What is The Alter?

Over the last year and a half since The Alter’s inception, I have been committed to creating joyous opportunities for people to come together through transformative experiences. I am devoted to producing brave and supportive environments that encourage self-discovery and healing, as well as authentic connection to others — in order to live a more meaningful, intentional, and present-focused life. I have consistently witnessed the amazing impact this organization has made on people’s lives in the loving, diverse, and inclusive community that has blossomed as a result. The Alter rests at the junction of mindfulness and social/spiritual wellness.

Now, more than ever, we need spaces where we can rest in a culture of hope, be inspired, recharge, and reflect; To make us feel empowered, in order to move through the world a little lighter, a little clearer, and in alignment with our true nature. I deeply believe that our individual healing journey leads to a collective healing experience, and genuine, heartfelt community strengthens and unites us. This is the principle mission of The Alter.

How can you support?

There are THREE ways you can currently participate in this fundraiser:

1. YOU can take part in one or more of our signature programs all of which are donation based for the next 10 weeks. Be sure to follow us at @thealterchicago on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter at www.thealterchicago.com for program schedules and updates.

2. YOU can make a direct donation, right now, here on Givebutter! In return you will receive your choice of an exclusive PDF copy of The Alter’s Loving Fiercely: A Mini Workbook to Self- Love, or Conscious Abundance: A Mini Workbook to Creating Wealth Consciousness. Please be sure to add a note at the end of your donation and include your email and which workbook you would like.

3. YOU can purchase items from The Alter’s wish list and provide essential items that will directly support The Alter’s new home-base location and programs in Chicago’s historic Back of the Yards neighborhood.

Why crowdfunding?

The Alter started from an exploratory, loving, and creative place. After my initial program launch of the Chakra Balancing Series, and the Crystal Crash Course, and later my evening rooftop yoga series that were led by leading yoga teachers from all around Chicago, The Alter rapidly turned into a full-blown business! Which means, as of right now, I am wearing many hats in this business. I am currently the marketing director, program creator, social media specialist, accountant, event coordinator, recruiting agent, and many of the times, teacher/facilitator all in one.

As The Alter grows, so does the list of financial costs: Insurance, licenses, permits, taxes, advertisements, facilitator fees, printing fees, and so on. There’s nothing more than I desire but for The Alter to be truly successful, and that means that I will need a team and capital to support the expansion and sustainability of this business. In order for me to reach more people, deliver constant quality programming, and operate at a caliber as your traditional well-known yoga and wellness studios, financial support is a must.

Being the oldest of seven, and raised by a single Black father who worked tirelessly as a truck driver, I am very familiar with the implications of living under the burden of a financially-strapped life. It can keep people stagnated, disempowered, overwhelmed, and disconnected from themselves and their loved ones. Although I am grateful for my upbringing which has shaped me to be scrappy, resilient, and creative — I no longer desire to function from the noble, but detrimental metaphor "pulling myself up by my bootstraps". It takes a lot more than just hard work to climb up the economic ladder.

Given the harrowing reality that 40% of Black-owned businesses are not expected to pull through this pandemic, and the fact that my business is entirely service-based, monetary support is absolutely crucial in keeping The Alter from becoming a part of this statistic. That is why I am calling in my community from a place of true humility and asking for your support to usher The Alter into a more promising future that will benefit us all.

It is not only important that The Alter is financially successful and can compete at an equal playing field alongside my competitors, but it is even more important for people to see someone who looks like themselves operating a successful business in a market that is valued at $4.7 trillion dollars globally, and to no real surprise, predominantly White. We deserve to see more mainstream wellness spaces that not only embrace diversity but function with it at its core. Furthermore, having almost a decade of vast experience in the yoga field here in Chicago —instructing, managing studios, marketing, etc — I know, all too well, that BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people are grossly underrepresented and underemployed by traditional yoga studios. I have and will always continue to primarily employ people from these communities that I represent and call home.

What's the goal?

I never thought for a moment that running a business was going to be easy. It’s in my very nature to take on challenges that stretch me, and command my best and most innovative self. Turning lemons into lemonade has been my life’s journey thus far, but I’m ready to turn my lemons from The Alter, into gold. That is, I’m ready to ground and expand The Alter to touch more lives in an effort to propel humanity forward from a place of passion, love, and ease, rather from a place of lack, exhaustion and overwhelm. Your support is crucial to making this happen!

The Alter's Impact

Since January 2019, I have organized over 30 unique programs through The Alter, nearly all of which have sold out, bringing in 782 people together to date.

I have personally recruited and hired almost nearly all women of color to facilitate programs through The Alter.

I have partnered with many small businesses here in Chicago and major brands, including The Obama Foundation, The Wing, and The Hoxton.

Where will donations go?

All money donated will go to the following:

Supplies - The Alter has a new home base, so there are many items that I will need in order to truly flourish, such as a printer, a scanner, yoga mats, bolsters, straps, general office supplies, chairs, eye pillows, stamps, file cabinets, necessary software, etc.

Staff - In order for The Alter to grow and reach more people, having the right support is pivotal in the success of this business: Social media coordinator, facilitators, photographers, guest speakers, etc.

Online classes and programs - With the uncertainty of COVID-19, it is important to bring more of what I do through The Alter online. Software such as Zoom can be quite pricey.

Additional anticipated costs - Accountant, insurances, attorney fees, payroll, city permits, continued education...

About the founder, Candis Oakley

Candis Oakley (E-RYT 200) is a mom, yoga teacher, youth worker and compassionate entrepreneur. With over 10 years of experience in mindfulness practices. Candis' work is rooted in her desire to empower her community through creative mindfulness techniques, intimate connection, and experiences that lead to greater self-understanding. Her mission is to hold a brave space for people to heal by connecting with community and returning to their divine nature, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion in the health and wellness industry.

The Alter is deeply personal to Candis and her way of contributing change and good into the world. She is so grateful for everyone who continues to make her vision for the world come into reality and those who have participated in her programs. She hopes to see everyone who comes through The Alter live a more awakened life.

Taste of The Alter

By The Alter

Taste of The Alter

Feed your soul!