At the heart of our Mindful Moments collection is Gozde of The Moody Society—the illustrator and yoga teacher who brought this vision to life.
Based in Rotterdam, Gozde is a passionate yogi, talented visual artist, and advocate for sustainability and mindful living. Whether she’s leading her favorite yoga flows or creating artwork inspired by mindfulness, everything she does is rooted in intention and purpose.
We sat down with Gozde to explore her creative process, the connection between yoga and art in her life, and the inspiration behind the Mindful Moments designs. Join us as we step into her world of art, movement, and meaningful design.
You’ve had a rich journey as an illustrator and yoga teacher—how did these two paths come together, and what led you to incorporate mindfulness into your work?
As a kid, I was always into sports, but after college, a desk job had me moving less. I turned to yoga as a way to balance all the hours I spent drawing, and it quickly became a healing journey for me. Over time, I found myself practicing 8-9 times a week because it felt so good—both mentally and physically—and really helped me stay grounded and energized. Aside from my book work, I started drawing more from how I felt in the moment. Over time, most of my art naturally became focused on mindfulness, reflecting a deeper sense of presence without me even realizing it.
What inspires you most when creating designs, especially for a collection like Mindful Moments? How does your yoga practice influence your art and design work? Do you find parallels between the two?
I'm inspired by simple, peaceful moments like nature or being present. Teaching yoga also plays a big role in this, as sharing my practice with others deepens my sense of calm. For Mindful Moments, I focus on minimalism and balance to capture that sense of mindfulness.
What does “mindfulness” mean to you, both on and off the yoga mat?
To me, mindfulness is about being fully present in whatever I'm doing whether on the yoga mat or in everyday life. It’s the practice of drawing attention to the moment without judgment, which helps me feel grounded and connected. It’s about staying aware of my thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, and finding peace in the simplicity of each moment.
What was your vision behind the designs in the Mindful Moments collection? Is there a message you hope to convey through these pieces?
For this collection especially my artwork is inspired by my yoga practice, the focus on the present moment. I close my classes with ‘enjoy being paused, enjoy your final savasana,’ emphasizing stillness and mindfulness. This focus on presence and constant breathwork naturally influences my work, aiming to capture that same calm and awareness.
What is your favorite part of the creative process—sketching, refining, or seeing the final product?
My favorite part is idea generation and sketching. It’s where the ideas flow freely and I can experiment without pressure. It’s exciting to see a concept shaping, and I love how the initial sketches evolve into something meaningful in the end.
As a yoga teacher, how do you bring mindfulness into your everyday life outside of yoga? Any tips for staying grounded?
Outside of yoga, I stay mindful by savoring simple moments whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea, taking a walk, or just focusing on my breath during a busy day. I also make time to be with loved ones, sharing warm hugs, meals, or a song. These small, meaningful connections help keep me grounded and present.
Do you have a favorite yoga pose or sequence that you find especially grounding or inspiring?
My favorite yoga pose is Birds of Paradise. It's a beautiful reminder of how life unfolds step by step, slowly, and with patience you’re getting into the pose. You rise when you're ready, and how high you rise can change each day, just like life. Your body and thoughts are always evolving, and this pose reflects that constant flow and growth.
What do you hope people feel or experience when they wear pieces from the Mindful Moments collection?
I hope people experience the feeling of slowing down, reflecting, and appreciating the little things in their daily lives when they’re wearing these pieces. It’s not just a sweater; it’s also a woman-owned, sustainable brand that I’m proudly collaborating with.
What’s next for you creatively? Any upcoming projects or dreams you’d like to share with us?
Currently, I'm working on my own children’s book about kindness, alongside other client projects. Sustainability, diversity, and equality are always my focus. I like working with NGOs, sustainable brands. I’m committed to creating projects that minimize environmental impact while promoting inclusivity and empowering communities. When I combine my visual work with my yogi personality, those projects are always the most fruitful! Maybe soon we can make other beautiful pieces together!
- - - -
The Mindful Moments collection is more than just a collaboration—it’s a celebration of intentional living, small pauses, and the beauty of slowing down. We’re so grateful to Gozde for sharing her story, her creative process, and her unique perspective with us.
We hope this inspires you to find your own mindful moments, whether on the mat, in your creative flow, or in the quiet spaces in between.
Namaste,
Basak