Today we’d like to introduce you to Ormide Armstrong.
Hi Ormide, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am excited to share the story behind the “Morning Fold,” a new yoga prop born from a personal journey toward recovery. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, limited movement led me to experience debilitating lower back pain. While stretching and yoga were helpful, I found that bending forward without support was too painful. This inspired the creation of a device designed to support the forehead during seated or folded positions, allowing for gentle, incremental movement.
After receiving positive feedback from fellow yoga practitioners, I partnered with investor Hyerim Lee to secure our patents. We have developed two distinct designs: the All Level model, which is taller and suitable for both standing and floor poses, and the Advanced Level model, designed for more flexible users who focus on floor work.
Following a rigorous manufacturing and prototyping process, we recently debuted the Morning Fold at the 2026 Yoga Convention in Los Angeles, where we received excellent feedback and established valuable connections.
To support our users, we have launched a YouTube channel featuring meditative poses using the device. Additionally, the Morning Fold includes a series of calisthenics workouts for all levels, led by my workout alias, “Fitness Bossman.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our manufacturer was located overseas, and at the time, I was performing on a cruise ship. This led to logistical delays; samples would occasionally arrive the day after I set sail, adding at least six days to the standard two-week shipping time. Additionally, we encountered initial difficulties with measurements as we do not use the metric system.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Since 1996, I have served as a middle school and high school band director in Texas, and I am currently an elementary music teacher. Alongside my career in education, I have been a professional trumpet player since high school and manage several performing groups in Austin.
For years, the demanding lifestyle of a musician and educator took a toll on my health. Despite repeated warnings regarding my blood pressure and cholesterol, it wasn’t until a doctor told me I needed an immediate lifestyle change that I truly took action.
While performing on cruise ships, I decided to prioritize my health. Despite the constant temptations to overindulge, I became highly disciplined with my nutrition and fitness. This period of transformation was also when I began developing the Morning Fold, leading to the creation of Fitness Bossman.
My role at the elementary school this year. In addition to teaching music, I will also be leading separate yoga classes for students in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
For calorie tracking, my go-to app is EATO, and I use the Strong app to track my workouts. Additionally, my calisthenics journey was inspired and built from the Darebee series.
Pricing:
- Morning Fold All Level $75
- Morning Fold advanced $45
- Calisthenics workouts – Free
- Morning Fold Videos – Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.morningfold.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morningfold?utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576659599378
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=morning+fold
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578965858542
