Our Sustainable Journey

Eco-Focused, Yoga-Powered

Our Journey to Eco Zen

In the beginning of my yoga journey, buying a mat did not pose any problems. Only two things mattered  then – the  cost and the colour of the mat; and the decision was easy. But as my practice deepened, the need to connect directly to earth, without an artificial barrier in between became important.

It was difficult to be happy with the mat I was using knowing that artificial mats become a burden to the environment.  I felt the need to work in tune with nature and not against it.

Seated prayers in India never involve artificial materials. We use wooden planks, Dharbha grass or special mats made of natural materials specially designed for the purpose.

To me, Yoga is a sacred and  spiritual practice through which I become one with  nature. So how can I use artificial mats for the practice? 

Thus began my quest for a natural yoga mat that would harmonize me with the elements of nature. I yearned to reclaim the connection to nature without compromising the integrity of my yoga practice.

Witnessing the scarcity of natural yoga accessories in UAE, I felt compelled to take action. My mission was clear – to introduce sustainable and handmade yoga accessories to the UAE market, to raise awareness, and to advocate for responsible yoga practice.

 

While the decision was straightforward, the realization was challenging. Two years of relentless research and unwavering support from my husband, friends, and well-wishers culminated in the birth of Flamingo Yoga Boutique. Our commitment is unwavering – to offer 100% natural yoga accessories to the UAE, and gradually, to the GCC countries.

At Flamingo Yoga Boutique, our journey is rooted in the harmony between yoga and nature, and we invite you to be a part of this transformative odyssey.

 

Hema Laxman, Owner

Child Pose

Our commitment to Sustainability

At Flamingo E-Boutique, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to a greener, more conscious world is unwavering and you can see how our products are good for the earth below.

Plastic free products and packaging

At Flamingo Yoga & Wellness, we are committed to sustainability. We steer clear of plastic in both our products and packaging. Our eco-friendly packaging materials are not only kinder to the environment but also designed for reusability and recycling. Join us in making mindful choices for a greener world.

No phthalates, PVC or harmful chemicals in our products
Free from harmful chemicals ​

Our products are a breath of fresh air – literally! We've ensured that our collection is free from harmful chemicals. Breathe easy and embrace a toxin-free wellness journey with Flamingo Yoga & Wellness

Ecofriendly

Our passion for wellness extends to our planet. Our products are not only good for your body but also for Mother Earth. We've made a conscious choice to use eco-friendly materials in both our products and packaging. By choosing Flamingo, you're embracing a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature, one eco-friendly yoga accessory at a time.

Handmade with love
Handwoven / Handmade with Love

We take pride in offering you handwoven/ handmade yoga products from the rural artisans in India. Each item is carefully crafted with love and expertise, making it a unique addition to your yoga practice.

We support our weaving community
We give back to the weavers

With every purchase you make, you contribute to the livelihood and empowerment of these artisans. It's our way of honoring their skill and dedication while promoting fair and ethical practices in the world of yoga and wellness

With this venture, we hope to build awareness and encourage the use of ecofriendly and sustainable yoga products. In addition, we will strive to support the weaving community in India who bring us these beautiful yoga accessories

Nurturing Nature's Bounty: Our Earth-Friendly Ingredients

At Flamingo  e-Boutique, we  harness nature’s gifts to craft our eco-conscious yoga essentials. From the soft embrace of cotton to the natural firmness of cork, and the gentle support of buckwheat hulls, our products are thoughtfully designed with both your well-being and the environment in mind. We believe that by choosing products made with love and respect for the earth, you’re not just enhancing your yoga practice – you’re nurturing the planet too.

Cotton
  • Breathable & Moisture-Wicking: Cotton keeps you cool and focused by wicking away moisture during your practice.
  • Sustainability Champion: Biodegradable and responsibly sourced, cotton aligns with our eco-friendly mission.
  • Soft Touch: Gentle on your skin, cotton's natural texture offers a secure grip during poses and meditation.
  • Built to Last: Weaved into our products, cotton provides durability and longevity for your yoga essentials.
  • Versatile Support: Cotton adapts to your needs, enhancing every yoga session with comfort and nature's embrace
Kapok
Kapok
  • Lightweight Support: Kapok's airy texture provides the perfect balance between softness and stability in your yoga bolsters.
  • Sustainably Sourced: As a natural fiber, kapok aligns with our eco-friendly values, making your practice kinder to the environment.
  • Hypoallergenic & Hygienic: Resistant to mold and pests, kapok ensures a clean and healthy yoga experience.
  • Eco-conscious Choice: Our bolsters, filled with kapok, bring you comfort with a conscience, promoting sustainable living.
  • Breathe Easy: Kapok's natural buoyancy supports your poses while maintaining a healthy airflow, enhancing your practice.
Buckwheat hulls
Buckwheat Hulls
  • Comfortable Seating: Buckwheat hulls conform to your body's contours, offering ergonomic comfort during meditation.
  • Natural & Sustainable: Sourced from the seeds of the buckwheat plant, these hulls are a renewable and eco-friendly choice.
  • Adjustable & Durable: Customize the cushion's firmness by adding or removing hulls, ensuring longevity and adaptability.
  • Breathable Design: Buckwheat hulls promote airflow, reducing the risk of moisture buildup and enhancing your meditation practice.
  • Environmentally Responsible: Our zafu cushions, filled with buckwheat hulls, align with our commitment to eco-conscious living
Flax Seeds
  • Relaxing Aromatherapy: Flax seeds, infused with calming scents of lavender, offer a soothing sensory experience.
  • Weighted Bliss: These eye pillows provide gentle pressure, helping to alleviate tension and promote relaxation.
  • Cool or Warm Comfort: Flax seeds can be chilled in the freezer or gently heated, allowing you to choose the perfect temperature for your needs.
  • Eco-Friendly Fill: Flax seeds are a renewable and sustainable choice, aligning with our commitment to eco-conscious living.
  • Ideal for Meditation: Enhance your meditation sessions with the calming influence of flax seed-filled eye pillows.
Cork
Cork
  • Our yoga blocks are crafted from sustainably sourced cork, making them an eco-friendly choice for your practice.
  • Cork is a natural material known for its lightweight yet sturdy properties, providing reliable support and stability during your yoga sessions.
  • Yoga blocks made from cork are firm enough to assist in challenging poses yet gentle on your body, allowing you to deepen your stretches and improve your alignment.
  • Cork is a renewable and biodegradable resource, aligning perfectly with our commitment to sustainability.
  • By choosing cork yoga blocks, you not only enhance your practice but also contribute to a healthier planet.
“We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” ― Howard Zinn​

With your support, we can all be part of that change in making Earth a better place

From India with Love: Crafting Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials.

We have a community of 48 weavers and they are the creators of our unique, eco-friendly and handwoven yoga mats and blankets. Each weaver spends half a day to a full day to complete the weaving of a mat/blanket. The entire process is labour intensive as they use manual looms driven by constant movement of hands or feet. No power is used in the  process. Weaving is the only work they know and consequently their only source of income.

There are two different sets of yarns:  ‘warp’ which is stretched in place in the loom and the weft which is the moving component, threaded through the warp during the weaving process. 

We underestimate the amount of work that goes into the making of these blankets and yoga mats. 

All the props that we sell through our website comes through these artisans. Nothing is automated. Each bolster, meditation cushion and eye pillow are filled by hand and stitched to bring us ease and comfort during yoga.

Through the images below, let me try to take you through the  process from dyeing of cotton to the end result which is the blanket and yoga mats. These images were clicked during our visit to the weavers.

Water recycling centre
Water Recycling at the Dyeing Centre

One noteworthy aspect of the weaving is the commitment to sustainable practices. A  mini-water treatment plant is integrated within the weaving facilities, significantly reducing the environmental footprint

Dyeing process for the cotton yarns

 AZO-free dyes are meticulously applied in precise quantities and calibrated to achieve the exact colors. The steel rods visible here hold the dyed yarns. The image may capture a glimpse of the process, but does not do justice to the  vibrancy of the colors. You find me here, all smile with  joy of the moment and a deep appreciation for the beauty and simplicity that underlies this age-old craft.

Drying the cotton yarns
The dyed yarns ready to be dried in the machines​

These yarns are ready for the next stage of their transformation. After the dyeing, along with these steel rods, they are about to make their way into the drier, where they will evolve further on their path to becoming exquisite textiles.

Process of Warping
Bringing the threads together to make the warp

The dried yarns are wound onto a frame as shown or beam in a process known as warping. This creates the warp, a set of tightly stretched, parallel threads that will serve as the foundation for weaving.The next image is a continuation from here.

Making a Stronger warp

The Smiling gentleman here manually rotates this wooden frame to get the threads stronger and longer for the warps. Warp is  stretched in place in the loom.

Here is a bundle of beautiful warps ready to be loomed

These are some beautiful blue warps which  form the lengthwise aspect on the loom in the next image. The warps are much stronger than the wefts. 

Blue colored warp ready to be loomed
The warp in the loom ready to be woven

This was a stationary loom, the person in charge was away for a break. But I loved the colours and decided to take the picture anyway.

Colorful wefts of the handloom
These are the wefts

Once the warp is set up on the loom, the weft threads come into play. The weft threads are woven horizontally across the warp threads in a process known as "weaving." The weft threads pass over and under the warp threads, creating the fabric  structure and design.

Blanket weaving
Blanket weaving in progress

This is the cotton blanket weaving. There is continuous movement of the hands and  feet. There is no  electricity at all. You can see the long threads or the warps clearly. Blanket weaving takes a day and is slightly easier than the mats.

Trying a hand at weaving

Weaving is a lot of hard work and requires practice and precision.  The artisans work hard day and night to bring forth the beautiful masterpiece which we see and love to own.

Stitching of the Bolster covers
Stitching of the bolster covers​

This is within the unit of bolster production, The bolsters and cushions  are manually filled. Here we see the stitching of the Bolster covers which are done with precision by these youngsters

Our 100% Cotton Yoga mat in the making

You can see that the machinery used for the  mats are different when compared to the  blankets pictured above. The mats take longer to finish – anywhere between two to three days of work without electricity. 

Explore Our Eco-Friendly Yoga Collection