Amador Yoga is Changing the Way BIPOC Experience Fitness

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Aug 26

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Athletic ability meets comfortability in the newest queer-owned activewear brand, Amador Yoga. Founded by queer yoga and meditation teacher, Malik Khalid, this gender-neutral athleisure brand puts the “W” back in “wellness.” Despite the noticeable lack of diversity within the wellness space, Amador began with the denouncement of the perfect-bodies-only mentality that is so prevalent amongst traditional yogis. The company continues to win with its inclusive messaging, comfortable clothing, and overall positivity within the yoga-and-wellness sphere!

“[When I started teaching] there was a huge issue with black folks in the yoga and wellness space, especially with the images that we were seeing from the largest athleisure companies like Lululemon, Alo Yoga, or Manduka. I constantly thought to myself, “Why aren’t there more Black and Brown faces in these ads, or even in the practice? So, I became a yoga teacher because I wanted to bridge the gap when it came to Black male representation in yoga,” says Khalid.

And bridge the gap, he has!

Shedding the expectations of beauty and perfection, Amador inspires queer people of any shape, size, or color to feel and look their best. Inspired by his love affair with yoga and meditation, Amador translates to “lover,” representing Khalid’s love for the rich power of yoga and its Hindu origins.

“Our motto is ‘push past perfection,’ so this brand has been birthed from me as a queer yoga teacher ridding myself of the idea that I have to be perfect. I can still show up for myself and work on my internal connection with myself, and external connections with other people, simultaneously.”

Inspiring patrons to strive for greatness and revel in a sense of community, Amador places positive, inclusive images of people of color in the yoga space. Khalid understands that seeing is believing, which is why positioning underrepresented groups at the forefront of his brand was at the top of his list when drawing up marketing materials. The images speak for themselves!

Seeing a Black-owned athleisure brand compete with the top companies in a typically white-dominated field allows for more affordable alternatives and inspires people of all shades to engage in the practice. The inaugural collection includes t-shirts and sweatsuits, made from ring-spun cotton and fleece at a value that is twenty to forty percent less than major active and leisure brands in the marketplace. That’s microeconomics fancy-talk for: you get more bang for your buck! Read below to find out more about Amador Yoga’s origins and consider checking out their website today!

How did Amador come to be?

Amador was born in 2015 when I was overweight and dealing with hypertension. I was able to use yoga as a way to lose 50 pounds and to rid myself of these ailments. Now, Amador is launching its third collection-- the biggest collection to date!

In what ways do you want Amador to inspire people?

I want people to know that this brand is about internal connection with yourself. That’s why the mantra, “push past perfection” is always on the top of my mind whenever I’m having conversations about yoga and what Amador means to me. We aren’t able to see ourselves represented in the bigger brands so it’s important for me to push for that inclusion.

What can customers expect from the upcoming collection?

We’re working on our largest collection-- meaning that there are fifteen new designs coming from this launch! The theme of the collection is “matador,” so you’ll get to see the attitude and flare that’s indicative of a Spanish bullfight. This, coupled with my desire to tackle the fear that typically comes with living authentically, will make for a strong message about loving the skin, and the body, you’re in.

What’s the biggest takeaway you have for people of color interested in yoga and your brand?

I just want people to know that we are here. We are black-owned, queer-owned, and all of the clothes are made right here in Atlanta. We are a sustainable brand that is here to shake the table and offer better alternatives in the world of fitness.

For more information on Amador Yoga, visit www.amador-yoga.com or send an email to info@amador-yoga.com!

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