Shanti Sundays founder Tracey Ellis spotted a gap in the market whilst working behind the front desk at triyoga. Fast forward a few years and Shanti Sundays has become a favourite amongst the yoga community, with Tracey’s unique prints and clothing brightening up studios, homes and yoga classes everywhere (#ShantiSundays). We caught up with Tracey to discover the ins and outs of the brand that’s been a favourite at triyoga since its very beginning (and we’re not just saying that).
Why did you set up Shanti Sundays?
I was actually working at triyoga at the time and identified a real gap in the market for props and clothing that were both functional and beautiful. Personally I wanted beautiful things to support and soften my own journey on and off the mat. Shanti Sundays was a way for me to bring together my fashion background and my love for yoga to create a brand that fitted my aesthetic and ideals. triyoga was my very first outlet – I’m not sure it would have taken off so quickly without that! I’ll always be grateful for that.
What inspires you?
Nature, yoga, kindness, music and my 2 nieces who are my little gurus. I am incredibly blessed with the amount of love I have in my life – that is my biggest inspiration.
As a yoga studio we care where our brands come from, can you fill us in on the Shanti Sundays design and production process?
I’m lucky that the design process comes really naturally. I have an idea and I quickly test it out and see if it works. The underpinning questions to accompany the aesthetic are: ‘is it comfortable?’, and ‘does it feel good?’. If the answer is yes then it’s usually a winner. I make what I like and thankfully it resonates with people.
I’ve been stringent in the production process and after several years have managed to establish great relationships with ethical and organic manufacturers. Our garments are produced ethically in Bangladesh using supreme organic cotton and adhering to Fair Wear and Fair trade standards. Ethical manufacturing is a non negotiable. Always planet and people before profit – that’s a given! I’d love to manufacture here in the UK but it’s just not feasible. I did try that for a season and it almost bankrupted me. It makes more sense to be able to offer an affordable product to more people, than making the product too exclusive for the sake of that one ideal.
What’s your favourite piece from the new collection?
The unisex organic One Love hoodies which are available exclusively from triyoga and my website. They are SO soft, I love the message and they suit my boyish side. I also love the unisex ‘love is everything’ baseball tee, for the same reasons. This is my first foray into menswear and it’s going really well so far.
And finally, what’s your favourite yoga pose and favourite place to practice?
I’d have to say anywhere for practice although meditation in nature can’t be beaten.
I love headstand. It took me so long to get there that now I really relish that feeling of turning my world upside down and closing my eyes and seeing what happens. That and any restorative pose, practiced at home with as many props as possible – Shanti Sundays of course.
Discover the new Shanti Sundays collection at triyoga.
