Yalo Yoga is a small sustainable yoga brand based in Sweden, but have you ever wondered who is behind this brand? Whose vision and values does Yalo represent? That would be Artemis—our passionate founder and the one-woman force behind it all! We wanted you to get to know her better, so here she is!
Q: Artemis, tell us a little about yourself...
A: I was born and raised in Athens, Greece—a city full of history and life. In my early years, I was a competitive figure skater, and from the moment I stepped on the ice at the age of 3, I knew I had found my passion. I competed for over a decade, was part of the Greek National Team, and participated in many international competitions. In Greece, I earned second and third-place finishes in national championships, and while I competed abroad, I never made it to the podium—but I always carried the love for skating in my heart. Skating made me feel free, like a bird that had just learned how to fly.
Q: When did you move to Sweden? What brought you here?
A: My journey in Sweden began in 2012 when an opportunity to work in Stockholm presented itself, and I grabbed it without hesitation! Moving to a new country, not knowing the language, and adapting to a different culture were all challenges, but I embraced them. Over the years, I worked in different jobs, including as a personal assistant, helping people with special needs.
Starting a business was never in my plans, but life has its own way of surprising us. Today, I feel incredibly grateful for the path that led me to create something meaningful. As a single mother of two beautiful and lively children, I draw strength and motivation from them every day. They inspire me to build a better future—not just for us, but for the planet as well.
Q: Why did you decide to make yoga mats?
A: I discovered yoga about two years after the birth of my first child. At the time, I wasn’t feeling my best, and a friend suggested I give yoga a try. From my first practice, I felt a sense of calm and balance that I had been missing. Yoga became my way of reconnecting with myself, and it naturally led me to the idea of creating Yalo. Making yoga products felt like the perfect way to blend my passion with my desire to build something meaningful.
Q: What inspired you to create Yalo?
A: Growing up in Greece, the sea has always been my safe haven. As a child, I could spend hours swimming in the warm, crystal-clear waters, sometimes even imagining I was a mermaid! (At this point, I can’t help but smile.)
The name "Yalo" comes from the Greek word "Yalos," meaning shoreline. The ocean has inspired not only the name but also the way I design my products and how I want everything to flow naturally—just like the waves.
Q: Why did you choose cork?
A: Cork aligns perfectly with my values! I have a deep respect for nature and want to do my part in preserving the planet’s resources for future generations. Cork is a truly unique material—natural, sustainable, durable, and safe for everyone, even children.
On a personal level, I also love creating beautiful things, and cork allows me to do just that. It’s a material that’s not only kind to the environment but also visually stunning—combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.