THE YOGA PILLOW

YOGA♥ PARTNERS

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WEBSITE:

THEYOGAPILLOW.COM

Melissa Boyd, Satya Yoga and Pilates
Melissa Boyd, Satya Yoga and Pilates

ABOUT:

The Yoga Pillow, a one-of-a-kind prop invented by Lochana Panapitiya, is revolutionizing the way yoga and meditation enthusiasts approach their practice. This thoughtfully designed prop combines the support of a yoga block with the softness of a yoga bolster, offering a unique blend of comfort, portability, and versatility. Made from high-quality cotton canvas with a supportive foam core, it’s perfect for restorative yoga, seated meditation, and challenging postures that require additional support.
 
Lochana’s vision for The Yoga Pillow was to create an accessible and adaptable tool that meets the needs of both beginners and experienced yogis alike. Available in calming colors like Sea Glass Teal, Blue Lagoon and White Coral, it adds an aesthetic touch to any practice space while providing the ideal balance of firmness and comfort. The Yoga Pillow’s innovative design allows it to attach to standard yoga blocks, transforming them into mini yoga bolsters for heightened support and deeper relaxation. Compact and travel-friendly, it’s easy to bring along to the studio or on the go. 
 
With its emphasis on flexibility and functionality, The Yoga Pillow is quickly becoming a must-have for anyone looking to deepen their practice. Discover more about this transformative prop at  theyogapillow.com.
Melissa Boyd, Satya Yoga and Pilates
Melissa Boyd, Satya Yoga and Pilates

Sponsored Content from our Partners: The Yoga Pillow

What was the inspiration to create The Yoga Pillow?
The inspiration came from my personal yoga and meditation journey. During my yoga teacher training, I noticed the discomfort that can arise when sitting on yoga blocks for extended periods in meditation or trying to find proper support in poses without pain. A lightbulb moment struck when I saw a fellow student place a yoga bolster on a block. After tons of market research and building the first prototype, I realized there was a need for a hybrid yoga prop that could provide comfort, alignment, and versatility—something that didn’t exist yet. That moment sparked the idea for The Yoga Pillow, a tool designed to make yoga and meditation more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

What is your favorite feedback you’ve received about the pillows?
One of my favorite pieces of feedback came from a customer who tried The Yoga Pillow at an event we were vendors for. Her reactions to using it were priceless. She mentioned how amazing it was and how “it feels like a couch for my pelvis.” Other customers have mentioned “it’s like temper-pedic for your butt” and “this is an amazing gift for my body.” It’s been truly incredible just to see the facial AND body reactions of people that use it for the first time. Hearing and actually seeing how The Yoga Pillow has positively impacted someone’s relationship to yoga is by far the most rewarding part of what I do.

Your pillows look incredibly comfortable, especially for anyone who experiences discomfort sitting for long periods of time or knee pain in certain yoga poses. Who do you find would benefit most from using them?
The Yoga Pillow is ideal for anyone who experiences discomfort during yoga or meditation, especially those with sensitive joints or injuries, limited flexibility, or just have a desire for some coziness and support. It’s perfect for beginners who may feel intimidated by certain poses, as well as experienced yogis looking to deepen their practice with a bit of comfort as they prep for more advanced poses. It’s also a great tool for anyone incorporating restorative or yin yoga into their routine, as it enhances alignment in poses held for longer periods while adding comfort. It is also wonderful to use as a meditation cushion following an invigorating ashtanga style yoga practice. We have even had customers that use it as a wonderful floor cushion to just sit around the coffee table to hangout.

Share your favorite yoga/wellness social media/web accounts that inspire you.
I’m inspired by accounts that focus on mindfulness, mental health, and authentic wellness. A few of my favorites are:

@Yoga_Medicine and @TiffanyCruikshank for the wealth of information around combining modern medical and anatomical knowledge with yoga as well as delving into blended learnings from Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.

@JaniceLiou for her creative imagery and focus on yoga alignment and her authenticity in teaching yoga.

 @BanyanTogether, @TaraBrach and @Jack_Kornfield for their mindfulness-based content and knowledge on Buddhist mindfulness teachings.

These accounts remind me of the transformative power of yoga and the importance of community in this space.

Congratulations on creating a new wellness product and small business; it is a huge accomplishment. What advice would you give anyone looking to start their own small business?
Thank you so much! My biggest advice is to start with a clear vision, start lean then expand and most importantly stay connected to your “why.” Building a business takes resilience and clarity in thinking. Not only has my meditation and yoga practices helped here but also the foresight to keep things as simple as possible. Additionally, having a strong sense of purpose will also keep you motivated during the inevitable ups and downs. Also, surround yourself with people who believe in your mission and bring complementary skills to the table. Finally, listen to your customers and your inner self. Their feedback is invaluable in refining your product and building something truly impactful.

Thank you for partnering with Yoga Love Magazine! We are able to do the work we do because of our amazing community of sponsors and partners. Can you share what inspired you to partner with us?
It’s an honor to partner with Yoga Love Magazine, a platform that uplifts and celebrates the yoga and wellness community in any cultural setting. Your focus on inclusivity and mindful living aligns perfectly with the mission of The Yoga Pillow. I wanted to work with Yoga Love Magazine because of its ability to inspire and connect yogis from all walks of life. Together, we’re encouraging more people to prioritize self-care, deepen their practice, and discover the joy of yoga and mindfulness no matter where they come from.