The Founder Hour Michelle Wahler | Building Beyond Yoga Into a $400 Million Exit to Levi’s
Michelle Wahler is an entrepreneur, business leader and mother. In 2005, she co-founded the active lifestyle company Beyond Yoga, where as CEO, she built the product and brand from the ground up. What started as a mere concept led to a global wholesale business, e-commerce site and opening of six retail stores, selling tens of millions of units around the world over the course of nearly 20 years. Michelle built a female-focused organization with an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, diversity and empowerment among both employees and customers. She skillfully navigated negotiations and led her team through the brand’s acquisition by Levi Strauss & Co. in 2021. Post-acquisition, she continued her role as CEO of Beyond Yoga and joined the Executive Leadership Team of Levi Strauss.
Michelle was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young in 2021 and as a DEIA Visionary by the LA Times in 2023.
Michelle is originally from Maryland and began her career while living in New York City. She lives in Los Angeles and is married with two children and two dogs. Michelle is active in several philanthropic causes through the family foundation she created with her husband. She also finds joy in painting, reading, and exploring through travel.
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