Michelle Wahler: Beyond Yoga
When Michelle Wahler was a young girl, she witnessed a pivotal event that would shape her future: her father lost his music business—this moment profoundly impacted her, instilling a deep resilience and a drive to forge her own path.
Michelle pursued graphic design at the University of Florida and soon after, made the bold move to New York City. Balancing two jobs, she worked as a designer while waitressing at a local restaurant. Her determination and passion were palpable.
Her break came when she landed a job at People Magazine. But despite her success, Michelle felt a calling to entrepreneurship that she couldn’t ignore. She launched a t-shirt business called Unsweetened, transforming her apartment into a creative studio where she drew pictures of her friends and printed them on shirts. As word spread, demand grew, and Michelle realized she was onto something special.
In 2005, a trip to California for a trade show changed everything. It was here she met her future co-founder, with whom she would launch Beyond Yoga, an activewear line dedicated to celebrating women of all shapes and sizes. Michelle’s vision was clear: create a brand that empowers women through comfort and inclusivity.
Over nearly two decades, Michelle led Beyond Yoga as CEO, nurturing it from a small startup into a leading brand in the activewear industry. Then, out of the blue, she received an unexpected email from Levi Strauss & Co. Curious yet cautious, she decided to take the meeting—a decision that would alter the course of her life.
In 2021, Levi Strauss & Co acquired Beyond Yoga for an astounding $400 million, a testament to Michelle’s relentless dedication and hard work. Remarkably, she and her husband negotiated the entire deal themselves, demonstrating their unwavering commitment and belief in what they had built.
Michelle Wahler’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of taking chances. Her story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere, and the lessons she learned along the way are invaluable.
Michelle Wahler: @michelle.wahler
Beyond Yoga: @beyondyoga
The Founder Hour: @thefounderhour
Pat: @patricktanahan
Posh: @posh
