Meet Sarah Walker: Workplace Culture & Wellness Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started a corporate job fresh out of college and was amazed at all the fun events my company offered to the employees. My first day on the job consisted of an afternoon ping pong tournament and pizza for everyone. It was so fun! I had never seen this in the workplace before. Shortly after, there were mass layoffs throughout the company and events like this started to fade away. I noticed people only conversing with those on their individual teams and overall lack of happiness and satisfaction throughout the office. I was in charge of onboarding and new hire tours so I knew most people in the office but they didn’t know each other! It was so sad to watch. So I decided to do a yoga event and I hired one of my favorite instructors to come in. I taped posters all around the office, I added it to the weekly email, I bought kombucha, the whole deal! It was so well received that I ended up hiring a wellness company to assist me in finding instructors for an entire wellness month. I knew exactly what I wanted but didn’t have any contacts in the wellness industry at the time. This was my passion project. I was thrilled. The employees were starting to engage and meet people that they had been working with for 5+ years. I continued this wellness program internally throughout Covid and the end of 2020 and then branched out on my own so I could start having a larger impact on my community and I had grown my network quite extensively. I now provide culture and wellness experiences to all companies seeking ways to have higher engagement in the workplace. This is not your typical wellness company with only nutrition, HIIT, and yoga (don’t get me wrong, I LOVE those classes), but I also bring in drawing instructors, professional organizers, and performers for happy hours. Culture by Sarah is truly a one stop shop to increase employee happiness, attraction, and retention.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Culture by Sarah exists to elevate the 9-5. There is an old way of thinking that says if we grind all day everyday THEN we are worth something. Employers expect so much of their employees and that’s understandable, but how are employers investing in their people? In a world where the grind is a badge of honor, Culture by Sarah offers employers and their employees a way to connect on a deeper level. We hold corporations to a higher standard. And through this, employees are able to have a 30 minute meditation in the morning that is company sponsored. They receive a specialized box on their birthday. They learn about their coworkers on a human level – outside of their job title – and go on company retreats. Owning a business is not easy and it’s hard for people to recognize the impact you can make. But once I get in there, the results are incredible. That’s where everything is worth it. The reviews, the feedback, and the consistent change in people’s lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
During the week – Wake up early, go on an early morning hike at Fryman’s canyon, go grab a coffee on Magnolia Blvd in Burbank (Blvd Cafecito or Palm Coffee Bar), then go to Sloane’s in Valley Village to work for the day and have tasty food + cute vibe. At night, I would definitely want to take them to Don Cucos and then go to a drive-in movie in the valley. On the weekends – I love Rosie’s Dog Beach because all the dogs get to run off-leash and my dog Emma loves it! Honestly an entire beach weekend would be ideal and I would also be into a fancy brunch at Castaway in Burbank or happy hour at Los Amigos! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I had a boss, who is now a very dear friend, named Dion. From the first day he became my boss, I realized that he was in the business of lifting up his team. I would go to him with my big ideas about wellness classes and programs in the office and he would say “Well Sarah, write up a proposal and send it to me and we’ll see what we can do.” And he always pushed for my best interest! I truly do not think I would be where I am today if I had not had Dion’s guidance as an office coordinator. What office coordinator goes to their boss everyday with a new idea? And how many bosses out there are being an advocate for their team? He’s a developer and I’m so grateful for him.

Also, my mom. I talk about her a lot when I’m asked about starting my own company. Her name is Cheryl Walker and she and my dad run an insurance company in Eastern NC. They are the hardest working people I know. My mom has always been a shining symbol of strength in my life. She is the OG boss babe. She always asks questions, is always learning, and I call her almost everyday because she knows everything! I am so grateful to be her daughter.

Website: www.culturebysarah.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturebysarah/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-walker-5a2ab0166/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culturebysarah

Other: Email: sarah@culturebysarah.com Contact: ‪(818) 732-6079‬

Image Credits
Wes Klain