Crystal Kage

This week's blog is simply a big thank you. A love letter. A gratitude moment. To every local business, nonprofit, artist, musician, coffee shop, brewery, hotel, wellness practitioner, and community partner who has collaborated with us over the years... Thank you. The Velvet Mat wouldn't be what it is today without you. And here's why. Before there was an underground studio... Before the purple lights. Before the velvet walls. Before there was even a front door to unlock every morning......

Balance is the practice. Hot yoga is having a big moment, and I get why. Infrared rooms. Sweat-dripping selfies. “Burn it out” energy. The idea that a class has to leave you drenched, depleted, and questioning your life choices to “count.” I get it. Heat can feel amazing. A warm room can help the body feel more open. A sweaty class can feel cathartic. Heated yoga can absolutely have a place in someone’s movement routine. I also enjoy it from time to time, it can feel great! But I opened a...

If you’re reading this with a cup of coffee in your hand… perfect. That’s exactly how this story should be enjoyed. Because today we’re talking about a piece of St. Pete history and the very unexpected place The Velvet Mat is about to call home. Right in the heart of downtown. Underground. Literally. Kress Building Welcome to 475 Central Ave , inside the historic S. H. Kress and Co. Building. And yes… there’s a basement in Florida . Which, if you know anything about Florida, is basically...