Conversations with Sarah Starr

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Starr.

Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always a workout enthusiast. I loved watching my favorite workout shows every day and often thought, “What a dream job, you get paid to travel to beautiful locations while you work out? How cool would that be?” When I turned 17, my mom gifted me my first gym membership. I officially became a “gym rat,” and was completely hooked on the fitness lifestyle. I deep dived into learning everything I could about both working out & healthy nutrition to fuel my body.

I began my yoga journey seeking solace and peace for my restless mind. At the age of 30, I purchased my first yoga DVD in hopes of getting a good night’s sleep. That moment marked a new chapter. Having a clearer mind, I began opening up to the possibility of living my dream life and asked myself, “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”

That single question changed everything. I took a leap of faith and left behind a 20-year career managing my own hair salon. Feeling fearless, l began teaching yoga full time. With my students’ encouragement and my husband’s support, we created our very first yoga DVD.

Driven by our passion to share what we loved, we met with every local TV station to pitch the idea of turning our yoga DVD into a TV show. One station offered helpful advice on structuring a series, and little by little, we learned how to produce a television show. My husband taught me how to edit, and together we created our very first episode!

That first episode eventually turned into an entire season of “Yoga in Wisconsin”, which later grew into the internationally syndicated “Happy Yoga with Sarah Starr.” Today, our show celebrates 10 seasons on Public Television and CreateTV across the nation.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Creating Happy Yoga completely from scratch was both exciting and overwhelming. My husband and I had no formal training in production, hosting, or editing. What we did have was determination and a willingness to learn. With almost no budget, we began by buying local airtime and reaching out to Wisconsin businesses to sponsor ads to help cover costs.

Our first season started gaining momentum as we sought to be broadcast across multiple stations. That persistence paid off when the program was picked up by ION Life and rebranded as “Happy Yoga with Sarah Starr.”

While continuing to pitch to PBS, we received an unexpected opportunity; an international airline wanted a yoga program suitable for passengers. We designed and filmed a gentle chair yoga session for tight spaces, a project that would become the key piece in our successful PBS pitch.

That gentle chair yoga segment opened the door we had been knocking on for years, giving “Happy Yoga with Sarah Starr” a home on Public Television and CreateTV. It was a dream come true now being able to share yoga with millions of viewers from the comfort of their own chairs.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
After years of leading traditional yoga classes, I realized something was missing. Folks recovering from injury, struggling with balance, or living with mobility challenges didn’t have a yoga practice geared towards them. That realization became my mission: to make yoga accessible to every body.

This was how our chair yoga programs came to life. They’re gentle, supportive, and highly effective, a way for students to rediscover strength, stability, and serenity without feeling intimidated or frustrated.

Together, my husband and I have created hundreds of uplifting yoga sessions filmed in nature, from quiet beaches to sunlit meadows.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the show itself, it’s the messages and stories from people who say, “Your yoga helped me move again” or, “You made me feel like I belonged.” That’s why I do what I do.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up on a small farm in rural Wisconsin, as one of six kids, where “chaos” described our daily life perfectly. As the middle child, I learned early on that if I wanted something done, I needed to do it myself. My hard working parents set the example that we are the leaders of our own destiny and with a bit of ingenuity, relentless grit and determination, we could go a long way in life. That sense of determination shaped everything I’ve done since.

That’s why I’m excited to share accessible yoga with so many, especially those who thought it wasn’t possible because of injuries or perceived limitations. With chair yoga, we’ve created a practice you can do right from your couch, your kitchen chair, or even on an airplane! Whether you join me through our show on PBS, explore hundreds of videos on our YouTube channel, or dive into the full library on Happy Yoga on Demand, it’s inspiring to see how many people we’re able to support and uplift. Just search Happy Yoga TV on all socials or visit Happy Yoga on Demand to discover a practice that’s right for you!

Pricing:

• Happy Yoga on Demand Monthly Membership $17.97

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.happyyogaondemand.com
• Instagram: @HappyYogaTV
• Facebook: @HappyYogaTV
• Twitter: @HappyYogaTV
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappyYogatv

Image Credits
David F. Starr