The Melanated Yoga Experience: How a Pop-Up Tour Made Waves

Honoring Wellness and Black-Owned Businesses—Together

In March 2023, BLK Directory kicked off the first stop of the Melanated Yoga Experience in Raleigh—an intentional pop-up event designed to bring wellness and community to the forefront.

This was more than just a yoga class. Local Black-owned businesses were invited to share their services in a post-class marketplace, allowing attendees to explore products, make connections, and support the community. The event included an hour-long beginner-friendly session led by a Black instructor, followed by refreshments and opportunities to network with vendors and entrepreneurs.

A Meaningful Start in Raleigh

As featured in WRAL News, this event was the first of a four-city tour, making stops in Raleigh, Houston, Austin, and Atlanta. As WRAL highlighted:

“A yoga class this Saturday in Raleigh will be led by a Black instructor and feature a social mixer and shopping event with Black-owned businesses.”(Read the WRAL coverage here)

This spotlight underscored the importance of creating inclusive wellness spaces while elevating local Black-owned brands. Attendees weren’t just practicing yoga—they were stepping into a safe, uplifting environment that celebrated both health and heritage.

Why It Mattered

• Wellness with Intention: The experience offered healing not just for the body, but for the social fabric—promoting self-care, community, and belonging.

• Amplifying Local Black Businesses: Entrepreneurs gained exposure and access to new customers—an economic win and a confidence boost.

• Community Connection: It wasn’t just yoga; it was storytelling, creativity, and connection—all in one space.

• Media Spotlight: WRAL’s coverage amplified our reach and mission, showing how wellness and entrepreneurship intersect to uplift communities.

Our Recap Deck: A Closer Look at the Impact

We know that experiences like the Melanated Yoga Experience are best felt in person — but we also wanted to capture the story in a way that lives on. That’s why we created a Recap Deck, highlighting community participation, key outcomes, and the local Black-owned businesses we were proud to spotlight along the way.

From event photos and testimonials to media recognition from WRAL News, the deck showcases how this initiative educated underserved communities on the importance of wellness while driving visibility for entrepreneurs.

View the Melanated Yoga Experience Recap Deck Here

Looking Ahead

The Melanated Yoga Experience continues to be a blueprint for intentional, energetic, and inclusive programming—and we can’t wait to bring it back.

Thank you to everyone who participated—yoga instructors, attendees, sponsors, and Black-owned businesses alike. Together, we found strength in movement, wellness in connection, and power in community.

Stay tuned for more events, resources, and programs—all designed with heart, community, and impact in mind.

— Diamond Young, Founder, BLK Directory