For this week’s Aspiring Women Who Inspire feature, we are so excited to introduce the woman who reinvented yoga. Sarah Larson Levey created Y7 Studio, a non-traditional yoga studio that breaks down barriers and makes the practice accessible and welcoming to everybody. Her path to entrepreneurship is an interesting and inspiring one, and we are thrilled to be able to share her story. Please welcome Sarah to BLND!
Introduce yourself.
My name is Sarah Larson Levey and I am the Founder/CEO of Y7 Studio.
How did you get into your industry? Was this always where you saw yourself?
I got into the fitness industry by accident. I was suffering from a pinched sciatic nerve and the only physical activity I was able to do was yoga. As I started to try studios around the city I always felt out of place – Y7 is the exact environment that I was craving as a client. A safe space where no one was looking at me, where I was able to focus on my practice without distractions, and somewhere that I could have fun, get stronger and enjoy my practice.
From your experience, what are the three key factors or strategies for starting and establishing a brand?
Believe in what you are doing, be original and just start. I think a lot of people get hung up on having a perfect plan from the beginning – things are always going to change so my advice is to just start. You will figure everything out as you go.
What’s an accomplishment you consider to be the most significant in your career so far?
My biggest accomplishment is my team. I have the best people around me, the success of Y7 wouldn’t be as great as it is without them.
What’s a failure that turned into a blessing?
My working relationship with my husband. He is my co-founder and we used to work together every single day for the first 4 years of Y7 – he ended up leaving the day to day ops about two years ago and our relationship has never been stronger than it is today.
Morning routine?
Just get out the door lol. I am not a morning person – I just try to get places on time and with a coffee in hand.
Who’s an aspiring woman who inspires you?
Oh there are so many! I have to say, as cliche as it is, right now it’s my mom. I am currently 8 months pregnant and living back in my parents house during the pandemic – she is currently working from home as well which has given me insight into how she operates as a leader with her team and shown me a whole new side of her.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give a young person looking to follow in your footsteps?
There is no right path – there are so many ways to reach your goals, its not linear – just keep fighting for what you want.
When you’re not building your brand and inspiring yogis everywhere, what can we find you doing?
Im pretty low key! Im usually at home with my dogs and husband or hanging out with friends drinking wine.
Rapid Fire
Three words that describe you? hungry, tired, excited (these are the top that came to mind lol I’m pregnant)
Three products you can’t live without? Kipris facial dew, kosas color and light cream duo, tower 28 lip gloss
Dream collaboration? Y7 x lululemon
Trendy or classic? a little bit of both.
#1 place on your travel bucket list? Santorini
Go to drink order? Tequila soda
Favorite restaurant? Misi
Where can people follow you? Instagram! @sarah_ayako
