The Sedona Yoga Festival producer Heather Sheree Sanders approaches her work from a greatly intentional and values-driven perspective, working at the intersection of wellness, community, and sustainability. Her leadership reflects a systematic understanding of impact, one that combines social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and economic viability as she prepares for the April 23 to April 26, 2026 gathering in Sedona. She offers a model for how events can honor both people and places while fostering lasting community value by focusing on accessibility, informed operations, and meaningful connection in shaping the festival experience.
In this Q&, A, Heather discusses how that philosophy influences her business, what inspired her journey, and how she is assisting in changing perceptions of what it really means to go clean in the events and wellness industry.
How do you make sustainability a core part of your company?
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at the Sedona Yoga Festival. Our decisions are carefully made because we are surrounded by spiritual forest land. We changed schedules and materials to QR codes, eliminated single-use water bottles, and mandated distinct waste-reduction guidelines for vendors. The hotel offers dishes made with responsibly sourced ingredients, including intelligent vegan and gluten-free options.
Sustainability is not just about the environment. We grant scholarships to expand access, pay presenters in an equity-based manner, and ask them to specify how much support they require in full. Small businesses in Sedona profit from the financial impact of our festival. People, planet, and profit are the three things that I consider to be business responsibility. Social responsibility, financial viability, and environmental protection must all come together.
What is a common misunderstanding about “going natural” in your industry?
A popular misconception about “going green” is that it is all about reuseable cups, eco-branding, and carbon offsets. These are important, but they just provide a glimpse. Real sustainability is fundamental in nature, including how people are compensated, who has access, and whether the event strengthens the setting it occupies. We talk about alignment in yoga. Business is the same as everything. Sustainability is a component of stewardship. Structure enhances creativity and encourages valuable programming when values guide decisions.
What words of wisdom would you impart to the second generation of female business owners?
My advice to the upcoming generation of female business owners is to start with clarity. Know your values and apply them to every choice. Create a sense of community among all parties, no merely customers. Both profit and purpose are at odds with one another. Financial stability enables you to operate with integrity while developing experiences that participants will keep with them long after leaving, as well as fostering relationships with like-minded individuals.
Learn more about the Sedona Yoga Festival, which runs April 23 through April 26, 2026.
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