Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Smith
Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Journey with Yoga and the Birth of Bodistry
I started practicing yoga in college as a way to incorporate some movement into my busy schedule. At the time, I had no idea just how much it would transform my life. Yoga became more than just exercise—it became a way for me to relax, reconnect with my body, and find a sense of calm amidst the chaos of coursework. Over time, I noticed incredible changes: I felt more focused in my afternoon classes, walked with better posture, slept more soundly, improved my cardio workouts, and developed a stronger sense of balance—both physically and mentally.
However, I quickly encountered a challenge. I often felt uncomfortable on my yoga mat. Many of my classmates were smaller, and I found myself constantly adjusting to fit within the limited space of a standard mat. When I started searching for larger mats that provided more coverage, I was disappointed by the lack of high-quality options.
Determined to find a solution, I turned to the internet to see if other plus-size women practicing yoga had recommendations. That’s when I discovered an incredible community of plus-size yogis who shared similar experiences. Their stories and struggles resonated with me deeply, and I knew I had to take action. That’s how Bodistry was born.
The name Bodistry reflects the elements that make up the body, and I chose it with deep intention. I wanted to create a brand that honors every body—one that empowers people to move freely and confidently in their yoga practice. From there, I began reaching out to suppliers and ordering samples of mats. My first sample arrived in 2020, but I refused to rush the process. I personally tested each mat for durability, comfort, and longevity to ensure they met the needs of both beginners and advanced yogis. After years of refining, the final product was released in 2023—a mat designed with love, quality, and inclusivity in mind.
Beyond launching the yoga mat line, I have immersed myself in the wellness community. I’ve attended local wellness events, hosted complimentary yoga classes, and am currently pursuing my 200-hour RYT certification to officially become a yoga instructor. Yoga has also opened the door to a more holistic lifestyle—I now cook most of my meals at home, have eliminated toxic products from my personal care routine, and have developed a deep love for juicing.
Looking ahead, my vision for Bodistry goes far beyond yoga mats. I am dedicated to expanding it into a full-fledged wellness brand—one that embraces body positivity, movement, and holistic health. This journey has been life-changing, and I can’t wait to continue building a community that celebrates self-care in all its forms.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Challenges Behind Building Bodistry
Starting Bodistry was a labor of love, but it was also a journey filled with obstacles, lessons, and moments of doubt. When I set out to create a yoga mat designed for plus-size bodies, I had no roadmap—just a vision and a deep desire to make a difference. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how much work it would take to bring that vision to life, especially as a self-funded, one-woman operation.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was funding everything on my own. From ordering product samples to website fees, legal filings, and marketing efforts, every cost came out of my own pocket.
Beyond funding, there was also the steep learning curve of starting a business. I had to figure out everything myself—forming an LLC setting up a business bank account, managing taxes, and handling inventory and shipping. Then came marketing, which turned out to be an even bigger challenge than I expected.
I built my website from scratch, teaching myself how to design and structure an online store, write compelling product descriptions, and set up payment processing. But once the site was live, I faced another hurdle: getting people to actually find and buy the product.
I initially thought social media ads would be the key, but they were a costly failure. I poured money into ad campaigns hoping they would bring in steady sales, but the return just wasn’t there. I also tried influencer marketing, reaching out to influencers I admired and offering free mats in exchange for exposure. Some never responded, while others accepted the mat but never followed through with promoting it. It was frustrating and discouraging, especially with my limited resources.
Then, there were the slow sales. I had put everything into Bodistry—time, energy, and money—but the orders came in at a pace much slower than I had anticipated. There were moments when I questioned if I had made a mistake. But instead of letting that doubt take over, I kept pivoting, learning, and finding new ways to push forward.
Despite the setbacks, I know Bodistry is worth fighting for. I believe in this brand, in the community I am building, and in the importance of creating inclusive wellness spaces. This journey has tested my resilience, creativity, and patience, but I’m not giving up. I’ve invested everything I could into this business, and at this point, I’ve completely run out of money. It’s a tough reality, but I refuse to let financial challenges stop me from pushing forward. Right now, I’m actively looking for ways to secure funding and reach more people who need this product.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success doesn’t happen overnight. Every failure is a lesson, every obstacle is a stepping stone, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. I’m committed to seeing Bodistry flourish—not just as a yoga mat brand, but as a movement for body positivity, wellness, and holistic health.
This is just the beginning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bodistry?
About Bodistry: A Yoga Brand Rooted in Inclusivity and Wellness
Bodistry was created with one simple yet powerful mission: to make yoga more inclusive for every body. As a plus-size woman navigating the yoga space, I experienced firsthand the challenges of finding a mat that truly fit my body. Traditional mats often felt too small, limiting my movement and comfort during practice. That’s why I set out to create high-quality, spacious yoga mats designed with plus-size yogis in mind—but in reality, they’re for anyone who wants more comfort, stability, and freedom in their practice.
At its core, Bodistry is about the ongoing evolution of self—teaching the body to perform at its optimal level while restoring balance and harmony. This brand was created to align the elements that make up the body through purposeful movement and holistic wellness.
What sets Bodistry apart is our commitment to quality, community, and body positivity. Every mat is made with eco-friendly, consciously created, ethical materials, ensuring that your practice not only supports your body but also honors the planet. I personally spent years testing and refining our mats because I wanted to ensure that when someone steps onto a Bodistry mat, they feel confident, supported, and inspired to move.
But Bodistry is more than just a yoga mat brand—it’s a wellness movement. I’ve attended local wellness events, hosted complimentary yoga classes, and am currently working toward my 200-hour RYT certification to become a yoga instructor. My vision is to expand Bodistry into a full wellness brand that celebrates body positivity, movement, and self-care in every form.
What I’m most proud of is the community that Bodistry is building. Representation in the wellness world matters, and I want Bodistry to be a brand that makes people feel seen, valued, and empowered—regardless of size, shape, or experience level.
To our readers: if you’ve ever felt out of place in a yoga class, struggled to find a mat that truly fits, or simply want a high-quality, thoughtfully designed product—Bodistry is for you. This is a brand built with love, resilience, and a deep passion for making wellness accessible to all.
Bodistry is an all-inclusive yoga line designed for every BODY type. Discover your body while transforming your identity with Bodistry. Inspiring you to do more today, and every day.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I feel risk taking is the catalyst to growth and success. The only way to beat failure is trying. Anyone who has ever had what they deem as success will tell you they took some type of risk. Whether it was moving to pursue a dream, launching a product, auditioning for a role, or even pursuing higher education for the chance at a career that will give them a better life its about taking that risk. You have to bet on yourself first if you ever want anyone else to bet on you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bodistry.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bodistry_
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/bodistry
