2. SARAH LEVEY | Co-Founder of Y-7 Studio, Yogi + Business Woman
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Here's what you need to know
Courtesy of UF
Sarah and I met when she was still Sarah Larson.
We both attended Detroit Country Day School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan - we both admit that we were raised in an affluent and privileged community which gave us a warped sense of the realities of the world.
When we were in high school, Sarah was a year older than me and a 'cool girl'. I remember that I didn't feel 'cool enough' to be in the midst of her circle of friends.
"I definitely fell into the category of not the nicest in high school and it’s something that i’m definitely not proud of. I was so insecure and that was my number one defense mechanism, to point to other people before they could point to my flaws."
So when I found myself writing her an email asking if she would be a guest on my podcast, I immediately went back to my 15 year old self, and started feeling fearful that she would deem my initiative child's play, and would turn me down.
In fact, my self-esteem was (is?) so low, that I figured she wouldn't respond at all. That couldn't be further from the truth. She responded with an immediate yes - which resulted in my feeling like a total asshole - and once we connected on Skype, it was as if the silly insecurity I felt in high school, no longer existed. She is a true badass and a kind woman.
"Not everyone has to like you. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay.
It doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you."
If you haven't realized already, she opened Y-7 Studios aka "The Original Hip Hop Yoga Studio" with her husband Mason, which now has five locations in New York and one in Los Angeles...and they're growing. Forbes named her a 'millennial CEO', which we discussed at length, while I dissected her thoughts on what it takes to be a female entrepreneur. There's a lot to learn here for anyone who is looking to start their own business, or needs that extra boost of confidence to stand firmly behind whatever idea they're looking to push.
Beyond business, this conversation is important because we dive into the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. Sarah talks of how she evolved from being a woman who used to take every piece of criticism to her core, to a woman who speaks her truth and champions flaws, most importantly, encouraging other women along the way.
share. share. share.
If you like what you hear, please share this conversation with those who would appreciate and benefit from it.
Courtesy of MissBish.com
I don't like cheaters but here's a quick cheat-sheet for you.
YOUR SUGGESTED TAKEAWAYS + LESSONS:
the tools + skills you'll need to start a business
how to find your own voice to make changes to those things which no longer serve you
why competition amongst women sets us back + how to change your perspective on this, if you find yourself competing with others
why she champions women
finding balance in a relationship
deep communication is the key to a healthy marriage, especially when your life partner is also your business partner.
why she feels that the word millennial is a compliment
how to create a brand that works and feels authentic
how + why Y-7 started, what makes it work, what she's learned along the way, and the one thing that is still the hardest part of the business to get right
proper education vs. life education
flaws, flaws, flaws and why she champions her flaws
body image
why it's important to support other women
+ much more
