Ashleigh Sheehy, owner of YogaSix Downtown Tampa, is no stranger to entrepreneurship or community impact. A longtime health and wellness enthusiast, Sheehy successfully ran her own natural hair care business for four years before selling the company to pursue a law degree.
Her drive to uplift others has been a consistent theme throughout her career. A passionate advocate for at-risk youth, Sheehy is a two-time published author. Her first book, The Art of Asking Why, offers school administrators tools to help combat the school-to-prison pipeline and includes a foreword by former Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince. Her second book, The Art of Knowing, features a foreword by former Florida State Attorney Andrew Warren and is aimed at educating students about their rights and empowering them to advocate for themselves.
When the COVID-19 pandemic paused many plans, Sheehy and her husband welcomed two sons. As she prepared to return to work, she saw an opportunity to blend her passion for wellness with her personal life. A dedicated yogi for over 15 years, Sheehy found that launching a YogaSix studio aligned perfectly with her values and lifestyle.
Now, through YogaSix Downtown Tampa, Sheehy is creating a space where people can build strength, find balance, and connect—both physically and mentally.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey before opening YogaSix and how those experiences shaped your leadership style?
Prior to launching YogaSix Downtown Tampa, I actually owned and operated my own natural hair care business for a total of four years. I later sold that particular business to focus on attending law school, however, the entrepreneurial experience and the same drive and passion for all things health-and-wellness has remained.
What is your vision for your YogaSix over the next five years?
In five years, I envision YogaSix continuing to contribute to the overall wellness and good vibes within the Tampa Bay community, by providing a full-sensory yoga experience that is accessible to all.
What makes YogaSix different from other yoga studios or similar concepts?
YogaSix offers a total of (6) full-sensory yoga experiences, with classes ranging from heated with weights to calming and restorative. We describe our approach to the practice of yoga as a modern and full sensory experience, as each of our classes features custom mood lighting, curated playlists, and aroma-therapy, all in a warm to hot practice space.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned since opening the studio that you think every new entrepreneur should know?
I would advise every entrepreneur to maintain focus on nurturing the community aspect of your business(es); within your employee base, within your membership base, and within your community at large.
Were there any challenges or unexpected moments during the process of opening your studio?
An unexpected moment for us was definitely learning that we would be opening our doors with 200+ members. I had always felt that Tampa was ready and waiting for what we had to offer, but was still very much taken aback by the response and support.
How did you first discover yoga, and what kept you coming back to the practice?
Yoga has been a mainstay of my personal wellness journey for well over a decade now. The practice of yoga has, personally, kept me centered – mind, body, and spirit – whether I was making my way through law school, or back-to-back pregnancies. I am so honored to be able to bring that same peace and tranquil energy to all of our members, neighbors, and friends and family.
