Like most people, the pandemic and shutdown in 2020 profoundly impacted my life. There was so much uncertainty about where the world was headed at that time, with no clarity when we would gather together again. I committed to myself that when we came out the other side, I would live the rest of my life serving the community and bringing people together. I made a promise that the time spent in lockdown would be worthwhile so something positive would come from this pandemic. I envisioned my ideal future including where I would live, who I would be around, and how I would spend my time.
I grew up in the Twin Cities (MN) and am the youngest of three daughters. I was fortunate to be raised in a very loving home in a comfortable suburban environment. I was blessed. I started my corporate career right out of college in 1994 and worked for small entrepreneurial companies, along with a few large Fortune 500 corporations. My favorite jobs were in hospitality, when I had the opportunity to connect with people and take part in their pleasures. I moved throughout the country as my employers moved me around different cities and often, I felt I was a marionette following the moves of a puppeteer. Because I have a strong work ethic, I was rewarded for my contributions with promotions, more words in my job titles, and monetary gains.
But, I had a secret. I didn’t care about titles. Although I had much external success, I was lacking some internal fulfillment deep inside. I was craving more meaningful work and I wasn’t really motivated by the professional milestones and ability to update my LinkedIn. What mattered most to me and what I cared about were the people I worked with and the human connections.
Enter: Yoga. Years ago, I stumbled into my first yoga class by accident. I thought I was going to a step aerobics class but I read the schedule wrong. The gracious instructor encouraged me to stay. I took off my Reebok high tops, kept my socks on, and found my way to the mat. I remember feeling lost not knowing the poses and my body was awkward, but the teacher was so encouraging. It was the first time I truly mentally tuned in to the movement my body was doing. I felt the mind-body connection and I was hooked. Over the years, I’ve practiced at thousands of yoga classes with amazing instructors in over 50 studios in California, Arizona and Minnesota. Every studio I visit has its own vibe and my experiences planted seeds of ideas that I would one day take with me to create a studio for my community. With a desire to go deeper in my practice, I participated in 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2018. On my mat, are the rare moments of my day when I connect with my mind, body and breath and I don’t pretend everything is okay.
And, now, comes the leap. I believe that yoga is for everyone and it has the ability to help people feel better, just like it does for me. I am rooted in a desire to bring yoga to more people in my area and I am thrilled to fulfill the dream of creating a welcoming yoga community after leaving the corporate world I knew.
At first, I was daunted by the notion of how to open a studio. I explored different paths, including creating my own branded studio. I found YogaSix and was immediately welcomed by the friendly faces and the inclusive atmosphere. The warm class felt so good in my body and the studio energy was contagious. I explored deeper and discovered that it is embedded in the culture of YogaSix to offer a welcoming environment for students of all levels to practice. It also turns out to be a great place for people to work and it is a proven successful studio model. In order to truly serve the community and be a great place for people to work, the studio must be a profitable business to pay the rent, staff and myself. I aspire to create an environment where yoga instructors can grow and develop while letting their personalities shine through.
YogaSix also resonates with me due to the modern and accessible approach to teaching yoga, with classes that are energizing, empowering and fun. I am grateful for my years of working in the corporate world because those experiences have created a foundation in business that I can now build upon. I can now focus on what I do best and will be rewarded by the satisfaction of building a great team and serving the community through yoga.
I remain committed to serving by creating a community hub, an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported, and where differences are embraced and celebrated. A place where you are welcome, wherever you are on your yoga journey.
Sarah is a collaborative, creative, and caring business leader. She has over 25 years experience in marketing roles from small entrepreneurial companies to large Fortune 500 organizations. Sarah is a corporate refugee and owner of YogaSix Minnetonka. She is a longtime yoga practitioner and certified health coach.
Download the current issue of the magazine HERE.
