PHOTOS BY MICHELE ASHLEE-MEADE
With grace, grit, and a passion for holistic wellness, the founder of breathe has spent the past two decades building more than just a business—she’s built a movement. What started in 2002 as a unique fusion of yoga, nutrition, and retail has blossomed into one of Rochester’s most beloved wellness destinations. Guided by authenticity, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to community, this visionary woman has proven that entrepreneurship doesn’t always begin with a business plan—it begins with heart.
As a registered dietitian, yoga instructor, keynote speaker, and mother, she wears many hats, yet manages to remain grounded in purpose. At 65, she is redefining what it means to age, lead, and live fully. Her story is one of passion meeting perseverance, and of staying true to one’s purpose even when the path is uncertain. For this Women Entrepreneurs Edition, we are honored to feature her on our cover and share the inspiring journey behind breathe—a space where wellness isn’t just practiced, it’s lived.
About Her Journey & Entrepreneurship
What inspired you to start breathe in 2002, and how has your vision evolved over the past 22 years?
I started breathe as a way to combine my passions and professional experience. I began practicing yoga at the age of twelve, built a career as a registered dietitian, and was also a partner in a retail boutique. These three elements—yoga, nutrition, and retail—naturally came together to create breathe: a yoga studio, juice bar, and retail space all under one roof.
Over time, breathe has evolved into much more than I originally imagined. It’s grown into a true wellness community—a hub where people can connect, recharge, and feel supported. What started as a personal dream has become a shared experience.
Can you take us back to the moment you decided to put everything you loved under one roof? What was that like?
When my husband began traveling frequently for work and our daughters were transitioning from high school to college, I found myself at a crossroads. I wanted to stay engaged in something that felt deeply authentic—something that gave me a sense of purpose, creativity, and connection.
breathe wasn’t the product of a detailed business plan. It was born out of intuition, built around the things that had always brought me happiness. Creating a space that could nourish the body, mind, and soul felt like the most natural thing in the world. It was a way to create something meaningful not just for me, but for the entire community.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days of breathe, and how did you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges was not having any formal business training. I used to joke, “I have no business being in business!” My background was in nutrition and mental health counseling—not accounting, operations, or HR.
But what seemed like a setback actually became a blessing. I had to learn everything from scratch—finances, marketing, team dynamics—and in doing so, I built something uniquely people-focused. I leaned on mentors, asked questions, and stayed curious. Not knowing the “rules” allowed me to lead with heart, and that has made all the difference.
What has been the most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur and building a wellness community?
There have been so many moments that I treasure. The most rewarding part has been the relationships—meeting incredible people through yoga classes, watching staff and clients grow, and seeing the ripple effect of wellness spread through the community.
Growing breathe alongside my husband and two daughters has made it feel like a third child in our family. It’s not just a business—it’s an extension of who we are. I’m endlessly grateful for that.
How do you balance being a business owner, yoga instructor, dietitian, keynote speaker, and still find time for yourself and your family?
Balancing a business that also happens to be your passion can be tricky—but it’s also deeply fulfilling. Now that my husband is retired, breathe has truly become a family venture. All four of us have carved out our own lanes within the business, so we support one another while still maintaining individual responsibilities.
That blend of structure and shared purpose makes it work beautifully. We’ve been able to merge work and family life in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
About breathe & Its Impact
breathe has become a wellness hub in Rochester—what do you think makes it stand out from other yoga and wellness spaces?
breathe stands out because it was designed from a personal lens—I built the business I wished existed. I thought, “How great would it be to take a yoga class, grab a fresh smoothie afterward, and maybe pick up a cute pair of yoga pants on the way out?”
Turns out, a lot of people felt the same way. It’s all about making wellness convenient, enjoyable, and even a little indulgent—all under one roof. That holistic experience is what sets us apart.
What’s your favorite part of walking into breathe on any given day?
Despite how much breathe has grown over the past 22 years, my mornings have remained remarkably consistent—and I cherish that. I love arriving early, making myself an açaí bowl and a cup of coffee, and easing into the day while I catch up on emails and prep for what’s ahead.
It’s a quiet, grounding ritual that centers me. That simple routine remains one of my favorite parts of the day.
How has breathe’s expansion into both in-person and online offerings changed the way you connect with the community?
When the pandemic hit, we pivoted quickly and introduced live online classes to stay connected with our community. While many studios phased out virtual offerings later, we made the decision to keep ours—because the impact was undeniable.
These online classes became lifelines for so many people: parents, caregivers, those with health concerns, or clients living outside of Rochester. It deepened our sense of inclusivity and allowed us to reach people in new ways. I can’t imagine breathe without it now.
Your mission emphasizes inclusivity and giving back to the community—why is that such an integral part of your business?
Giving back has always been central to our mission. From the beginning, we’ve looked for ways to support local organizations and offer resources where they’re needed most.
Our success is rooted in community, and we feel a responsibility to give back in meaningful ways. Whether through donation-based classes, partnerships, or local initiatives, it’s our way of saying thank you and staying connected.
Can you share a story of a client or member whose life was transformed through breathe?
I have an overflowing folder of cards and letters from clients who’ve shared how breathe changed their lives—physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
One that stands out is a woman who came in during a difficult chapter of her life. She later told me that breathe helped her find her strength again—through yoga, community, and simple kindness.
It’s incredibly humbling to hear that. Every time I read a note like that, I’m reminded why we do this work.
On Yoga, Meditation, & Wellness
You’ve spent years studying yoga, meditation, and nutrition—what have been some of the most profound lessons you’ve learned?
Each of these practices has shaped my life in a deeply personal way. Yoga came first—my mom introduced it to me at 12, and it became a lifelong companion. Nutrition came next, born from my own challenges with weight and health. Becoming a registered dietitian helped me understand how food nourishes not just the body, but the mind and spirit.
Then, a decade ago, a stress-related illness pushed me to embrace meditation. It became my lifeline and taught me how to care for my inner world, not just the outer. Together, these three paths taught me that true well-being isn’t found in any single practice—it’s a daily commitment to awareness, balance, and self-compassion.
What advice would you give to someone who’s hesitant to try yoga or meditation for the first time?
If you’re nervous, you’re not alone. Many people worry they won’t be good at it—but the beautiful truth is, there’s no such thing as being “good” at yoga or meditation.
Yoga isn’t about perfect poses, and meditation isn’t about emptying your mind. It’s about presence, breath, and meeting yourself where you are. All you have to do is show up. The rest unfolds naturally.
How do you think yoga and meditation contribute to longevity and overall well-being?
Yoga and meditation are my non-negotiables. They keep me feeling good—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Yoga keeps my body strong and flexible, supporting healthy aging. Meditation helps me manage stress, stay grounded, and move through life with more clarity. You don’t need to practice for hours to benefit—it’s about consistency, not perfection.
What role does mindfulness play in running a successful business?
Running a business is a constant stream of decision-making. Mindfulness helps me stay present, focused, and less reactive—especially in high-pressure moments.
Meditation has strengthened my ability to pause, assess, and respond with intention. It doesn’t remove challenges, but it definitely makes me a better leader.
How do you see the wellness industry evolving in the next 5–10 years?
I think wellness will continue to grow, especially as more people focus on longevity and holistic health. Trends will come and go, but yoga has stood the test of time—and for good reason.
It’s not just a trend; it’s a practice that connects us back to ourselves. As people continue seeking depth and sustainability in their wellness routines, I believe yoga will remain a constant.
On Aging & Personal Growth
You speak about redefining what it means to age—what does that mean to you personally?
For me, redefining aging means embracing it fully. At 65, I genuinely love this stage of life. There’s a sense of confidence, freedom, and self-acceptance that only comes with experience.
It breaks my heart when I hear people talk about aging like it’s something to dread. It doesn’t have to be. This can be the most powerful, liberating chapter yet.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about aging that you’d like to challenge?
One major misconception is that aging equals fading into the background. I reject that. This is not a time to shrink or become invisible—it’s a time to shine with everything you’ve learned.
And why are we taught to lie about our age? Every year we’ve lived is a badge of honor. We need to celebrate that, not hide it.
What are three things anyone can start doing today to feel healthier and more vibrant at any age?
My 3 Non-Negotiables for Aging Well:
Quality Sleep – Everything else depends on it.
Muscle Matters – Strength training and protein intake are key for longevity and vitality.
Mindset is Everything – Believing your best days are ahead changes how you show up in the world.
What has surprised you most about yourself as you’ve moved into what you call the 4th Quarter of Life?
What’s surprised me most is how good I feel—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’ve learned to tune into what my body and soul need, to let go of unrealistic pressures, and to embrace simplicity.
This stage of life is rich with gratitude and possibility. I didn’t expect to feel this alive—and that’s been a beautiful surprise.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change much—every twist and turn brought me here. But if I could whisper something to my younger self, it would be this:
“Trust your gut. You already have everything you need inside you. Don’t waste time doubting your worth.”
What do you hope your legacy will be—not just as a business owner, but as a woman, a mother, and a leader in the wellness space?
I hope my legacy is one of wholehearted living. That I lived authentically, led with compassion, and empowered others—especially women—to believe in their worth and pursue their passions unapologetically. As a mother, I hope my daughters saw a woman who wasn’t afraid to take risks, to grow, and to lead with grace. And as a wellness advocate, I hope I helped people feel seen, supported, and capable of creating meaningful change in their own lives. If I’ve done that, then I’ve done something worthwhile.
What advice would you give to women who feel it’s “too late” to start over or pursue a dream?
It is never too late. That idea is just a story we’ve been told—and it’s not true. Some of the most beautiful chapters of life begin when we think we’ve missed our chance. Whether you’re 40, 60, or beyond, you’re still growing, learning, and evolving. Your age is not a deadline; it’s a foundation. If something is calling to you, don’t wait for permission—start small, but start now. Trust that every step matters, and know that reinvention is one of the most powerful gifts we have.
How do you continue to grow and evolve, both personally and professionally, after two decades of running breathe?
Staying curious has been the key. I’m constantly reading, taking workshops, attending retreats, and learning from the incredible people I meet through breathe. I believe the moment we think we have it all figured out is the moment we stop growing. Every season of life brings new lessons—and I’ve learned to welcome that. Professionally, I listen to my team, my clients, and my own instincts. Personally, I invest in the things that nourish me: connection, nature, movement, and meaningful rest. Growth doesn’t always look like hustle—it often looks like presence.
What’s next for you and for breathe? What dreams are still on the horizon?
There’s always something new percolating! For breathe, we’re continuing to explore ways to deepen our community impact—whether it’s through expanded virtual offerings, wellness retreats, or collaborations with local organizations. Personally, I’ve been leaning into more speaking opportunities and storytelling. I think there’s so much power in shared experiences, especially as women move into midlife and beyond. I want to keep creating spaces—both physical and emotional—where people feel inspired, supported, and empowered to live their fullest, healthiest lives. That dream never gets old.
