We Mean Business: ‘If I had to give one word it would be share – it’s incredibly hard to get yourself seen’
A teacher-turned-business-owner, who now offers yoga and mindfulness to young people, has shared how difficult it is to get new ventures seen by the masses.
Launched in February, the Chronicle & Echo’s latest campaign hopes to help curb future business closures after a bleak start to 2026 across the town.
The twice-weekly stories spotlight what Northampton stands to lose if your favourite businesses were to close down, highlight the biggest challenges they currently face, and encourage greater support from the powers that be and the community before it is too late.
The next founder to speak out for We Mean Business is Sarah Willis, who launched The Little Yoga Company with the aim of helping children connect to their bodies and with their peers.
Sarah’s aim is to help raise balanced, emotionally stable and healthy children into the world, having worked as a primary school teacher for 18 years before launching her business.
Sarah has practiced yoga for the past 15 years ago, and trained in mindfulness and child yoga over the two years before she left her former career as a teacher.
The child and teen yoga sessions are designed to help build resilience, emotional intelligence and understand how to process emotions.
The offering at The Little Yoga Company also includes one-to-ones with young people, and sessions with mums and their children – which is a big focus for Sarah moving forward.
Let’s take a look at what Sarah had to say…
How would you summarise your experience of running an independent business in Northampton at the moment?
“Positive,” said Sarah. “There’s an initial time for people to see your ideas, understand the benefits yoga has for children, and experience it firsthand. We’re growing through word of mouth as parents can see children are calmer, happier, well-rounded and able to regulate at home.”
What are the biggest challenges you currently face as a business owner, and what impact do these have on the daily running of your venture?
Sarah continued: “It’s the cost of living at the moment. I make sure my price point is accessible for people as I don’t want parents to feel they can’t come.
“People have busy schedules and are pulled in a lot of different directions. I encourage them to weave time, even if it’s just half an hour, that’s going to be beneficial for their wellbeing.
“I’m a mum of two and I like to be realistic. There are points in the month where you don’t have the outlay, so flexible payment plans are available.”
Sarah admits that she absorbs the rising costs of venues and resources, as she wants to offer the best opportunities she can while keeping them affordable for all. “It’s twofold,” she said.
What do you believe Northampton stands to lose if your business were to close down? What unique offerings do you bring to the town that would be sorely missed?
“There are lots of other yoga companies out there but nobody who offers the variety I do,” said Sarah. “There’s nobody who seems to cater towards children, toddlers, mums and babies.
“I pride myself on making sure everyone who steps into my classes, whether they are two or 92, feels seen, heard and valued.
“I support children and parents, and help them to work out a way they can move and find confidence together. It’s a moment they share and experience together. It’s all about fun, helping them have ownership, and making them feel supported. I offer a space to be happy.”
What small actions can our readers and the Northampton community take to support your business in 2026?
“If I had to give one word it would be share,” Sarah concluded. “Share, share, share through word of mouth. If you have been to a class, share your experience. Whether it is with a friend down the park or on social media, it’s hugely beneficial as it’s incredibly hard to get yourself seen.”