“The first person to fully love is yourself.” Those are the inspiring words printed inside a pair of beautiful Oraki yoga pants I received as a gift at an event organized by my friends at YogaTribes this summer.
The second message I found was the one about the materials ‘To keep our planet happy, made with polyester from recycled plastic bottles.”
Those two messages printed on the inside of the leggings made my day, along with their pink color, a color that always makes me happy.
I was pleasantly surprised to read these messages. Being passionate supporter of maintaining cleaner oceans and planet, this company’s mission statement totally inspired me.
The third surprise came when I talked to he founder, Cynthia Savard, and she explained that the pants were designed by using the art created by many different visual artists.
So by the time I began interviewing Cynthia. I was already sold on her as an inspiring woman and on the Oraki brand.
Cythia is vivacious, determined, and a true visionary.
She created the Oraki label after spending many years in the fast-paced fashion industry, an industry she says she doesn’y truly connect with anymore. Cynthia spent eight months in a factory in Canada to develop the best fabric from recycled plastic bottles. Her team manufactured and tested seven different fabrics, built 16 samples and participated in eight fittings before arriving at the fabrics and fit they use today.
She created Oraki after sensing the need and desire for a product made with cleaner and more eco-friendly materials. She also wanted to be a trailblazer and a role model for her kids. “How can I tell my kids to go after their dreams if I don’t do it myself?”
Today, Oraki legwear is sold in many points of sale and online.
She partnered with former hockey player George Laraque to create the label. A great partnership given George’s passion for wellness, in all areas, including fitness and yoga.
Thank you Cynthia Savard for being such a trailblazer on the road to a cleaner and happier planet!
You are truly a role model for your kids and the rest of us too.
