Sheryl Lee Ralph’s family has unveiled a transformative new space in Los Angeles, designed to offer more than just yoga—WalkGood Yard is a sanctuary for healing, growth, and community. Created by Etienne Maurice, his sister Ivy Maurice, and their cousin Marley Ralph, a yoga instructor, this unique space embodies the spirit of a Jamaican “Yard,” a gathering place for sharing ideas, nurturing dreams, and fostering well-being.
Located near Etienne’s childhood home and L.A. Memorial Park, WalkGood Yard is special not only for its proximity to where the WalkGood movement began but also for its rich connection to the history of Black homeowners and entrepreneurs in the area. For Etienne, the studio is a reclamation of that heritage and a tribute to his roots. “It reminds me of home, and for me, home is Los Angeles by way of Jamaica,” he shared.
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The website reads: WalkGood Yard is more than just a yoga studio; it’s a multi-purpose hub offering a variety of wellness services. From yoga, meditation, and sound baths to workshops, event rentals, and film screenings, the studio aims to make wellness accessible to all communities in Los Angeles. The space is especially significant as it’s the only one of its kind south of Wilshire Boulevard, filling a much-needed gap in the area.
The origins of WalkGood Yard trace back to 2020, during the social unrest following the death of George Floyd. Etienne Maurice and his family organized a march, which led to the creation of the wellness nonprofit WalkGood LA. Etienne began hosting weekly yoga sessions in a local park, drawing up to 450 participants, particularly BIPOC individuals seeking safe spaces for healing. Four years later, WalkGood Yard opened its doors as a permanent, inclusive space for wellness and community.
The studio’s walls are adorned with photos of Etienne and his family, including his mother, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, grounding the space in personal history and cultural pride. WalkGood Yard also offers three membership tiers for those eager to make this sanctuary a regular part of their wellness journey. Notably, the studio will host the “You Good” Black men’s healing circle, a testament to its commitment to providing support for all members of the community.
The excitement surrounding WalkGood Yard is palpable. Eira Schwyzer, an Afro-Indigenous Latino yoga participant, expressed her enthusiasm after visiting the studio. “This is what we need to be investing in,” she said. “Now I feel like I can go to a place that is for people like me, where we can connect with our community and focus on our mental and physical well-being. This is a place where we can elevate our community and inspire others to do the same.”
With its intentional design, diverse offerings, and deep connection to the community, WalkGood Yard is set to become a vital space for healing and transformation in Los Angeles.
