is constantly growing, and Amy continues to develop products that we are excited to share. Amy’s designs stand apart in the yoga industry. She has found a niche for clothing that was versatile enough for casual wear, but ready for the rigors of yoga. be present now has a following of yogis from around the country and around the world, and her designs are propelling be present to the forefront of the yoga apparel industry. Stay tuned to the evolution of be present and see what’s next in the ever growing yoga world.

Click here to visit be present’s website and shop today!

So it looks like John Friend has his own yoga mat now, what’s next…a sneaker deal? We kid, we kid…or do we?!

Check it out:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Manduka, creator of high performance yoga gear and the #1 choice of yoga teachers worldwide, announced today its partnership with Anusara Yoga founder John Friend to debut its first ever co-created line of yoga gear.

Going outside the 24″ industry standard width for yoga mats, the John Friend Collection by Manduka will launch initially with two extra wide mats including the 29-inch wide eKO Superlite and 30-inch wide PROlite. This is the first time the yoga community will have access to such a high quality blend of innovative technology and the veteran experience of John Friend in a mat, providing superior comfort and sufficient space to align the body and explore yoga postures. The added space allows for a deeper expression of movement and a better connection between body, mat and heart.

“Our partnership with renowned yoga teacher John Friend allows us to provide the most innovative and ecologically responsible yoga gear in a new way ,” said Sky Meltzer, CEO of Manduka. “Together we’ve aligned to create a collection that pushes industry standards, pouring overfour decades of expertise into designs that will inspire yoga practitionersworldwide.”

The John Friend PROlite offers the same features of the beloved PROlite—lightweight, high performance and zero-waste—but now 6 additional inches of width. This mat is a revolution in design and comfort, engineered for sustainability with high quality material that will not peel, flake or fade. Its fabric-like surface finish offers slip resistance, its closed cell surface keeps out moisture and its proprietary dot-pattern bottom withstands sliding so your focus can be solely on your practice. Available in the rich, purple hue Magic that is embraced by John Friend’s 600,000 students for its spiritual energy, the John Friend PROlite is a heartfelt expression of beauty and purpose.

“For years I’ve been committed to the teaching that yoga comes from the heart—that it is a practice accessible to all and brings out your inner joy and divine energy,” said John Friend, Founder of Anusara yoga. “Manduka is a company that embodies the same principles while providing high qualityproducts to enhance your practice. I am honored to collaborate with such an authentic company to bring an amazing new line of gear to the yoga community, deepening the connection between heart and mat, and inspiring students of any level to enjoy more energetic freedom during their practice.”

The John Friend Collection by Manduka will expand in 2012 to include towels, bags and other innovative gear and is available for sale on www.manduka.com/johnfriend, www.anusara.com and in select yoga studios worldwide.

More information below from the website:

About Buddha Nose

Our Concept:

~ To inspire beauty through stillness and simplicity.

~ To promote nature-centered and sustainable practices.

~ To encourage healthy lifestyle.

~ To support community and advocate compassion.

Our Belief:

~ That our well-being awakens our mind-body connection, our relationships to others and our planet.

~ That beauty is about feeling good, and the simple act of doing something good for ourselves, makes us feel beautiful.

~ That our inner balance affects our outer beauty.

~ That inner wellness inspires self-awareness.

Our Values

Organic – Buddha Nose uses only USDA certified organic ingredients when available, and we are very proud to have 4 out of our 12 products carry the USDA organic seal. We continue to work towards certifying the rest of the line.

At this time in the US, the FDA does not have any regulatory standards that can certify body care products organic. Therefore those products that carry the USDA seal are certified by the same standards that regulate our food. These standards make sure farming practices are sustainable and free from the use of pesticides and growth hormones. The USDA organic food standards are some of the most stringent in the world, in order for a product to carry the USDA seal it must be composed of at least 95% USDA certified organic ingredients and the remaining 5% must be ingredients that the NOP, the National Organic Program, recognizes as “approved” ingredients.

Because there are some ingredients used in body care products that are not present in our food products, like vegetable glycerin, or particular essential oils that may not yet be available organic, they are not included in the “allowed” list and in some instances may prevent a product from carrying the USDA seal.

All of the ingredients used in Buddha Nose products are totally free of all synthetics and chemical preservative systems. The skin is our largest organ, and by using only organic ingredients, we not only respect the health and well-being of our bodies but we also respect the health and well-being of our environment.

The Story

Amy Galper was a New York City based shiatsu practitioner who founded Buddha Nose, Ltd. in the spring of 2004 to encourage her mostly female clientele to “be still and breathe.” Recognizing the connection between the energetic dynamics of shiatsu, a Japanese form of bodywork based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and with the essential oils of aromatic plants Amy created handmade beauty products in her kitchen to inspire the mind body beauty connection.

Amy graduated from The Ohashi Institute and completed the Institute’s instructor training program and studied aromatic plant medicine at The Ojai School of Massage. She maintained a private practice in New York City for 5 years and is a member of the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia, (AOBTA), and OASIS, (Organic and Sustainable Industry Standards) a pioneering organization whose purpose is to support organic and sustainable Health and Beauty consumer goods by establishing workable industry standards for organic and sustainable manufacturing.

Prior to launching her wellness business, Amy was an actress in New York with credits that included commercials, classical stage and film as well as experimental performance. She attended the Juilliard School, received her BA from Smith College, and received her MA from New York University. Several years ago, Amy experienced a “healing crisis” and was compelled to consider her illness as an opportunity to shift her perspective and make changes in her life. Now she focuses on the business of Buddha Nose in New York City, and spends time with her husband building their eco-conscious and self-sustaining “off-the-grid” home on their 30 acres in the Catskills.

Click here for more information on Buddha Nose and to shop today!

About meSheeky

meSheeky takes you from studio to street, looking fit, fab and full of sheekitude. Our line of yoga-inspired skirts, pants and tanks is designed to accentuate your best parts and cover up the stuff you’d rather not display to the world. We’ve got leg-lengthening, hip-hiding and booty-boosting in the bag with mixable, matchable pieces to flatter every body. It’s no wonder Sheekynistas are effortlessly stylish wherever they go. Featured everywhere from the Today Show to Health Magazine, this is way more than well-crafted fitness wear, it’s a shot of confidence. meSheeky is yogi-owned and operated by Flowmotion yoga creator Sarah Tomson Beyer in Park City, Utah.

Specifically de- signed for the most strenuous class, but stylish and easy enough to transition to a day of errands, a latte on the go or a spontaneous ren- dezvous with friends.

Philosophy

meSheeky takes the active sheekynista from studio to street. Combining easy sheeky-layers with feminine detailing, the end result both flatters the figure + reflects your own sheekystyle. By offering progressive fashion, we serve the chic sheeky-chick:: meSheeky. You sheeky?

Sheeky Style

Our styles are meant to enhance confidence within the active lifestyle, while maintaining the high standards of the savvy urban shopper.

~We allow you to look fabulous anywhere, anytime. meSheeky serves your individuality.

~We aim to create realistic pieces that fit and flatter. We strive to ac- centuate your positive attributes. Whether you want to accentuate or cover up – we flatter all ages, shapes and sizes.

~We make it easy for you to focus on the good things in life rather than fashion dilemmas and details. meSheeky designs clothing that allows you to integrate what you love into who you are.

~We strive to enhance light-hearted optimism with a sense of empow- erment.

Sheeky Team

Sarah Tomson Beyer, Chief Executive Sheekynista, is an in- ternationally acclaimed yoga teacher. She is the creator of Flowmo- tion® and the founder of meSheeky. Sarah has been featured on the cover of Yoga Journal, in a video with Shiva Rea, and in several other yoga-related publications. As a hands-on manager and de- signer, she ensures the combination of functionality and style for all designs.

Click here to learn more and shop today!

If you are looking to stand out from the crowd, then this is the bag for you!

Sahaasam handmade yoga mat bags are all made from recycled jeans and belts. Each bag is made from one side of a pair of jeans complete with zipper and front and back pockets. The straps are made from recycled belts attached by the belt loop and fastened to the bottom with an authentic Sahaasam button. Attached is an additional pouch made from the other jean pocket.

Click here to shop on Etsy today!

In just over a year, Dakota has built a feather hair extension empire – literally. Everyone from Michael Jackson’s daughter to Jennifer Love Hewitt has been rockin’ feathers, and the trend seems to keep be growing by the second. See what Ms. Hills has to say about it here:

Michaela Best: First of all, congratulations on all of your success! The feather hair extension trend has really taken off – how did you get into the business in the first place?

Dakota Hills: Thanks so much!  Starting and growing our business has truly been an amazing opportunity, and I feel very blessed to be a part of it.  I feel so fortunate to have this experience working with amazing people in my community in such an exciting and rapidly growing business.  I first bought feathers at local fly shops in the spring of 2010 and did them for my friends and family.  When I saw the joy they brought to the wearer I decided to quit my job at a local brewery to feather full time.  Over the summer I sold feathers primarily at concerts and farmers markets.  I’m lucky enough to live near Redrocks amphitheater, so I was there multiple times a week, but I also flew to various shows around the country, include parts of Phish tour in the northeast.  No one had seen the feathers at this time and I was often greeted with strange looks and glances.  There were the few that were so super stoked on the feathers that made it all worth while.  After a couple months traveling around and spreading the Feather Love at shows, I started to realize there was big potential for this business, and I got excited knowing that no one else was selling these feathers in bulk to salons.  I quickly changed gears and started going from salon to salon showing them my product.  I started in New Hampshire, when I was home visiting family, and traveled to NYC to hit up the many salons there.  Some people were a little apprehensive at first, probably wondering who this door to door saleswoman was, but some were immediately on board.  I used facebook and other social media outlets to spread the word, and spread it did!

Because we were the first established business to sell feather hair extensions in bulk to salons we quickly gained the top spot on google search and have remained there ever since.  With the help of a a few awesome blogs (YOGANONYMOUS included) we were able to continue spreading the word.  A business that started out with just me in my basement is now in a 5,000 square foot office with over 35 employees.  One of the greatest things about our business model is that we do everything in house.  We do all the production, packaging, shipping and customer service in house.  This means every order is made, picked, packaged and shipped with love by the Fine Featherheads Family.  And this also means I can keep an eye on every aspect – which of course I love!

MB: Wow! How incredible that this was conceptualized only slightly more than a year ago! How do feel about the ‘feather trend,’ particularly in Hollywood and pop culture?

DH: We are of course overjoyed to see the way the feathers have caught on.  They are so versatile that it always amazes me to see all the different people that enjoy a good feather.  It was an honor to feather Paris Jackson (Michael’s daughter) at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice awards gift lounge.  We have enjoyed seeing all the different celebrities that are rockin feathers, and continue to see more every day.  Of course these feathers are the hottest thing right now, and they’re here to stay.  Feather extensions will be a hot hair accessory for years to come.  We don’t see them ever going out of style.

Dakota and her partner, Ryan Dilts at the Fine Featherheadquarters

MB: We certainly hope they don’t! What has your personal experience been throughout the past year? I’m sure our readers are inspired by your story.

DH: If someone told me a year ago that I would soon own a business with a staff of 35 I would probably just laugh.  This totally came out of nowhere and has been the most educational experience I’ve ever had.  We made a lot of jokes back in the day about ‘wild westing’ it, because we were working with a brand new product and making all the rules.  I never imagined when this all began that it would ever be this successful.  I just knew I was onto something and kept reinvesting the money I was making and pushing on forward.  There is definitely a lot of stress and pressure when you’re dealing with such a hot item with such huge demand, but I totally recognize these are all ‘good problems’.  We have the most amazing staff and most days at work don’t feel like work at all.  It really feels like we’re all embarking on these crazy adventure together, and I think everyone who works here feels a sense of personal pride over our achievements.  Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if this is really my life.  I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so much love and support through this journey… of course, I couldn’t have ever gotten to this point without the amazing support of my business partner, Ryan Dilts – he is truly a gem and I am so grateful for everything he contributes each and every day!

MB: Amazing – can you tell how you and the FFH crew are giving back to the local and global communities?

DH: Absolutely! As a business we strive to do more to stand apart and make an impact on our local and global community.  Part of that means we feel it’s important to take responsibility for our carbon footprint as an e-commerce business who does a lot of shipping.  We can proudly say we are a carbon negative company, which means we donate to various alternative energy business to make up for the carbon footprint of all of our shipping and all our staff’s footprint and then some.  We are also proud members of 1% for the planet, which means 1% of our total sales go towards various environmental organizations that help keep the earth in business.

MB: So what’s next? Anything we should be on the lookout for in the future?

DH: What’s next for Fine Featherheads?  We are always releasing new feather related products, just today we released a teaser for our Quill Clips – our removable feather hair clips.  In the more distant future…only time will tell.  The sky is the limit!

MB: Thanks so much for taking the time to sit down with us today, best of luck and we’ll be keeping a pulse on the feather trend!

___

Click here to visit the Fine Featherheads Website and shop today!

We are so excited to be giving away a $100 gift certificate to Athleta! Athleta is a women’s clothing company providing functional and fashionable yoga and activewear, as well as fabulous everyday pieces.

To Enter

To enter the contest, simply comment below or email Contests@yoganonymous.org anytime between 12pm EST TODAY, Monday June 27th and 5pm EST on Friday, July 1st. Tell us what is INSPIRING you this summer! We will notify our winner via e-mail.

Athleta Chi Blog

YOGANONYMOUS has been selected as one of 5 blogs being highlighted on the Athleta Chi Blog Event! As a part of Athleta’s mission to connect women to the energy of inspiration, they are sharing some of their favorite health and fitness blogs with their readers. We are so exited and honored to be a part of this amazing, supportive community!

Click here to read more!

About Athleta

Strength & Beauty without Compromise

From the website:

Every one of our products delivers the ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE for your workout, with feminine designs and fits that have been dialed in to your athletic physique. We’re committed to giving you quality you can put to the test, workout after workout, and refining even the smallest details until we obtain perfection. But we also realize that there’s life after sport, so we fashion our apparel to take on your entire active lifestyle, from the routine daily run-around to the furthest off-grid adventures.

Click here to shop Athleta today!

These super fashionable and comfortable sandals allow energy to transfer as freely as if you were barefoot!

About Juil

FUNCTION

The surface of the Earth is alive with an abundant supply of natural energies. Connecting yourself to the surface of the Earth allows for the harmonization and renewal of your essential energy flows with those of the Earth. When you’re more connected, you’re more grounded. Being more grounded renews your body and spirit. When you’re grounded, you’re also more likely to:

~Feel physically and mentally energized

~Notice less chronic tension and pain

~Experience a heightened sense of presence

Skeptical? Here’s something more tangible…

An infinite source of negatively charged free electrons flow throughout the Earth’s surface. Walking barefoot awakens the natural healing powers of the Earth by allowing these electrons to disperse, attach, and neutralize harmful free radicals roaming throughout your body. These free radicals have been commonly implicated in the development of inflammatory and degenerative diseases.

As we know, walking barefoot isn’t always the most practical; this is where our Energy Flow Technology™ separates our sandals from the rest. While the soles of traditional footwear block this energy movement, leaving stressors and radicals in our bodies, the copper conductors in the soles of Juil sandals discharge and absorb the Earth’s natural energies and electrons.

Wearing Juil sandals provides a connection…and a very elegant one at that.

What the Experts are Saying about Juil…

This is what Dr. Carol Davis, chair of Department of Physical Therapy at University of Miami, has to say about Juil Sandals:

Everyone has heard of “free radicals” in our bodies which occur in greater numbers when we are exposed to toxins and pesticides and things that are toxic to our tissue.

Free radicals are atoms which are ions in search of an electron to become a stable atom, so they “attack” healthy tissue to rob the cells’ atoms  of electrons to become stable.

Once healthy cells are attacked and robbed of electrons, they become vulnerable to infection and germs which can move across damaged cell walls more easily to get inside the cells to cause infection and inflammation.

We know that we can prevent this damaging of healthy tissue from attacking free radicals by eating vegetables and fruit and taking vitamins that add electrons to our bodies, so that the free radicals can be balanced from our food, and do not have to attack our cells to get the extra electrons.

Well, now we realize that another bountiful source of electrons to balance free radicals comes from the iron core of the planet earth – rising up through the soil and sand, and when we go barefoot, or wear shoes with natural soles, the electrons from the earth are able to pass through the soles of our feet and get into our system and be as available to balance out the attacking free radicals as the electrons from the anti-oxidant food and supplements that we eat.

In the past 50 years, we have become more exposed to toxins in the environment, and we have become more accustomed to wearing rubber soled shoes, and many believe this combination has contributed to a skyrocketing of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Ober, Sinatra and Zucker in their text, Earthing, (2010. Laguna Beach CA:Basic Health Publications)  chronical the discovery of how being exposed to the electrons from the earth helps diminish pain and suffering from chronic illness.

Bottom line –  exposing our bodies, particularly the soles of our feet, to the abundance of electrons available on the surface of the earth helps prevent chronic inflammation and illness.

Click here to visit Juil’s website and shop today!

Helena Zera, founder of Vyana Yoga, will be teaching three awesome classes and demonstrating her incredible Hasta Pada Yoga Belt – more workshop details below:

Prop Culture ™ Lila in the Loop | Find the Poise in your Bow Pose~Dwi Padangustha Dhanurasana

Friday,  June 10th | 5pm

Access your hearts desire of expansion guided by breath, fluidity and awareness during this transformative Prana Flow ®.  In grace and gratitude we will we navigate through a progressive heart opening sequence familiarizing you with the effortless ease of HastaPada Yoga Belt ~ HPYB.

Delve into the sweetness and stability of this sattvic backbend as you free your heart in spontaneous love, freedom and truth.

*HPYB ~ provided for each student in the class as an instructional tool

Prop Culture ™ Lila in the Loop | Awaken your Divine Dancer- Natarajasana ~ Find the Poise in your Pose

Saturday, June 11th | 10am

Helena will be your Vinyasa Space Weaver for Natarajasana ~ Dancers Pose guided by breath, fluidity, awareness and the artful placement of your body in a sacred way during this transformative sadhana. Using Prana Flow ® and the HastaPada Yoga Belt ~ HPYB~ you will be led through the evolutionary tapestry of  weaving your practice in grace and gratitude with abdominal cultivation, multi layered shoulder, hip, quadriecep and heart opening sequences to familiarize you with the flow, kramas (stages) and efficiency of the HPYB.

Delve  into the sweetness and stability of finding the Poise in each Pose  as you move into the dance of Yoga.

*HPYB will be provided for  each student in the  class as  an instructional tool.

Prop Culture ™ Lila in the Loop | Spread your Wings ~ Land your Asana in Pigeon Pose/ Eka Pada Rajakapotanasana

Sunday, June 12th | 11am

Meandering our way through PranaFlow® (Shiva Rea) and the evolutionary HastaPada Yoga Belt ~ HPYB ~ Helena will guide you during a playful yoga session to revolutionize your sadhana in joy, grace and the sacred art of movement.  Let your practice take flight, discover your inner quest to flutter then release your shoulder “wings”, illuminate your hearts reawakening to soar in fullness and bountiful gratitude. Pranify your Pigeon Pose as an organic expression of your hearts wondrous nature. Discover the “Loophole” in your asana with the HPYB.

*HPYB will be provided for each student in the class as an instructional tool.

Click here to register for the conference today!