Flexible working
Yoga online? That’s just for starters with Audri and Asana.
Flexible working
Yoga online? That’s just for starters with Audri and Asana. Interview by Paul Rouse.
There’s far more to Audri and Asana – both the brand and the two people behind it – than meets the eye.
In essence, the company primarily offers naked yoga online. But that’s just the start of the story. And as for Audri and Asana themselves? Meet Kelelah and Michelle.
“Confused? There’s no need!” laughs Asana (aka Michelle), the blonde half of this very dynamic duo. “It’s just something we came up with when we launched, and were trying to work out our marketing strategy.
“I was offering daily yoga classes, and promoting them via Instagram and on video. Kelehah’s background was in yoga and exotic dancing, which brought a touch of allure and grace to the subject. If you’re into yoga, you’ll know that asana is a body posture, originally a general term for a sitting meditation pose, and later extended in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise. When we met up in St Louis, Kelelah brought me a gift: a copy of the book How to Be Lovely about the iconic Audrey Hepburn, who we both love. A slight change, and we had the perfect name for the new venture: Audri & Asana.”
Brunette Audri (aka Kelelah) sums it up a little more poetically. “It’s a testament to the power of friendship, artistry and connection that can be forged through shared passions, the transformative nature of creativity, and the magic that can unfold when kindred spirits come together,” she enthuses.
Role
Enthusiasm is certainly something both Audri and Asana possess, both for their work, and for the role that nudity plays in it.
“Our message of body acceptance and liberation is essential to what we do,” says Asana. “Society often places a stigma around nudity, associating it solely with sexual explicitness rather than recognising and appreciating the natural beauty we all possess. Our aim is to provide a safe and inclusive space where individuals can explore their relationship with nudity.
“You don’t necessarily have to visit a yoga studio to practise yoga. By doing it from home, you can create your own environment where you can ignore the expectations of others, and embrace your body without shame or judgment – creating a place to reconnect with that innate sense of freedom and acceptance. Our aim is to empower individuals to make choices, and find their comfort levels whilst promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding.”
And as Audri goes on to explain, the concept is about more than yoga. “The aim of Audri & Asana is to represent a refreshing perspective that celebrates the natural state of being. Nudity, when approached with respect and consent, can be a powerful symbol of liberation, authenticity and self-acceptance, and embodies a sense of unapologetic freedom. That’s why we’re also a more general motivational, wellness and fitness self-help platform, encouraging clients to enjoy a range of activities while naked, and promote nude art, highlighting the work of some very talented photographers.”
Including the ladies themselves, it seems, as both love being behind the lens as much as they do being in front of it.
Challenges
Being based in the USA, not always known for its liberal attitude to public nudity, can sometimes present challenges when it comes to filming and photography, however. Much of the content available on the Audri & Asana website and its various social media platforms is therefore shot in the privacy of the home or the studio, but both ladies also enjoy the freedom of widening their horizons.
“We’re both very much at home in the natural world,” explains Audri. “And yes, certain places that we love, such as Tulum in Mexico and parts of Spain, Italy and France, have cultivated a more open-minded and accepting attitude towards nudity. It’s not just us, our other models, and our photographers who feel more relaxed. In these destinations, people in general are free to engage in conversations and interactions without the burden of too many societal taboos.
“For us, it’s an opportunity to experience a sense of liberation and acceptance, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a similar appreciation for the natural human form. Outdoors, the pairing of nudity and nature reminds us that our bodies are not something to be hidden or shamed. They are a celebration of our unique identities and a reflection of the beauty that exists within us all.”
Which brings us on to another aspect of beauty, and the ‘elephant in the room’ question: it does seem that almost all the yoga teachers and models in the Audri & Asana ‘stable’ are young and gorgeous. Is this a deliberate recruitment policy?
“I think if you look closely, you’ll see that we actually do have a diverse range of instructors,” maintains Audri. “The current age of our trainers ranges from 27 up to 53. And I’m sure she won’t mind me telling you, but the 53-year-old is Michelle! Of course, she looks amazing for her age: but that’s one of the benefits of yoga, and a happy, healthy lifestyle.
“The same goes for the rest of the team, who are based all over the world. We don’t look for a ‘type.’ Inclusivity and empowerment are at the heart of what we do. I’d like to think that we challenge societal expectations, and redefine what looking and feeling good at any age means. We have been fortunate to attract the best of the best. This speaks volumes about the strength, resilience and healthy mindset that our trainers embody.”
We know: we profiled one of them, Australia-based Rhyanna Watson, in the December 2022 issue.
Fans
Given their personal and professional bond, it should come as no surprise that Audri and Asana are mutually supportive of each other, and each other’s biggest fans.
Here’s Audri on Asana: “She’s a whirlwind of movement, conquering everything she tries. If there’s a way to push boundaries and explore new frontiers, you can bet she's already there, cheering others on to reach their full potential. She also possesses a deep understanding of the human body's limitless capabilities. And through her lens, she unveils the true authenticity of the people she photographs.”
And Asana on Audri: “She’s an artistic muse, and exudes sensuality. As both a yoga teacher and a former dancer, he has mastered the art of movement and self-expression. And as a strong single mother of two sons, she is the true manifestation of resilience and determination.”
In other words, and in answer to those who remain sceptical about ventures such as this, or feel they have little to do with genuine naturism, both are far more than just pretty faces. The same goes for those they work alongside.
“If it doesn’t sound too conceited,” Asana concludes, “I’d like to think that we are not just your ordinary platform for nude art and yoga videos. It’s a space where workouts transform into insightful conversations, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that has (very kindly) been described as a fusion of physical training and a podcast. As you engage in these workouts, you are welcomed into a world of laughter, contemplation and genuine connection. The conversations that unfold are a testament to openness and vulnerability. We share our stories, insights and perspectives.
“As for the future, we will continue to welcome anyone as an instructor or model who is comfortable, strong and possesses a health-conscious mindset. That’s regardless of age, background or even dare I say gender: one of our next plans is to start recruiting several male yoga teachers to add to our roster.”
And you know it’s going to happen, don’t you.
Website: www.audriasana.live
Instagram: @audriasana
