It all began with a sketch.

Not a business plan. Not a pitch deck. Not a spreadsheet.

Just a few playful sketches of llamas in yoga poses, drawn by a father and his kids during a lazy afternoon in Brooklyn. That father was Bill Ades, and those sketches—charming, light-hearted, full of character—became the seed of something much bigger: Llamaste.

From that spark of inspiration came a brand that’s now so much more than just a name. It’s a lifestyle, a philosophy, and for many, a much-needed sanctuary.

This is not just another yoga brand. This is Llamaste—where yoga meets humor, where sustainability feels stylish, where community means everything, and where every product tells a story.

The Birth of a Brand That Breathes

Imagine being a barefoot marathon runner who suddenly has to stop. A knee injury. Surgery. Time to heal. For Bill Ades, this pause became a pivot.

While grounded from his beloved high-impact runs, he returned to yoga. Not just as a workout, but as a way to reconnect with movement, mindfulness, and ultimately, purpose. The stillness allowed space for vision, and that vision took form not only in the yoga studio but in the creation of physical products designed for real yogis on real journeys.

And not just any products—bags, mats, apparel, and gear with personality, practicality, and heart.

It Started with a Bag

The first product? A hand-dyed canvas yoga bag—simple, functional, and beautiful. It wasn’t just about carrying a mat. It was about carrying intention.

That strap? Adjustable, so yogis of all shapes and sizes could find their perfect fit.

The dye? Done by hand—no two bags were alike. Each one held its own little story, much like the yogis who wore them.

And the materials? As plant-based as a llama’s diet. That’s right—cotton, canvas, and conscious choices from day one.

As the company grew, so did the product line, but that original ethos never wavered: sustainability, function, and fun.

The Gear You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Now)

For those who move through life at full speed—commuting, flowing, parenting, healing—Llamaste’s bags became game-changers.

The Premium Canvas Duffel: Thoughtfully designed with separate compartments for footwear, clothing, and even a built-in mat carrier, this bag feels like it was made by someone who’s been there. (Because it was.)

The Single Shoulder Knapsack: Perfect for bikers and city movers, this switchable strap bag doesn’t just look cool—it moves with you. Waist straps included. No more bag flop, no more shoulder shuffle.

The Roomy Tote: Don’t be fooled by the word “tote.” This one’s got compartments, zippers, and exterior straps for your mat. Your laptop? Safe. Your leggings? Organized. Your style? Effortless.

But the brand didn’t stop with bags. The collection blossomed, just like the yogis it served.

Mats, Sprays, and Suede Dreams

What’s a yoga journey without the right mat?

The eco-friendly yoga mats feature suede tops—ultra-soft, grippy, and undeniably chic. Choose from a calming lavender or a pop-of-joy sunny yellow. Either way, you’re stepping onto a mat that’s kind to your body and the planet.

After class, freshen up with the best-selling mat spray, made from natural ingredients and scented with high-quality essential oils. Lavender, eucalyptus, citrus—it’s like a spa treatment for your mat (and your mood).

Apparel That Speaks Your Language

Then came the apparel line, and suddenly, being a conscious consumer had never looked so good.

Llamaste’s clothing is designed and manufactured in the U.S. using sustainable fabrics that feel like a second skin. Think: movement without compromise. Style without guilt.

Everyday Essentials include racerbacks, halters, single shoulder tops, and leggings that actually stay up. The palette? Vibrant solids that mix and match like a dream. Oh, and did we mention they have kids’ sizes too? Mini yogis, rejoice.

Sunshine in the Studio brings the fun: pineapple prints, seashells, florals, and—yes—llamas. It’s hard not to smile when your leggings feature a confident llama in downward dog.

Comfy & Chic Knits round it all out: long-sleeve tops and flared pants made from a buttery soft fabric you’ll want to live in. Studio to street? No problem.

But Llamaste Isn’t Just Stuff—It’s Soul

Around the time the products found their groove, Ades leaned into his other calling: community.

After completing a rigorous 500-hour yoga certification from both the Kavalya Yoga Method and The American Yoga Academy, he opened the first Llamaste Yoga Center. And with it, something beautiful was born: not a studio, but a sanctuary.

This wasn’t a place for show-offs or gym selfies. This was a home—a warm, inclusive, quirky, kind-hearted yoga space where everyone could find their flow.

Welcome to Llamaste Family Yoga Center

In 2021, as the world collectively exhaled post-COVID, Llamaste found its new home in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Nestled near Gowanus and Park Slope, the Llamaste Family Yoga Center became a gathering place for those craving more than just a workout.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Vinyasa classes ranging from power flows to slow-and-gentle (a fan favorite for winding down)
• Hatha sessions and candle-lit restorative evenings
• After-school yoga adventures for kids (screen-free fun, anyone?)
• Family classes on weekends, where moms, dads, kids—even grandparents—flow together

And the cherry on top? Post-class tea, mimosas, or cold brews. Because Llamaste knows yoga is about balance, not deprivation.

Coaching the Whole Person

What truly sets Llamaste apart is its holistic view of wellness.

It’s not just about the poses. It’s about life off the mat.

That’s where Llamaste’s Health & Wellness Coaching comes in. With a tailored, human-centered approach, the coaching program supports people in achieving sustainable lifestyle changes—whether that’s improving energy, reducing stress, addressing chronic fatigue, or finally finding that elusive work-life balance.

The coaching isn’t preachy or prescriptive. It’s collaborative. Realistic. Personal. Think: less boot camp, more best friend with credentials. Whether you’re new to yoga or trying to align your health goals with your real life (kids, job, pasta cravings and all), Llamaste’s coaching feels like a deep breath in a noisy world.

The Heart of the Herd

So what makes Llamaste a 10 out of 10?

It’s not just the products. Though they’re brilliant.

It’s not just the classes. Though they’re transformative.

It’s the spirit.

Llamaste isn’t about perfect poses or matching outfits. It’s about coming home to yourself. It’s about laughing mid-down-dog because your toddler just knocked over your water bottle. It’s about nodding to the person on the mat next to you, and feeling like you’ve known them forever—even if you’ve never spoken a word.

It’s about union—the true meaning of yoga. Union of body, mind, and spirit, yes. But also union of people. Families. Communities.

Bill Ades built a brand with soul. And that soul shines in every stitch of fabric, every whiff of mat spray, every class taught in the Carroll Gardens studio.

He didn’t just name the brand after a llama as a joke. He named it after a llama because llamas are loyal. They’re strong. They’re gentle. They’re funny. And when they travel, they carry their load—and yours too.

Kind of like a good yoga teacher. Kind of like a great community.

Why Llamaste Is More Than a Brand

In a world full of mass-produced, cookie-cutter wellness brands, Llamaste stands tall. Or maybe sits, cross-legged, smiling gently.

It’s small-batch, hand-dyed, Brooklyn-born magic.

It’s the only place where your yoga mat matches your personality, your leggings make you laugh, your post-class mimosa feels well-earned, and your journey—no matter how rocky—feels seen and supported.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi, a curious beginner, a parent trying to find a moment of calm, or just someone who loves a good llama pun, Llamaste welcomes you.

With open arms. With a playful spirit. And maybe with a really great tote bag.

Because at Llamaste, the spirit in me recognizes—and bows to—the spirit in you.

And that’s something worth unrolling your mat for.