Paula Roberts

Happy Yoga Wales was created with one simple aim: to make yoga and well‑being accessible, fun and welcoming for everyone - especially complete beginners. Through yoga, Laughter Yoga, Face Yoga and mindfulness, Happy Yoga Wales delivers friendly sessions that support both physical and mental well‑being. Alongside live sessions, the Happy Yoga Wales website and YouTube channel are packed with resources including guided mindfulness practices and follow‑along yoga classes in the Happy Yoga Wales Video Library, as well as online and in‑person courses such as the popular Absolute Beginner Yoga Course.

Before becoming a full‑time entrepreneur, I was a busy schoolteacher with a very active, self‑diagnosed ADHD mind. Yoga and well‑being practices completely transformed how I experienced life - helping me become more present, focused and happy. As a teacher, I could clearly see that young people needed more support with emotional regulation, social relationships and coping during challenging times. That’s when I realised I wanted to help beyond the classroom.

I began working with students in an independent boarding school, where informal conversations during pastoral and extra‑curricular time had a powerful impact. At the same time, I was growing my business alongside teaching. Some of the older students followed my YouTube channel and took part in short online classes. They told me they felt better physically, mentally and emotionally - and that feedback became the turning point.

In September 2023, I made the decision to leave teaching and run Happy Yoga Wales full‑time -  and I haven’t looked back. I knew that by focusing fully on the business, I could reach and support even more people.

Like many entrepreneurs, I faced challenges early on - especially around earning enough money. Over the past 12 months, I’ve adapted my offerings and experimented with different income streams. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that if something isn’t working, you can always try something else. I launched four‑week courses last November as a way to bring in some extra income, and they’ve since become my main source of revenue.

The best thing about being my own boss is freedom. Freedom to work anywhere in the world. Freedom to choose where I invest my energy. When I’m not delivering live sessions, I can work on blog posts sitting in the sun, film content for social media, YouTube or online courses, or collaborate with other entrepreneurs and businesses. I can work at a time and pace that suits me - while still feeling connected as part of a wider team.

My journey has shown me that it is possible to turn something you care deeply about into a sustainable business. With creativity, flexibility and the courage to take a leap, you can design a career that supports both your values and your wellbeing.