FLINT, Michigan — It was a serene and idyllic Saturday morning, with the city bustling in preparation for the Local Fest. Terance Green, owner of Black Amor, a yoga and life studio, had just completed his soul-flow yoga session in his tranquil studio.

Sunlight filtered through the expansive windows, casting a warm glow over the space. The gentle strains of a sweet, ethereal playlist filled the air, emanating from Terance’s speaker, infusing the studio with peace and calmness.

Black Amor, located at 124 W 1st St. in downtown Flint, proudly stands as the only black-owned yoga studio within a one-hour radius. Inside, it felt like a secure sanctuary despite being atop the music venue The Local 432.

The decor featured pink Himalayan salt lamps and verdant greenery enchanting every corner, creating a serene and inviting ambiance. A prominent blackboard greeted visitors with signatures of support for Black Amor, serving as a reminder of solidarity and community within the space.

Green emphasizes the studio’s commitment to inclusivity, offering classes catering to diverse individuals. The studio hosts classes every day except Sunday and Friday, and while classes are accessible to those new to yoga, instructors provide more challenging poses for advanced practitioners although participation is not mandatory.

Green’s inspiring journey toward prioritizing self-love and holistic wellness is a testament to the power of personal transformation. His story, marked by moments of self-discovery and resilience, sheds light on the societal expectations placed on men and the importance of breaking free from them. From battling internal struggles to confronting societal norms, his experiences have shaped his path.

Pictured in the tree pose on July 13, 2024, Terance Green's mission is to promote self-care and love for oneself. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)Following a hospitalization due to health complications, Green realized the need to prioritize self-care and self-love. This awakening became the driving force behind his venture, Black Amor Yoga & Life Services, which he established as a limited liability company in the fall of 2020.

The dedication to promoting self-love and well-being is evident in the Black Amor brand. Initially beginning with the sale of beard oil, the brand has evolved to embody a message of prioritizing self-love, encapsulated in its very name “Black Amor” where the word “amor” reflects the love for oneself.

The words resonate deeply with Green who attributes the brand’s origin to his son’s middle name, Amor, symbolizing the commitment to loving oneself first. Through his journey, Green has transformed his life and seeks to empower others to embrace self-love and well-being. 

In 2017, he graduated from Mott Community College with degrees in General Studies, Science, and Fine Arts. His specific focus on science stemmed from his aspirations of becoming an occupational therapist. This career interest was deeply rooted in his personal experiences as he had taken on the role of caregiver within his family, particularly during their times of ailment.

"Men don't communicate not because they don't want to, it's because they don't know how to," expresses Terance on July 13, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)
During high school, Green resided with his grandmother and dedicated much of his time to caring for her. Sadly, his grandmother passed away within two years of his relocation to Tennessee.

“My grandfather was sick, too,” said Green. “He had prostate cancer and other similar health issues. This was back in middle school before he passed.”

At a young age, he witnessed common illnesses in the Black community, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, and prostate cancer in men, but didn’t fully comprehend the severity of it all.

“I naturally had to gravitate towards taking care of people or helping. And from that, when you’re young, it becomes who you are,” Green explained, reflecting on his childhood. “I completely forgot about myself. I made decisions based on how I thought my grandmother would be instead of considering myself. It wasn’t until I graduated that I realized, ‘Hey, I have to finally do something for myself.’ So I moved away to Tennessee.”

Notably unique to Black Amor and Green’s mission is the studio's “Men Only” yoga class on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The class seeks to provide a safe and inclusive space for men to engage in yoga practice. It aims to challenge the narrative around men and yoga, providing a supportive environment for male participants to de-stress and find solace.

“We get fearful and scared because we were never taught to trust our instincts. Your words and actions are powerful, and you’re smart enough,” says Terance Green on July 13, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside)
“As men, we’re taught not to talk about our feelings, to tough it out whether [we’re] getting in trouble for crying or bending over from being exhausted in sports,” he says, pausing to chuckle at the absurdity of it all. “We’re encouraged to be strong and resilient, but you can’t [always] be strong. It’s important to know when to be strong and vulnerable.”

He points out how many men fear vulnerability but believe it is simply being honest. “If you’re not being vulnerable, then you’re not being truthful,” he asserts confidently.

Despite his outward appearance of success, Green battled with overwhelming emotions and found himself seeking help through therapy to address the inner turmoil he couldn’t fully understand. This courageous step began a new chapter in his life, offering hope for a brighter future.

In a heartfelt commitment to his son, he pledged to be an involved father when he was a newborn. Juggling work and parenting responsibilities with his partner, they managed their schedules as she worked days and he worked the night shift.

With aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur, his days were filled with work, business planning, and caring for his son while often surviving on just 2 to 3 hours of sleep. Despite his immense dedication, Green admitted that his health often took a back seat to his responsibilities.

“You have to set the tone for your life, you have to change it, and expect nobody else to be there for you,” cites Green in a yoga pose inside Black Amor studio on July 13, 2024. (Anthony Summers | Flintside.com)
Ultimately, he became ill and went to the hospital. The doctors discovered he was having complications with his intestines but could not determine why. He spent three days there. He couldn’t eat or drink; his body would reject it. Doctors had to put a tube down his throat to do what his intestines couldn’t do at the time.

“I just slept in the hospital for 2 to 3 days. [At that time], I don’t remember the last time I had rested that much, to be honest,” said Green. On his last day there, he got a roommate, and Green overheard the doctor ask him if he died, would he want to be resuscitated. The man replied, “No, let me go.”

Silence returned to the yoga studio with a somber tone. Green says resting is what truly healed him. Now, having gone through these experiences and more, the mission of Black Amor stands steadfast in his heart and life. Life has solidified for him a moment to put and love oneself first.

“At that point, it was like a message just popped in, [and] this is where “love you first” truly was solidified. I heard a voice talking to me, saying, “Hey, if you don’t take care of yourself and love yourself first, this will be you.”

Visit Black Amor’s website to see all the classes offered and which instructor is leading each session. Also, stay connected by following Black Amor on Instagram and Facebook.