B Yoga Founder and now the owner of B Yoga's sister brand Halfmoon, Andrea Morris, developed her vision for B Yoga while working with an innovative type of rubber at The Stewart Group, her family’s fifth-generation manufacturing and technology company. She realized that the material’s distinctive qualities – its exceptionally grippy texture, its eco-friendliness and its durability – could make it the perfect yoga mat. Since the very first B MAT, B Yoga has made it their priority to bring simple, high-performance everyday essentials for every-yogi. Andrea aims to integrate mindfulness into all aspects of her life, including life as an entrepreneur, mother, and yogi. We asked her a few questions about her experience as an entrepreneur, her personal practices, and approach to business.

Along with @byoganow, we’ve teamed up with Canadian wellness brand @shophalfmoon to give you the essentials for a centering practice. Make sure to enter our giveaway on Instagram for a chance to win an amazing prize package that includes: @byoganow B Mat, @shophalfmoon Mod Meditation Cushion and $75 @provinceapothecary gift card!

What would you tell your 20-year-old self if you had the chance?

Be You. Be boldly confidently unapologetically You. And then envision your goals, don’t lose sight of them, and work hard to achieve them.

When do you feel most like yourself? / When are you at your happiest?

At the cottage, with the family, on a boat, cruising. This is when I feel most connected to both nature and my nearest and dearest.

Who do you admire and why?

Entrepreneurial Moms, who are able to balance it all; they do what they love professionally, while still taking time to be with their family, and to make room for self-care (the often omitted ingredient). Balance is not one single state, it is ever-changing, and finding equilibrium is the ultimate and ongoing challenge for me. I am inspired by and learn from others who achieve this.

Where do you find daily/creative inspiration?

Everywhere. Walking down the street, chatting with my kids, husband, and friends, Instagram and Pinterest! Inspiration finds me via many different angles and avenues, which I love! Keep your eyes open – it’s everywhere!

How would you spend a perfect 'day off'?

I would start with a warm and uninterrupted flat white, on the heels of a nice slow flow yoga class, followed by an afternoon of fun with my family and a nice backyard dinner, grilled by my husband, featuring my favorite Pinot Noir. Heaven!

What’s the best part about being an entrepreneur? / What’s the worst part?

Best: freedom, flexibility, control, creative license!

Worst: the job is always waiting for you, it never stops… but I’m ok with that.

What's your favorite self-care ritual?

Yoga, of course! 45 mins to an hour to myself on my mat is heaven. Yoga allows me to refocus and rejuvenate. I choose my class based on my energy levels and mood; a nice vinyasa flow if I have the energy to burn, a more restorative class if I’m feeling low energy and my mind is racing.

How do you ground yourself (during the day)?

I close my door, sit and take 5 deep long breaths. If possible, I accompany these with a lavender or frankincense essential oil application to my temples. Just a few seconds to refocus my energy.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Professionally, it was to build jobs for the people you work with, meaning to hone in on your key players’ strengths and motivations and to help them create the job of their dreams, as opposed to creating a role and trying to fit a person into that role. This approach brings me joy as I can help build my team to their highest potential, while also supporting the business. Win-win-win!

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