Who we are
The Black Women’s Yoga Collective (BWYC) is dedicated to increasing wellness accessibility for people of color, especially Black people, and creating more representation for Black women in the wellness industry. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to wellness and the opportunity to exist comfortably in wellness spaces. In order to be truly impactful, our wellness practices and spaces must be intersectional.
Here at BWYC we’re focused on holding space for our community to create true, lasting connections - both within and with others. Whether you’re starting a yoga practice, curious about meditating, or looking to simply feel better - we hope to support you on your journey with wellness in any way we can. BWYC currently offers programming online, as well as in the New York and Los Angeles areas with hopes to expand to new locations in the future!
What we do
Founded in 2018, BWYC strives to support the growth and healing of people of color via:
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- free + affordable yoga classes virtually + in LA & NYC,
- specialized workshops + events,
- Black & Brown women-centered yoga + wellness retreats,
- free digital wellness resources,
- community outreach + support,
- community collaboration;
- and so much more.
Since BWYC began, our community has grown to over 150k members and counting. Our global community includes people from numerous cities across the US, South Africa, Berlin, South Korea, France, and so many more places. After launching our virtual practice space in 2020, BWYC Studio has held over 350 virtual yoga classes and workshops. We’ve collaborated with 60+ Black women instructors who shared various styles of yoga, meditation, sound healing, and other movement forms with our virtual community.
In 2022, we began to host yoga and wellness retreats for Black & Brown women. Our retreats are all about beautiful experiences, sisterhood, connection to self, rest, and recharging. We’ve gathered in dreamy domestic locations like Joshua Tree, Temecula - Wine Country, Sedona, the Catskill Mountains, and more. We’ve also adventured to international destinations like Tulum, Mexico and Bali, Indonesia.
BWYC retreats are all about Black & Brown women coming together to cultivate healing energy as a collective.
MEET the team
Mel Douglas, Founder &
Co-Owner
Hey friends!
My name is Mel Douglas! I'm the Founder and Co-Owner of The Black Women's Yoga Collective.
BWYC is a convergence of my love for black women, yoga, and community. While developing my personal yoga practice, it became impossible to ignore the lack of space for Black and brown faces in the wellness industry. I believe that everyone deserves access to wellness and that healing is a radical act. I aim to support my people reaching for healing in every way possible.
Practicing and teaching yoga allows me to empower myself and support others in accessing their own power. I hold 450+ hours of teacher training in Vinyasa, Power, Yin, and Restorative Yoga. I’m also trained to teach yoga to those who have experienced trauma, seniors, and children.
It is my hope that we can uplift each other and connect for a higher purpose as a community.
Drew Muse, Community Director & Co-Owner
I’m Drew Muse, Community Coordinator and Co-Owner of The Black Women’s Yoga Collective. I’m also the Founder of a non-profit organization, Body Bend Yoga.
I pour my heart into community building for BWYC and love connecting with the amazing Black women who join our events & retreats. I’ve been practicing yoga for 15+ years and have been teaching for nearly a decade. I seek to support others along their movement and wellbeing journey’s, helping people develop a lifestyle that feels good for them.