Michelle Wahler Moves Beyond Beyond Yoga

Beyond Yoga is a name most wellness lovers adore, and the woman who was at its helm for more than 18 years is equally admirable and inspiring. Originally from Maryland, and now living in Southern California, Michelle Wahler wasn’t interested in sports, fashion, or wellness growing up. After studying graphic design, she moved to NYC to work in publishing. There she began working at People magazine, while also working on a small clothing line called Unsweetened NYC.

That first entrepreneurial endeavor was the start of a surprise leap into apparel. After moving to California, fate intervened when she met her future business partner, Jodi. From there, she helped Beyond Yoga grow and expand, until she was ready for her next move. Read on to hear about what she learned while there and how she’s using that knowledge now to expand personally.

SBS: What were the most important things you learned leading Beyond Yoga? What were some happy surprises and challenges?

Michelle Wahler: I learned to trust myself, to treat others the way I want to be treated, and to believe that people are whole, well-intentioned, and capable. When you give people space to shine, they do. That mindset was fundamental to our culture and success.

SBS: What are three things you wish you knew when starting Beyond Yoga? 

MW: Honestly, I’m grateful for what I didn’t know. Part of the magic was learning on the fly. I knew just enough, and I was curious and passionate enough to make it work.

SBS: When and how did you decide to move on from Beyond Yoga? What was that journey like for you?

MW: After we sold the company and I led the team through the transition, I felt it was time for a new chapter. The team was thriving: We had reached nearly $120 million in revenue and had become one of the top-performing divisions in our parent company. We’d launched six retail stores and expanded our product lines, adding outerwear, dresses, and more transitional pieces.

It felt like I had won the Super Bowl. I had built a company from the ground up, led us through COVID, negotiated a deal with one of the most iconic brands in the world (without bankers), and successfully integrated into a major public company—all while opening six stores in a year. I had sprinted a marathon. It was time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the life I had built outside the office.

SBS: What was calling to you in your life outside of Beyond Yoga?

MW: I have two amazing children, a wonderful husband, and friends I wanted to make more central in my life. Being a founder and CEO can be all-consuming. At some point, you have to ask: Am I spending my time in the highest, best use? For me, the answer was no. I will always love Beyond Yoga, but I had accomplished more than I ever dreamed. The foundation was set, the team was solid, and it was time to let go, so the next great chapter could begin, even if I didn’t yet know what it was. It was incredibly hard to walk away, but sometimes you have to leave something great to discover what’s next.

SBS: What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs in the wellness space, as well as those who are more experienced?

MW: My advice is to keep following your gut, do your best, and don’t leave anything in the locker room. When you’re an entrepreneur, every day feels like a playoff game: You have to show up with everything you’ve got.

SBS: What are you focusing on now?

MW: Right now, my focus is on family and giving back to the community of female founders. I feel incredibly grateful to have built a brand and company that not only touched lives but was also a financial success. I’m now in a place where I can pay it forward and use what I’ve learned to help others grow.

SBS: How has your life/work shifted recently?
MW: Over the past year, my brother-in-law has been very sick, and it’s been a deeply challenging time for our family. I’m so thankful that we have the time and resources to support him. Family has truly been my number one priority this year.

SBS: What's your own wellness routine?

MW: I’m always fine-tuning my routine, but I love staying active and trying new workouts. Reformer Pilates—especially at Studio MDR—is still my favorite. This year, I’ve added weight training with Coach Carl and Pvolve to the mix. I also love running, long walks, and bike rides with my family.

The best, zaniest part of being Michelle: My heart—and my deep love for people and dogs. I’ve never met a dog I didn’t like, and outside of my kids, nothing brings me more joy than connecting with inspiring entrepreneurs and supporting them however I can.

Michelle’s SBS Mantra: They all resonate with me! That’s why I need them all for different days. I love them all!

Michelle’s Southern California Faves:

Healthy Restaurant: Farmshop in Brentwood Country Mart
Nightlife Spot: Vito’s bar
Yoga Studio: Yoga Nest Venice
Fitness Studio: The Studio MDR & Pvolve Santa Monica
Fun Activity: Painting/sketching
Calming Activity: Puzzling
Online Resources: The New York Times
Books: Anything by Rebecca Serle: I love her (as an author and a person)