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

Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a freelance copywriter and yoga teacher based in the NYC area, but I’ve had many careers prior to landing here!

I graduated from Boston University with a degree in Communications and started my career in Film and Television before moving into Publishing, Sales, Advertising, and SaaS. I later received my Masters in English Literature from the University of Westminster in London.

I worked in SaaS as a Strategic Account Manager up until the pandemic and then decided to make a drastic change in my life—I quit my job, got my yoga teaching certification and began writing freelance content for tech, real estate, fintech. and B2B companies. I slowly began to teach more frequently while also moving into beauty research and journalism, which is where I am today!

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?
Absolutely not! It’s been full of twists and turns, and that includes this past week! Any freelancer can tell you that it never quite feels smooth, but I’m definitely happier in this career than any of the other ones I’ve tried—even if it’s challenging.

I had many struggles along the way, mainly around feeling frustrated and stuck in my jobs, but also the ever-looming imposter syndrome, being underpaid, and not feeling like I really knew what I wanted to do. I ended up with decision paralysis because I felt like every turn I was taking was wrong, but I couldn’t nail down the answer to the “what do you want to do?” question.

The way I came out of it was realizing that there didn’t have to be a rush—I could try something and maybe it worked or maybe it didn’t. But it didn’t need to be the end of me or my career. I could just pocket the experience as additional insight and try something else. I don’t have to rush to an end result, especially since my needs, interests, and skills are constantly ebbing and flowing. Just ride the wave!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When it comes to my yoga teaching, I feel very strongly about changing the narrative around what yoga is “supposed” to look like or what a yoga body has to do. I was a dancer for 14 years, which unfortunately led to years of body dysmorphia and diet-obsession because I was told I was not the right size or shape. Now as a teacher myself, I’m passionate about helping others reclaim and reconnect with their bodies through yoga — without the need to be a Lululemon model or achieve the Instagram yoga aesthetic. I want people to feel gratitude and respect for their body, not hatred.

I currently offer a 1:1 customizable, 10-week yoga program called Bespoke Bliss, where I work with clients directly to connect back with their body, at whatever stage of practice they may be in. It could be someone who has never stepped on the mat before or someone who is coming back to themselves after birth or an injury. I want my program to be a place of support, kindness, compassion, and growth for people. We don’t count calories or push ourselves to an unhealthy place. In a world full of filters and false narratives, my goal is to help people appreciate their authentic selves through yoga.

When it comes to my beauty writing, I’ve been obsessed with makeup and makeup artists since I was first getting into makeup as a teenager. I used to rip out those articles in CosmoGirl that would show someone’s red carpet makeup and I would bring it to the drugstore to try and match the look! Then, when I was working in production, I could always be found near the makeup artist and asking them about the products in their kit. I was probably more interested in that then my job!

So, I decided to pivot my copywriting into a more journalistic style and began my Artist Spotlight Series, where I interview makeup artists about their experience, their ride-or-die products, and their favorite portfolio looks. It’s been an amazing way to connect with artists while also giving them the spotlight that they deserve and so rarely get!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would say not to be afraid to reach out to people—generally, people love to talk about themselves and are usually happy to have a chat with someone about their experience and give some advice. It never hurts to try!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sarahcarvalho.me/yoga
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backrow_yogi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-carvalhosc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BackrowYogi
• Other: https://www.sarahcarvalho.me/panwithpippablog; https://www.instagram.com/panwithpippa/