From Laundry to Millions: The Unlikely Story of a Yoga Wheel Business

In 2015, a chance encounter with a yoga wheel during a laundry session sparked an unexpected business journey. The founder, then a young man with no yoga experience, saw potential in this simple tool. It looked like a farm pipe with a grippy mat, but it was a yoga wheel. He decided to explore further. A quick search on Amazon revealed a demand for yoga wheels, but few sellers. This was a lightbulb moment. He invested $450 in materials and set up a workshop in a friend's barn. Within two weeks, his homemade yoga wheels generated thousands in sales. This marked the beginning of Chirp, a company that would go on to make over $250 million in a decade. At the time, the founder and his now-wife were living frugally. They budgeted $22, 000 a year, mostly for rent, and reinvested all profits into the business. Their modest lifestyle was a choice, not a necessity. They were willing to live simply to grow their company.A significant shift occurred in 2018 when the founder noticed that men were using the wheels for pain relief, not just yoga. By repositioning the product as a pain relief tool, sales soared. This pivot led to a $4 million boost in just six months. In 2020, Chirp appeared on Shark Tank, securing a deal with Lori Greiner. However, they ultimately decided not to close the deal, choosing to remain independent. This decision allowed them to focus on research and development, creating new pain relief methods. Despite turning down private equity offers, the founders remain passionate about their company. They value the freedom of being founder-led and investor-free. Their office even has a pet chameleon, symbolizing their wild and innovative company culture. Today, the couple has four children and enjoys modest luxuries, like annual family trips. They believe travel broadens their children's perspectives, teaching them that life is bigger than just themselves. This philosophy reflects their humble beginnings and continued focus on growth and learning.