And the name?
Pazos: Coroa is a Galician word, which means crown in English. Crown is one of the seven chakras, and it is the one referred to each individual connection with the universe and all parts that conform it.
What differentiates your collection from the rest of yoga brands out there?
Pazos: First of all, the nature of the brand.
A majority of yoga clothing companies were made for women, and then they decided to offer products for men. Coroa was created by men for men, and we understand the challenges and needs of fellow male yogis.
Secondly, our designs.
All the pieces are made keeping the yoga practice in mind: extra length of the shirts for sun salutations, above-the-knees shorts to measure muscle engagement and sweat-resistant fabrics suitable both for yoga and hot yoga. But they’re stylish enough to wear while buying kombucha at the market or going for a hike with your dog.
Why do you think yoga is so beneficial for men, especially high-powered ones?
Pazos: Yoga is extremely beneficial for any person, both physically and mentally.
From a physical perspective, yoga requires plenty of body movement. We all know it’s a great way to work out, stretch and help your muscles recover from more intense activity.
But on a mental level, I deeply believe yoga makes us better human beings. Think about it: You take one hour off your day just to lay on the floor with a bunch of (sometimes unknown) fellow yogis, breathing simultaneously, sharing energy with one another. Yoga encourages you to connect body and mind, to be present, to breathe in new energy and let things don’t belong to you out. It is energizing, balancing, empowering and rejuvenating.
The moment your body and soul are connected, you become more self-aware of your reality. You are in tune with your own feelings and emotions, you are in charge. And the moment you gain mental clarity is when you can shine.
Coroa is so committed to bringing more guys into the studio that we are launching #moremenonthemat campaign, a combination of actions including giveaways, conversations and workshops aimed to create a welcoming community of male yogis and to fight the preconceived notion that yoga is just for women!
What advice would you give entrepreneurs hoping to enter an unfamiliar arena?
Pazos:
1. Passion and commitment
Find a business idea you truly love and believe. There are going to be several obstacles along the way, but as long as you deeply believe in the project, you will overcome any difficulty.
2. Research
Before I decided to give Coroa a go, I did a ton of research. I looked for similar companies, their messaging, their designs, their prices and found a niche market. Find a spot that has not been taken, fulfill an unsatisfied need. Reaching that space requires a lot of homework.
3. Talk to experts
I have been super lucky to connect with experts in the fashion industry and yoga who have helped from the construction of the brand to the final product. Find somebody or a company you admire, and try to make connections. Feedback and advice are invaluable.
4. Be good, and you will be treated well
Be a decent human being. Nobody likes working with rude people. Be gentle and nice, be passionate and people will feel it and will want to help you. Trust me, you are going to need help from others.
5. Have funding
Inevitably you are going to need money. Make sure you have a solid investment ready to go.
6. Set up reachable goals
Be honest to yourself and set up doable goals, both in the short and long term.
7. Benefit for society
Find a way your company can contribute to make this world a better place for us all.