Our Story
How It Started
In 2022, two former MBA classmates were working in roles in Tech and Consulting. Left wanting more from how we were taught sustainability in school, and in how it was perceived and acted upon in the business world, we shared a more robust vision of sustainability that sought to be as comprehensive in scope and as beneficial to the world as possible. We also shared an increasing reliance on yoga and movement activities to heal our aching desk bodies.
First Steps
And so, Solajai was born. Two years and lots of trial and error later, we perfected and are patenting our first product - the Cambium Yoga Mat - designed to perform better than the best mats on the market - while being >99% natural and biodegradable, and 100% sourced from responsible suppliers.
Today
Now, in late 2024, we are planning to launch a Kickstarter campaign to bring this passion of ours to the wider public. As we prepare to launch, we are building a pre-launch community we call Solajai Circle. Joining this community gives you the best discount on Kickstarter once we go live, gives you priority access to giveaways and events, and a surprise… It also helps us gauge interest and ensure our campaign is a success - getting mats delivered as soon as possible!
Tomorrow
We hope to improve and perfect our products, design more innovative offerings, and build the most sustainable supply chain around. We want to do our small part as members of an inclusive and inspiring global sustainability movement!
Solajai sees sustainability holistically.
Environment. Self. Community. Economy. Health. Mental Wellness.
Yoga + Sustainability
Yoga and sustainability go great together. The practice of yoga is a critical part of our self-care routines. Taking care of ourselves is what allows us to go out and take care of others. And, by practicing in a studio or other yoga community, we have found some pretty great people. But, we might have found some microplastics and carcinogens, too…
Most yoga mats, equipment, and apparel are made from plastic. Many "premium” and “economy” mats alike are made from poly-vinyl-chloride (PVC), which is toxic and carcinogenic. Thermo-plastic-elastomer (TPE) mats are a bit better, but are still plastic. Natural rubber (though not plastic) has issues with traceability, deforestation, and forced labor. Polyester, nylon, and spandex tops and leggings are all plastic as well.
But, these plastic products are better, right? Not really.
Synthetic materials do have some helpful traits. For example, stretchy clothes are very easy to make out of synthetic fibers, but more difficult to make out of natural fibers. However, natural materials have some distinct advantages, too. For example, the grip of natural materials like cotton or cork is quite a bit better-particularly when wet. Not to mention a whole host of other helpful properties like odor reduction, anti-microbial properties, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and more.
Better Design
We use good design to get the most out of natural materials. The result is actually a product that is superior to its plastic counterparts and significantly better for our health, the environment, and the communities who make Solajai possible.