# Advice Line with Michelle Wahler of Beyond Yoga

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2026-09-17
- Length: 41m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-17-advice-line-with-michelle-wahler-of-beyond-yoga

## Summary

Michelle Wahler, co-founder and former CEO of Beyond Yoga, joins Guy Raz to offer advice to early-stage founders. She discusses the importance of focusing on sustainable growth rather than chasing a massive exit, and shares insights on building a brand through superior materials and emotional storytelling. The episode features calls from founders of Elective Study Abroad, Grace Ann Upholstery, and Sacred Pause Soap Company, who seek guidance on conversion, relationship repair, and digital marketing.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-17-advice-line-with-michelle-wahler-of-beyond-yoga#t=0) Introduction and Michelle Wahler's Update
- [4:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-17-advice-line-with-michelle-wahler-of-beyond-yoga#t=275) Advice on Funding and Exit Plans
- [6:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-17-advice-line-with-michelle-wahler-of-beyond-yoga#t=371) Carrie Angoff of Elective Study Abroad
- [20:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-17-advice-line-with-michelle-wahler-of-beyond-yoga#t=1202) Grace Ann Upholstery and Rebuilding Trust
- [31:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-17-advice-line-with-michelle-wahler-of-beyond-yoga#t=1889) Angel Raymer of Sacred Pause Soap Company
- [38:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-17-advice-line-with-michelle-wahler-of-beyond-yoga#t=2336) Michelle's Advice on Focus and Saying No

## Topics

- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up, founders before launch, early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Beyond Yoga (company)
- Elective Study Abroad (company)
- Grace Ann Upholstery (company)
- Sacred Pause Soap Company (company)
- Engine (company)
- U.S. Bank (company)
- Levi's (company)
- Quince Hill (company)
- USC (company)
- Backroads (company)
- Anthropic (company)
- Whole Foods (company)
- Airbnb (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [#169 - "How to Take Advice" with Nikhil Arora](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2024-11-12-169-how-to-take-advice-with-nikhil-arora) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [Founder + Funder: Fundraising, Founder-Investor Fit, and Building the Next Big Breakfast Brand with Emily Groden of Evergreen and Brian Bernstein of Rich Products Ventures](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-06-20-founder-funder-fundraising-founder-investor-fit-and-building-the-next-big-breakf) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [#232 - 2026 Brand Resolutions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-01-20-232-2026-brand-resolutions) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [Ep. 7: "You had me at wine" - Gregorio Santiago, on shifting your mindset from product to brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-07-30-ep-7-you-had-me-at-wine-gregorio-santiago-on-shifting-your-mindset-from-product) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
- [#100 Toasting to 100 Episodes of The Startup CPG Podcast with Our Favorite Moments](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-07-25-100-toasting-to-100-episodes-of-the-startup-cpg-podcast-with-our-favorite-moment) (The Startup CPG Podcast)

## Citing this page

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