Playful, Purposeful, and Planet-Friendly: Meet the Founder of Scoria Yoga (Win!)

What if your yoga mat could help you reconnect with your inner child, reduce your carbon footprint, and support Indigenous youth all at once? That’s the vision Yara Kamal brought to life when she founded Scoria, the Canadian wellness brand redefining what sustainable self-care looks like. With roots in storytelling, creativity, and conscious living, Scoria invites you to move your body while sparking your imagination. In this exclusive Q&A, we chat with Yara about the power of play, building a brand with impact, and why grown-ups need a little more wonder in their wellness routine. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to reconnect with playfulness and creativity, and how did that lead to the creation of Scoria?

Back in 2014, I felt like I was losing myself in the fashion industry, where everything followed strict rules and trends. It made me question how we could regain creativity and break free from external validation. My thesis in my final year of university explored reconnecting with the inner child—to rediscover who we were before the world told us who to be. It’s about presence, self-expression, and tapping into creativity without limitations. I wanted to bring this to life through bold, childlike-inspired art—our very first collection—encouraging people to embrace creativity in their wellness practice. As a yoga practitioner, my mat has always felt like a second home, a space to explore within, and that became the foundation of Scoria. From the start, I also knew that anything I created needed to align with my values, so sustainability became just as important—ensuring that our products are kind to both people and the planet.

How does Scoria encourage a sense of imagination and self-expression in its community?

Scoria’s brand messaging revolves around embracing individuality, with our core phrase that we include subtly across the brand: “stay weird, be kind.” Scoria started with the Signature Inner Child Collection, inspired by children’s stories and the boundless imagination I witnessed while teaching art to young kids. Their creativity sparked something in me—the need to represent fun, imperfect, and playful stories through art on yoga mats. As Scoria grew, we began collaborating with artists to reinforce the idea that creativity flows best when it’s free from rigid expectations. Playful and non-rigid art gives permission to explore, imagine, and express from within rather than seeking external validation. Even our name, Scoria, reflects this—it’s a volcanic rock formed from the fire and energy of an eruption, symbolizing the spark within each of us to reconnect with our true self and creative expression.

Why was sustainability a key pillar of Scoria, and what makes your yoga mats and accessories eco-friendly?

From the beginning, I knew that if I was going to create something, it had to align with my values and not leave a negative footprint. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility. Scoria was built on the idea that we can create meaningfully while being mindful of our impact on the planet. Our yoga mats and accessories are made from biodegradable, natural materials like cork and natural rubber, avoiding synthetic plastics and harmful chemicals. Also, with sustainability comes materials that are non-toxic and healthier for both the body and the world. We prioritize ethical production, minimal-waste packaging, and plastic-free shipping, ensuring that every decision we make supports a cleaner, more conscious way to practice.

What challenges have you faced in sourcing ethical, biodegradable materials, and how have you navigated them?

Finding materials that are both durable and truly eco-friendly is tough. Many “sustainable” options still contain synthetic blends that don’t fully break down, so we’ve had to be meticulous about research and testing. It’s been a journey of trial and error, but by working closely with ethical suppliers, we’ve been able to stay committed to biodegradable, non-toxic alternatives.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned in growing Scoria from a passion project to a successful brand?

Patience and adaptability. Growth isn’t linear, and challenges are inevitable, whether it’s logistics, product development, or market shifts. I’ve learned that staying true to our values, listening to our community, and being flexible with solutions are key to building something that lasts.

How have recent economic shifts, including tariffs, impacted your business, and what steps have you taken to adapt?

Tariffs have created uncertainty, especially for U.S. shipping, leading to added costs and delays that impact both us and our customers. To offset these extra costs, we’ve had to adjust pricing and introduce shipping fees, all while exploring new logistics solutions and maintaining transparency with our community. Shipping to U.S. businesses has also been particularly challenging. Despite these hurdles, our priority remains the same—finding the best solutions while ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for our American customers. We are actively restructuring our operational systems to adapt, but this is not an easy process and will take time to fully implement.

Can you tell us more about Scoria’s partnership with Right To Play and how it supports Indigenous youth?

A portion of every purchase supports education and community programs for Indigenous youth in Canada, creating opportunities for play, learning, and leadership. Play is such a powerful tool for growth and self-confidence, and Right To Play’s program helps children develop resilience, creativity, and life skills; all while honouring their Indigenous cultures and traditions. We annually update to include the Right To Play impact report on our website for their PLAY program, where you can download and explore the full impact of the program. We are honoured to be able to contribute to this.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to create a socially responsible and sustainable brand?

It’s important to remember that sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. As you continue to learn, improve, and adapt, those small changes compound into something larger. Keep challenging yourself to grow and innovate, and over time, the impact you create will be significant. The key is to stay focused on your values and always be open to evolving as you learn more about how to make a positive difference.

How do you see the wellness industry evolving, and where does Scoria fit into the future of sustainable yoga gear?

The wellness industry is shifting towards a more mindful and sustainable approach, with people looking for deeper connections between their well-being and the planet. More practitioners are seeking eco-conscious products that align with their values, moving away from mass-produced, synthetic gear. Scoria fits into this future by offering yoga products that inspire creativity while prioritizing ethical and sustainable materials. As the industry evolves, we see Scoria continuing to push the boundaries of sustainability, offering products that not only support wellness but also contribute to a healthier planet.

What exciting new products or initiatives can we expect from Scoria in the near future?

We’re expanding our product line to offer more variety in our mats, including round yoga mats and meditation mats launching soon. We’re always listening to our community’s feedback to create products that truly support their practice. In addition to new product launches, we’re excited to continue our annual Chakra Healing Intensive Retreat at the end of 2026, providing a deeper space for connection and growth within our community. Looking ahead, we hope to foster even more meaningful connections through community events and experiences that bring people together.

Win! A $200+ Scoria Yoga Bundle!

Congrats Hannah D. of Kelowna, BC, who will receive a $200+ Scoria Yoga Bundle, including their Summit Peak Mat + Blocks + Strap! Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.