Founded by Leah Werth, Sanctuary Yoga in Bay City, Michigan, is more than just a yoga studio — it’s a space for healing, connection and personal transformation. The studio offers a diverse range of classes including yoga, barre, Pilates, sculpt, prep work, and sound baths designed to support both the body and mind.

Leah’s journey to becoming a business owner began unexpectedly. After leaving her federal government career following what she describes as a clear message from God to “help and heal people,” Leah found herself on a new path. Within a year, an opportunity arose to open a yoga studio — and despite initial hesitation, she embraced it. Sanctuary Yoga was born from that leap of faith and has since flourished into a vibrant, welcoming community.

As a first-time entrepreneur, Leah faced her share of challenges, learning each aspect of business ownership through hands-on experience and guidance from the Michigan Small Business Development Center (Michigan SBDC). With support from her Business Consultants Kate Cardinali and Michelle Judd, she navigated the complexities of starting and growing a business, gaining confidence in financial planning, operations, and long-term strategy. Leah credits the Michigan SBDC for helping her turn a dream into a thriving enterprise, saying the experience “made all those big, scary things feel manageable.”

Sanctuary Yoga’s success is measured not only in growth — having doubled its team from six to 12 instructors and offering classes seven days a week — but also in the impact it’s had on clients’ lives. Leah treasures the messages from community members who say they’ve found peace, confidence and healing through the studio’s offerings.

In 2024, Leah showcased her entrepreneurial spirit by participating in the Business by the Bay Pitch Competition, where Sanctuary Yoga earned second place and the Fan Favorite Award. The experience, she says, was invaluable — helping her refine her business model, understand her audience and plan for the studio’s future. The prize funding allowed her to invest in new equipment and instructor training, further enhancing the studio’s services.

Looking ahead, Leah is planning to expand into a larger space in Bay City to meet growing demand and continue building an inclusive, restorative environment for the community.