Beyond a Story

Namaskaram,

Welcome to the story of how Akash Essense was born and the journey we've taken to create a truly sustainable brand. We are Julia and Don, partners in this beautiful journey that began in mid-2023. Our mission is to provide ethical, sustainable products for your well-being, infused with yogic wisdom.

Who are we?

Don, a yoga teacher for a decade, has traveled to India multiple times to learn from yogic masters. He observed that many people, especially in the West, lose touch with their true nature, even when practicing yoga. They often use tight, synthetic clothing and mats, disconnecting from the essence of existence. To address this, Don envisioned creating natural, flowy yoga clothing and mats to enhance the connection between body and soul during practice. Beyond these external supports, he felt a strong calling to help others explore their inner potential. This inspired him to establish the "Akash" Foundation, an association focused on bringing yoga's foundational teachings to everyone. He believes that yoga should be accessible to all, regardless of background, financial situation, or status, as it offers a path to experiencing one's true self.

As Julia, I was profoundly influenced by Don's teachings over four years. My passion for fashion and commitment to sustainability led me to struggle with the environmental impact of synthetic clothing. Seeing the disconnection people faced from their true nature and the harm caused by fast fashion, I felt a strong need to create change. In 2023, I began developing a women's clothing collection (Ārambha) that is natural, traceable, and transparent, despite lacking formal fashion training. My mission is to inspire others to realize that harming the earth and oneself affects everyone, reflecting a commitment to sustainable, holistic fashion for all women.

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The beginning - Ārambha

When I shared my vision with Don, he encouraged me to help create yoga mats for "Akash" Foundation. Our journey began in Portugal, searching for sustainable fabrics and yoga carpets. However, we found the traceability and traditional craftsmanship lacking; most fabrics were machine-made, and the yoga mats contained recycled materials, not fully natural. Feeling disheartened, I realized Portugal wasn't our answer. In October 2023, I felt a profound calling to India, drawn to its crafts and culture. Arriving there, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and connection, knowing this was the place for our vision to flourish.

After my initial trip to India, I returned for a three-month journey to deepen connections with suppliers and immerse myself in the culture and crafts. This experience taught me more about life than any university could, as I learned directly from artisans and suppliers. Don joined me initially, but after three weeks, he returned to Luxembourg, leaving me to continue our mission. This journey solidified our vision for Akash Essense, prioritizing the planet and well-being over profit. After returning from India, Don and I decided to merge our visions into one project rather than pursuing separate ones. This collaboration led to the creation of Akash Essense, a true love story rooted in our shared commitment to sustainability and mindful living.

With love, light and laughter
Julia and Don 🖤

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