We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Hess, Founder of Bolstered Yoga Props, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, how did you come up with the idea for your business?

My eco-entreprenuerial journey started right out of college when I helped my Dad launch his innovative compost bin. We got the CompoKeeper in a handful of Bay Area Costco stores! ⁠ ⁠
When my Dad (who was my business partner and best friend) passed away suddenly in 2015, I was heart broken & completely lost. Eventually I found my way by leaning even more into the wisdom of yoga.

I immersed myself in back-to-back teacher trainings where I literally spent 300 hours sitting on the floor studying yoga asana and philosophy.
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That’s when I fell in love with yoga props. In asana and beyond, props provided comfort & support so I could stay present for myself and others. Together the props & the practice gave me the agency to take good care of me. Self-compassion allowed me to have more compassion for others & further nurtured my desire to be of service to people & the planet.⁠
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Having a background in product development, sourcing & sustainability I was inspired to weave my passions together & create yoga props that are uniquely beautiful, eco-friendly & ethically sourced so yogi’s can have items that are a true reflection & expression of their yoga practice. ⁠
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Synchronistically, I was gifted a hand-me-down sewing machine & I learned to sew.

Sandbags were the first prop I made because, as an highly sensitive person, they were my favorite. I crafted dozens of sandbags for local studios and then students and fellow teachers started asking for them. That’s when I decided to pursue Bolstered as a business. Now my offerings include yoga bolsters, blankets, straps, crystal-filled eye pillows, and, of course, sandbags!

What makes your work unique?

My work with Bolstered is unique because I’m really leaning into my yogic values to guide my decision making. I’m mindful about the impact I have on the environment, whether my brand and products are inclusive and accessible, and how I can further be of service to people and the planet. I feel proud of the thoughtfulness and heart that goes into everything I create.

And I do my best to remember that perfection isn’t a thing. Remaining unattached to results is difficult, and helpful in this scenario. This is not a common approach to business. And, it’s not easy, yet I want this model to exist and be able to thrive in the world.

When I’m challenged, the most helpful resource I have is connecting with community at local markets or small business gatherings. Talking to others who are living their passions through their work, and having my work seen and appreciated revitalizes me.

Each time someone buys Bolstered products, I know they appreciate the heartfelt intention woven into their new yoga props, and I too am uplifted by the feeling of their support and encouragement! It’s a beautiful exchange.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

While I love Colorado in the winter, I’d have them visit during the summer so we could be outside most of the time.

We’d go for a hike up Boulder Canyon. Afterwards we’d get food and drink while enjoying the view on the patio at Southern Sun or on the rooftop at Avanti food court.

I’d take them to a couple yoga classes at my home studio, Louisville Community Yoga, and then we’d walk around a local market, likely the Farmer’s Market in downtown Louisville or Boulder. I love the community at Yoga Pearl so we’d pop in for a class there as well!

Rocky Mountain National Park would be great for incredible hikes, epic views, wild flowers and wildlife encounters. We might even camp out in the mountains for a night or two.

We’d head to Denver for a yoga class at Urban Sanctuary in Denver (one of the most meaningful yoga studios I’ve been to) We’d have brunch at Mimosas across the street afterwards followed by a walk around 5 points and the RINO district.

A gravel bike ride north of Boulder would be scenic and serene and then we’d head to Stem Ciders for an incredible sunset view.

I love a good stand-up show so at some point I’d take them to Rayback Collective, Liscence No. 1 or BOCO Cider to have some laughs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’d like to make a shoutout to Corrie Williams from Modern Folklore in downtown Lousiville. Corrie curates a beautiful and meaningful selection of artisan pieces in her home goods store.

Everything she brings in supports independent artisans and local makers (Bolstered, included) and are made with a minimal ecological footprint. Corrie has the utmost respect for the people and cultures that produce these goods. I really admire the heart of her store.

Modern Folklore also serves to nurture communities and so the store hosts gatherings and workshops where people can learn how to make their own handcrafted items.

Speaking of community, Corrie also introducted me to the owners of Louisville Community Yoga, where I now practice and teach yoga!

Website: bebolstered.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bolsteredbeing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenhess/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bolsteredbeing/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolsteredbeing

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.