The Underbelly Birth Story

By CEO &
Co-Founder
Mary Carr

The Underbelly was founded in April 2019, by Jessamyn Stanley and Mary Carr.

This is their story through Mary’s eyes.

Image features Jessamyn (left) and Mary (right) in the UB 90’s Daisy Set.

“I have no idea what you’re doing right now, but I have an idea. Can we talk?”

The text message that started it all. 

Every hair on my body stood at attention. The idea that there was something else coming finally made room for the uncomfortable sadness and boredom I had been feeling. Being a stay at home mom was not the dream I had hoped it would be. I had assigned so much expectation to that dream, it never occurred to me that I wouldn’t want to be with my children all day, every day. That the other parts of my spirit would feel stifled and trapped.

Jessamyn and I had worked together opening a tapas bar in Durham, NC for years. She ran the door and everyone wanted what she had - a table. The host stand became one of my favorite places in that restaurant - the gossip, the drama and the laughter was abundant. 

Jessamyn had to leave to see if this yoga thing would work, but asked if I would hold her job, “just in case.” I never heard from her again. 

Until that text came through and found me ready, excited, curious, sad, overwhelmed and lost.

We met in her office, which had an incredible chalkboard wall and we started dreaming. We wanted a space that felt safe, like it has always been there, waiting for you. A juxtaposition to the chaos and noise coming from the world outside. LIke you ducked into a flickering neon storefront and stumbled into a respite. A return home to yourself, to the parts of you that feel scared and bored and nervous - an acceptance of your vulnerability, embodiment of your power and a place to relax into all the things we are. 

Make it stand out

Womb. Sanctuary. Home. Enough. Grounded. The Mat. Belly. 

“Bravery is the fruit of Fear” 

The UNDERBELLY. 

It was the place I needed. 

I’ve birthed ideas, restaurants, children - both human and furry, a queer yoga company. I always think I am making them and what is always true is that they are making me.

For the last six years, my life has changed dramatically, starting a small business has demanded a level of truth telling I’ve avoided my entire life. The Underbelly has demanded I come home to myself, just like we wanted it to, but like most longings - I had no idea what I was asking for.