Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Douglass.
Hi Jen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
White Buffalo was born from an unexpected moment of magic. I met my husband, Matt, in 2017—both of us single parents navigating loss and change. When we met, everything shifted. We call it our White Buffalo moment: a rare, beautiful sign of hope and transformation.
In 2019, we opened White Buffalo Yoga & Dry Goods in Old Village, Plymouth. A dream turned reality, it quickly became more than a studio—it became a second home. Just a week after opening, we hosted our wedding block party down the street, surrounded by love, laughter, and community.
From day one, our mission has been to create a warm, inclusive space where everyone feels like they belong. We’ve always wanted White Buffalo to be a positive addition to our city—a space that uplifts. I’ve always loved the phrase: “May it be of benefit.” It’s a reminder that what we say, do, and create should leave things better than we found them. That’s our intention behind every class, every event, every product. To be of benefit—to individuals, to families, and to the community we love.
We offer a wide variety of styles—from gentle yin to vinyasa, sculpt, and our signature class, grit—alongside special events like sound baths, sauna + cold plunge, and workshops. But it’s the people who make White Buffalo special—our incredible teachers, loyal students, and the vibrant spirit of Old Village Plymouth that fills in our studio.
As we approach six years, we’re filled with gratitude. White Buffalo continues to grow in ways we never expected, and we’re excited to keep creating space—for movement, healing, and connection.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We opened on September 14, 2019, and had just six months to establish a foundation before the shutdown in March 2020. Thankfully, that short time was enough to build a strong community. When COVID hit, we allowed members to pause their memberships—but most chose to keep paying. Their generosity is what kept us alive. It was a true White Buffalo moment—hope showing up through the people around us.
We followed all CDC and state guidelines, sticking to a clear black-and-white approach. That clarity built trust and support within our community. We pivoted to virtual classes—doing our best to bring energy through the screen. Our teaching team was incredible in adapting and staying connected.
When the weather turned warm, we blocked off our parking lot for outdoor classes. That summer felt like Groundhog Day—sunshine and 80 degrees almost daily. One of my favorite memories was during an outdoor savasana. It started pouring rain, and not one of the 25 students moved. They just laid there, totally relaxed and soaking in the moment. It was beautiful.
Eventually, we returned indoors with masks, and later adjusted as restrictions lifted. Through it all, our students showed up—with consistency, compassion, and heart. They were the reason we made it through stronger than ever.
We’ve been impressed with White Buffalo Yoga, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
White Buffalo Yoga is a community space in Old Village, Plymouth, MI, rooted in connection, movement, and meaning. Known for our welcoming vibe, dynamic yoga classes, and community-focused events, we’ve become a hub for people to gather—on and off the mat.
Old Village is buzzing with new places to eat, shop, and connect. It complements downtown Plymouth in all the best ways—together bringing depth, creativity, and soul to our town.
Our mission is simple:
See the good. Be the good.
And we live it—through inclusive yoga offerings, collaboration with local businesses, community support, and a laid-back studio that feels more like a second home than a gym. We want to showcase how yoga can compliment any lifestyle.
Our large, diverse teaching staff helps keep yoga accessible and fun—removing the intimidation factor while keeping the experience meaningful.
Our studio reflects both of our passions even though my husband has a totally different profession as a project manager. While I bring the yoga foundation and day to day, my husband Matt’s love for skateboarding and snowboarding adds a unique edge to our boutique. You’ll see it in the vibe: laid-back, creative, inclusive, and kind. Just like yoga, these communities are about compassion, connection, and freedom of expression—and they blend seamlessly inside our space.
We’re most proud of how White Buffalo has grown beyond the mat. Our apparel—featuring a clean, bold buffalo graphic by Brooklyn-based skateboard artist Dylan Goldberger—has become a staple. Designed to be simple, wearable, and not just for yogis, it sparks curiosity and conversation. People ask what the white buffalo means—and then share their own stories. That shared meaning—hope, shift, unexpected beauty—has become the pulse of our brand.
Now, we’re launching our retail line to reach beyond our local community. Because this symbol, and what it represents, belongs to everyone.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
My life has taken some big, unexpected turns—some lucky, some unknown and tough—but all have shaped where I am today. A full-ride volleyball scholarship to Mississippi State taught me discipline and opened doors. It’s also where I found yoga, which complemented both my sport and my spirit.
But life brought its challenges too—divorce, blending families, and the deep grief of losing a parent and spouse. Through it all, I met Matt. Together, we took a leap and opened White Buffalo Yoga, unsure if we’d make it past our first few years. Nearly six years later, we’re still here—rooted, growing, and grateful.
We’ve raised four kids while building this community. It’s been chaotic and beautiful, and I’ve learned to see life not as good or bad luck—but as rhythm, timing, and trust.
I remind my family and team: “Nothing is the end of the world.” Every pivot has purpose. Every shift is part of becoming.
And a White Buffalo moment always awaits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whitebuffaloyoga.com
- Instagram: @whitebuffaloyoga
- Facebook: White Buffalo Yoga
