Beauty Boss: Christine Moghadam, Founder of Corc Yoga

Christine Moghadam.

Our latest Beauty Boss is Christine Moghadam, Founder of Corc Yoga—a line of yoga mats and other accessories that are made from 100% organic cork sustainably harvested from Portugal. Inspired during a trip to Portugal, Moghadam embarked on a journey to design and develop a unique product that would be equally beneficial for people and the planet.

Her company is committed to providing the most natural products to yogis around the world while supporting sustainable practices, fair wages, and a clean environment. Corc Yoga mats are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, 100% sustainable and biodegradable, and one of the only mats on the market that contain absolutely zero rubber or plastic. Their product line includes yoga blocks, bags, yoga mat spray, and much more. For every yoga mat sold, Corc Yoga also donates a percentage of every sale to support a variety of youth mental health programs in Portugal and abroad.

We chatted with Moghadam, who shared what inspired her company, favorite wellness and beauty tips, and more. 

When was Corc Yoga founded? What does the name mean?

Corc Yoga was founded in 2017 and our online store launched in June 2018. While in the beginning phase of incorporating our business, my kids wanted to help form a business name. Together they created “Cortica Republic”—cortica means “cork” in Portuguese. From there we decided to shorten the word to “Corc” and named the brand Corc Yoga.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

As a multi-cultural family, travel has become a centerpiece of our life—but one trip in particular truly left its mark. In 2016, I experienced Portugal for the first time and fell in love with the country. It was during this time that I discovered how versatile cork truly is.

Throughout multiple return visits to Portugal we toured cork factories, learning all about the harvest, extraction, and production process. As I learned more about this treasured resource, I was amazed at how these trees give back to Portugal’s economy and provide a sustainable livelihood for many people across the region. As a true nature lover, there was something about cork trees that resonated within me; I knew I needed to share the beauty of cork with others. 

With both an entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to create something beneficial while also embracing sustainability, I was confident my future would involve my love for cork. Without hesitation, I decided to start Corc Yoga—a brand that creates products that are gentle on the environment and our bodies while giving back to those in need.

Does Corc Yoga have a hero product?

The Renew Mat remains our most popular product and is the most intimate way to elevate a yogi’s practice. Built by removing harsh metals from production and using plant-based color dyes, Corc mats are 100% sustainable and biodegradable, and one of the only mats on the market that contain absolutely zero rubber or plastic.

Thanks to its honeycomb structure, cork is the ultimate anti-slip surface, and naturally resistant to dust and bacteria—not only does this serve as an ideal antimicrobial material for those that suffer from allergies and asthma, but cork is also naturally hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t hold onto bacteria (or odors). 

Because over 50% of cork’s volume is air, the material is so light that it actually floats. Cork can be compressed to half of its thickness without losing any flexibility and can easily return to its initial shape, making our mats the perfect travel companion and space saver. When adding a pop of color to our signature mats (all named after regions in Portugal), we use chemical-free, naturally-occurring dyes.

What are your favorite products from the brand?

My favorite products from Corc Yoga are the Renew Yoga Mat in Alentejo, as well as our Transfer Backpack. The Renew Yoga Mat in Alentejo was the original mat we designed with our factory. Alentejo is the region of Portugal where all of the cork oak trees are grown. Practicing on my favorite mat takes me back to the day when we first stayed at a cork farm in Alentejo, and all the smells and beauty of the cork trees.

Designing product is never as easy as it seems, so when we decided to create a backpack that would carry our yoga mat, I knew it would require a lot of time and patience. The Transfer Backpack takes me back to the fun memories I spent with the women in our factory creating this product. I love how lightweight it is; in fact, it has remedied my back pain during my travels.

Where are Corc Yoga products sold?

Our products are sold at our online store, as well as other online stores in Canada and Denmark. They are also sold in hotels and studios such as The Four Seasons Punta Mita Mexico, Conrad Hotel New York, and Yoga Pod in Tucson, Arizona. Beyond this, we’ve partnered this year with organizations like Kong Fit Club, Fit Girl Club LA at the Andaz West Hollywood, and Hello Wellness to activate with brands, events, and people that understand our sustainable vision.

The Renew Mat in Alentejo ($175) is made with 100% cotton and cork, hypoallergenic, and naturally antimicrobial.

What inspires you?

As a second-generation Chinese American, my dream started long before the launch of Corc Yoga. As the child of immigrants, I watched my parents work diligently to build their own healthcare business—learning from a young age that anything is possible when you follow your dreams, work hard, and show compassion for others. I can honestly say my parents have always been my source of inspiration. It’s no surprise that these values, healthy living, and charitable giving have molded Corc Yoga into the unique and thoughtful brand it is today.

Having experienced many personal challenges in life: (stress, body image, self-esteem, eating disorders, and chronic pain), my teenage years—into early adulthood—put a strain on my physical health. I learned the hard way the importance of finding methods for coping with the stress and wish I had discovered an outlet sooner in life. However, it was through these experiences that I became an advocate for both physical and mental health. 

With years spent fostering and teaching children with severe mental health issues, I chose to align Corc Yoga with the Youth Mental Health Project because of the dedication and support they provide to parents of children with mental health challenges. I am proud to mention that because of the proceeds from 2018-19, Corc Yoga is now able to sponsor the first Youth Mental Health Project Parent Support Network in Central Orange County.  

When I learned that Portugal has the highest rate of depression, I connected with Francisco Chavez, psychologist and CEO of Desafio Jovem. I was impressed with the impact he has made through his organization over the past 40 years with his alcoholism and drug rehab program. After hearing more of his story and meeting his staff, I felt compelled to partner with them. 

At the end of the day, what brings me joy is knowing that I am providing the community with a safe and sustainable product, while giving back to youth mental health and supporting the people of Portugal. 

Secret to success?

Celebrate the small wins and know that it takes a village to run a business. I am so grateful that Corc has been able to create a team where each person operates within their strength. I am a visionary at heart, yet I know that the only way to see it to reality is with the help and support from our team.

Beauty secrets?

Stay hydrated and always wear sunscreen. A couple of my favorite sunscreen brands that are free of chemicals are Beauty by Earth, Thinkbaby and ThinkSport. 

Wellness tips?

Practice gratitude on a daily basis and try to get outside every day. Research has shown that getting fresh air affects our level of serotonin, also known as the “feel-good” hormone.

I use the Calm App to practice a lot of my breathing exercises. I find that when I'm the most stressed, my body goes into high functioning mode, resulting in insomnia. Taking a moment to tap back into my breath helps me relax and reduces my anxiety.

Additionally, being in the yoga/wellness community has cultivated friendships that have become my support network. My friend (and one of our retreat partners) Tracy Sullivan is a breathing instructor from the U.K. She occasionally sends me clips of her harp music, as well as breathing exercises to remind me to slow down.

Best advice?

Don’t take life too seriously and remember to laugh at yourself at least once a day.

Favorite ways to relax?

I have found yoga and a nice brisk walk outside to be my favorite ways to unwind.

For more information, visit corcyoga.com and follow on Instagram: @corcyoga

[Images courtesy of Corc Yoga]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk