When you think of yoga, each of you probably associates a slightly different feeling with it. We immediately and instinctively think of the kindness that is so typical of the entire yoga community and is also completely essential in relation to ourselves. We recognize how brave it is to put ourselves first on days that are hectic and full of obligations, and it is precisely in such moments that we are kindest to ourselves.
We are convinced that it is important to relax our body and calm our scattered mind, because by doing so we will gain energy and have enough inner strength to be kind not only to ourselves, but also to others.
First of all, however, we must find a space where we will feel happy and ourselves. Such a place, where we can be present, put the worries of everyday life behind us and slow down without the slightest remorse, can be a mat. And it was this realization that led us to found the Korkie brand, whose core was, is and always will be kindness.
How did it all start, anyway?
“I got into yoga by chance, but looking back, I feel like it always attracted me like a magnet. Right after the first group class I attended in Berlin, I completely fell in love with the feeling of complete relaxation, awareness, and grounding in the present, and I knew I wanted to experience it over and over again.
I continued practicing in Prague, where, somewhere while exploring my own body and mind, I realized I hadn't felt so happy, welcome, and myself in a long time as I did in the yoga community. Given that I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and considered creation to be the meaning of my existence, I looked for a way to integrate myself even more into the yoga community and contribute to its development. I believed that just as yoga helped me, it could help everyone else.
At the time when the idea to found the Korkie brand was born in my head, none of the companies focused on selling cork mats. I personally encountered them for the first time in the aforementioned class in Berlin. This material immediately captivated me with its properties and was a springboard for me when compiling the offer and naming the brand itself.
It quickly became clear that compiling the offer and selecting suppliers who shared the same values would not be my only challenge. From the very beginning, I knew that if I truly ventured into business, I absolutely did not want to produce more plastic. Such a decision is not only costly for a company but also very difficult to implement – though not impossible. I believed that if I did not compromise on my requirements and sought alternatives myself, I would eventually succeed.
I love when a mere thought becomes a real object. To this day, I vividly remember the wonderful feeling of holding the first Korkie mat in my hands. Suddenly, everything I had only dared to dream about until then became a tangible reality. Moreover, I never perceived the mat as merely an object. It always evoked a safe haven and a small paradise within me, which is always there for me when I need to slow down. I am happy when I receive feedback from customers who resonate with this idea and help spread it further.”
Tereza – brand founder
What happened next?
Of course, much has happened and changed since the creation of the first mat. Our current offer includes more than 30 different designs, which are the result of collaborations with various artists whose work has resonated with us. We strive to make our mats appeal to a wide audience, and therefore, in addition to minimalist patterns, we also offer a wide palette of designs inspired by the untamed beauty of nature, so that everyone can truly find something for themselves.
Although our entire journey began with cork yoga mats, we didn't stop there. We ventured into producing mats with the same base, a rubber layer, but differing in their surface, adding microfiber and vegan rubber to the cork. All the materials used continue to be sustainable, but their distinct properties allow us a higher level of creativity in the printing process.
The product range itself has also undergone a natural transformation, expanding to include sports apparel and other equipment, such as heated herbal pillows, yoga blocks, meditation cushions, and massage tools. Because of this, we moved from a tiny living room-sized warehouse to a warehouse the size of a small football field. We use the plural because Tereza is no longer alone in running Korkie. While at the beginning she handled all orders, ensured the smooth operation of the e-shop, and managed marketing, she now has a professional team at her disposal.
Indeed, many changes have occurred over the past few years of operation, but we continue to maintain the atmosphere of a small Czech company with clearly defined values. What also hasn't changed is that we pour our heart into the entire process of creation, production, and packaging, and we value every single order as much as the customer themselves.
We approach all steps, from idea to finished product, ethically and with respect for nature, and we demand the same from all our business partners and suppliers. It also hasn't changed that we contribute to tree planting from every yoga mat sold. Recently, we crossed a significant milestone: 10,000 trees planted. So, thanks to you – our customers – we can make this world a better place for ourselves and for future generations.
Where are we headed?
We will continue to think about things on a broader scale so that our actions do not negatively affect society and natural resources. At the same time, we would very much like our sustainable and responsible approach to business to become an inspiration not only for the people who make up the Korkie community but also for the general public.
At the same time, we will do our best to ensure that you continue to perceive our products as motivation for movement and our content as an impetus for a happier life full of kindness.
