Claire Fountain, otherwise known by her social media handle CB Quality, is a good friend of Innermost and also one of the most exciting yoga talents around today. Her unique approach has garnered her acclaim and interest all over the world. We met Claire for the first time in Shoreditch, London and it's been nothing but love ever since. We decided to sit down and ask her some questions to share her perspectives.
"I got into yoga after suffering from anxiety and depression as a teen. I didn't want to be medicated and wanted to find a way that I could heal myself. When I first started doing yoga, it opened up a lot of things for me emotionally. I knew it was working for me when my breathing started to improve and I felt more calm in my life. As I got older I realised that there were stigmas and stereotypes in yoga that needed to be challenged. So here I am doing just that! Yoga doesn't have to be precious or perfect and I try to carry that atittude into the way I practice it. My philosophy allows people to workout or meditate in an unconventional space, listen to any genre of music they connect to, and to incorporate their sense of style in what they wear. The ability to express yourself in an authentic and raw way is what I think attracts more than the average yogi to my approach."
Favourite Innermost products, and why?
The Health Protein is vegan and delicious. Plus it’s got mushrooms for my brain and glutamine for my body. The Detox Booster contains maca, kelp, and items that balance and nourish me as an active female.
What's your hustle?
Yoga and wellness but also content creation, writing, thought leadership, and using my social platform to share something of substance. But mostly I teach yoga to athletes and beautiful souls who come to my pop-ups.
Why Innermost?
I love the brand values and what Innermost stands for. We know what we should do, like working out and eating well, but your mind and soul gotta come first. Innermost focuses on how their products and message can affect people from the inside out is something that sets them apart from the crowd. Plus I love their products, which help me feel amazing.
What does #liveinnermost mean to you?
It means living fully and holistically; as if to say it’s not one thing but a balanced collection of moments that make a healthy, whole, and truly rich life.
Biggest health vice?
Vice would imply something immoral, eh? In terms of health I’ll take it as that healthy things I like to overindulge in. That would be sleeping, massages, and expensive local salad joints where my appetite knows no limit!
Current fitness goal?
Get back on a solid ashtanga yoga schedule of my own. Sometimes, as a teacher, your own practice can take a backseat, and I think that’s a shame. I need to remember who I am and how I got here.
Where's your happy place?
The ocean. Floating in salt water.
Where do you see yourself in three years? Be bold!
Bold or honest? Probably in a much different space within social media if I’m even still on it. Writing books and curating content from other smart people. Living outside NYC. Maybe a baby. Maybe not. But I do know for certain, I will still be wearing sneakers as formal wear.
Most physically challenging thing you've done?
Overcome an eating disorder that almost killed me. But outside that.... Tone House in NYC. It ain’t for the faint of heart.
What is body confidence to you?
The ability to show up, in my personal life, where there are no cameras to document or social media posts and be me, totally me, without any urges to cover anything up, hide anything, or manipulate anything.
Favourite inspirational quote/words?
“Wisdom tells me I am nothing, love tells me I am everything, and between the two my life flows.” - Nisargadatta Maharaj
Who or what motivates you?
I want to make the younger me proud. I also think our time here is precious, and I’m motivated not to waste it, like if I have gifts to share, I should share them.
Favourite healthy snack?
Dates smashed into slivered almonds. Or, no joke, The Detox Booster and almond milk.
Message to the world?
Make decisions out of love, not fear. Seek truth, be brave enough to start a conversation that matters, take action, turn your pain into power (and keep loving).
Number one reason for taking care of your body?
Life is precious. This body is precious. And it’s pretty dope to be a strong, capable, and powerful woman.
Book currently on your bedside table?
The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking (Oliver Burkeman) and We Should All Be Feminists ( Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie).
What would we be surprised to find in your fridge?
Excessive amounts of jelly and jam, mostly strawberry and blackberry. I love the stuff.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I just wanted to be a Woman. Like a "capital W" Woman. Smart, able, compassionate, loved, admired. As I got older that included “writing books.” Seems to be going well… if I could just get that book finished.
Keep tabs on Claire via Instagram (@cbquality) or her website www.iamtrillyoga.com.
