Q: What were you doing professionally before you started Beyond Yoga, and what was the motivation that made you decide to launch the brand?
Michelle: Before co-founding Beyond Yoga, my path was rooted in creativity and storytelling. I studied graphic design and moved to New York after college, where I worked in editorial roles at publications like People Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar. During that time, I also started a small side project called Unsweetened, creating illustrated t-shirts inspired by the women around me. That early venture gave me my first experience building a brand and expressing a point of view through product.
The deeper motivation behind Beyond Yoga was personal. Growing up, I watched my mom, who I admired deeply, struggle with self-image and feel pressure to fit a narrow definition of beauty. As I got older, I saw that experience reflected in so many women around me, and it stayed with me.
When the opportunity arose to help create a new kind of activewear brand, that personal perspective became my compass. I wanted to build something rooted in inclusivity, comfort, and emotional connection, clothing that supported women in their real lives and helped them feel good in their bodies. That desire to shift the conversation around activewear and create a more welcoming experience ultimately led me to launch Beyond Yoga in 2005.
Why Her Values Align So Deeply with Wellbel
I first met Michelle at a female founder event, one of those rooms filled with ambition, ideas, and possibility. What stood out wasn’t just her track record. It was her presence.
We connected immediately on something deeper than business growth. We talked about building companies that reflect your values. About creating cultures where women feel supported. About redefining success so it isn’t just about scale but about impact.
Wellbel is more than a hair care brand; we care deeply about how women feel in their bodies, in their confidence, in their daily lives.
Michelle built Beyond Yoga with that same intention. Not just to sell apparel, but to create something that helped women feel strong and seen. That shared belief that business can uplift women rather than pressure them is why honoring her this International Women’s Day feels so personal.
Q: Looking back, what problem were you trying to solve?
Michelle: Looking back, what felt missing in the market was a sense of inclusivity and emotional connection. At the time, activewear was largely performance driven and often spoke to a very specific type of consumer. The messaging could feel intimidating, and the product itself did not always prioritize comfort or versatility for everyday life.
I believed there was an opportunity to create something softer, both physically and emotionally. I wanted activewear that felt good on the body, supported movement in all its forms, and met women where they were rather than asking them to change to fit a certain ideal. That meant focusing on fabric, fit, and a more welcoming point of view.
Ultimately, the problem I was trying to solve was bigger than product. It was about helping women feel comfortable in their own skin and creating a brand that celebrated real bodies and real lives. That intention became a guiding principle for Beyond Yoga from the very beginning.
A Ripple Effect That Continues
Since stepping away from the brand, Michelle has dedicated herself to investing in mission-driven businesses and mentoring the next generation of female founders. Whether advising entrepreneurs, speaking on leadership stages, or supporting organizations that uplift women and families, she continues to be a force for meaningful change.
Her influence continues not because of what she sold…
…but because of what she gives.
She reminds us that real entrepreneurship isn’t just about building something big.
It’s about building something that lasts.
Something that lifts others.
Something that reflects your values, not just your ambition.
Her leadership has been recognized nationally, including being named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021 and receiving the Los Angeles Times DEIA Visionary Award in 2023.
But the most powerful recognition is harder to measure:
The women she has inspired.
The founders she has guided.
The culture of belonging she has helped create.
