Meet Rachel Strasser!
Founder of Up Yoga & Wellness, A wellness ecosystem that creates space for people to slow down, regulate their nervous systems, build resilience, and reconnect with strength, purpose, clarity, and healing.
Welcome to our Canadian Business Owner Spotlight Series hosted by me… Kelsey Reidl (Business & Marketing Consultant).
In this series, I'll be catching up with the most talented, generous & inspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in Canada & beyond.
Enjoy learning more about these wonderful humans, and give them a ‘follow’ or get in touch in order to collaborate with them + work with them.
-Kelsey
The TL;DR for Rachel Strasser of Up Yoga & Wellness.
Rachel Strasser is the founder of UP Yoga & Wellness, established in 2020 with a vision of creating a welcoming space where people can connect with a wellness-minded community, feel uplifted and be well.
An educator, Integrative Nutrition Wellness Coach, yoga teacher and fitness instructor, Rachel believes that movement, especially when experienced in a supportive and uplifting community, is medicine. Her approach brings together movement, nourishment, connection, wellness services and authentic living to support whole-person well-being.
Rachel is also a musician and a passionate advocate for creating spaces where people feel comfortable arriving exactly as they are. She looks forward to welcoming you and helping you find your place at UP Yoga & Wellness.
Okay, let’s get to know Rachel!
Name
Rachel Strasser
Profession / Title
Founder of Up Yoga & Wellness - Instructor, Wellness Coach & Mom
Business Name
Up Yoga & Wellness
Industry / Niche
We help people feel uplifted, and better than before. We create a wellness ecosystem that holds space for movement, wellness services, education and sauna/plunge experiences.
My Business Was Founded In
Feb. 2020
Current Location
Paris, Ontario
3 words you would use to describe yourself…
Creative.
Grounded.
Evolving.
Tell us more about your business
I curate an ecosystem that creates space for people to slow down, detox and release, build resilience, find strength, purpose and clarity, regulate their nervous system, and heal.
My work is for all people and takes many forms—from teaching classes and creating intentional experiences to nourishing community, generating social media content, and supporting the behind-the-scenes operations that keep everything moving.
At its heart, my work is about creating meaningful spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, feel supported, and cultivate greater balance and wellbeing.
People discover this work primarily through social media and word of mouth, allowing the community to grow organically through shared experiences and connection.
In one or two sentences, what specific problem does your business solve for your clients?
Ultimately, we help people alleviate suffering and help them heal.
Recent milestone you've celebrated in your business
October is our 3rd year anniversary!
What is a recent investment you’ve made in your business
Nicki Straza of Straza Solutions - she has helped create a culture blueprint for leadership cohesion - to build up the culture of Up Yoga to support our energetic signature, which is our bottom line.
What changed after that investment? Why do you see it as an investment, not an expense?
We have seen the culture change at the admin level - realization of strengths in leadership - creating opportunities for folks to lead in their strengths - more flow in operations and communication - people before profit mentality. We are half way through a one year journey under Nicki’s guidance.
What would you tell a new entrepreneur who's considering investing in the same thing, but is hesitant?
Best investment both personally and for my business/team.
Now for some fun stuff!
Always…
Always trust your gut and lead with gratitude - it puts you in a state of receivership for good outcomes.
Never…
Never doubt what you are capable of.
Advice for other entrepreneurs, who are slightly less far along…
It started with a dream, taking that first step and consistently showing up… sometimes a stride and sometimes a crawl. Gratitude is everything and your mindset really matters - have people around you who will cheer you on when you’re ready to share your dream.
What is a tool, resource, podcast, book or person you’ve invested in that’s added value to your entrepreneurial journey
Nicki Straza of Straza Solutions - Coaching Program
Investing / promoting amazing individuals that I deeply trust in management positions and giving them authority to lead and make decisions on my behalf.
Favourite way to wind down after a long workweek
Playing my guitar, patio conversations with my partner after kids are in bed sharing highlights of the week, snuggles with my babies.
Before starting my workday, I make sure to…
Have my outfit and lunch ready!
Best part of my work is…
Teaching Movement Classes at UP - Still my first love!
Last vacation you took (and where did you go)
Bayfield - cottage!
