Meet Sandy Richards

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sandy Richards a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sandy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose after the birth of my first daughter, when I realized that prioritizing my health wasn’t just about me—it was about being the best mom I could be for her. That’s when health and wellness, which had always been important to our family, became a priority we were eager to instill in our children.

Alongside trying my best to navigate the new lifestyle of motherhood myself, I noticed many moms were struggling to find time for both exercise and quality moments with their kids. It got me thinking—why not combine the two and solve both challenges? That’s when I created fitness classes where moms and daughters could work out together, having fun while staying active and bonding.

From there, my purpose continued to evolve. I became passionate about empowering young girls to develop confidence, healthy habits, and self-love. This led me to launch girls’ empowerment programs, workshops, and events that help them feel strong inside and out. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow in both strength and confidence, learning how to care for themselves from a young age.

A big turning point was when I realized just how fast kids grow up (I know, everyone says this, but it’s true!). This fueled my passion even more—to help moms prioritize their own health while also embracing those special moments with their children. After working with over 500 moms and daughters, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact that comes from carving out time for self-care and connection.

Fitness and wellness have always been central to my life, and now I get to share that with families, especially young girls, helping them discover the joy of movement. Finding my purpose in this work has been an unexpected but fulfilling journey, and I’m so grateful for how it has unfolded.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m all about creating unforgettable moments between moms and daughters through my fitness classes and girls’ empowerment programs! What makes these experiences so special is the camaraderie and teamwork that blossom. It’s not just about learning healthy habits; it’s about building relationships, having a blast, and breaking down barriers. Imagine a space where girls lift each other up and moms get to share in the joy of movement—what could be better?

The best part? Watching those magical moments when girls discover their true potential and passions! I absolutely love seeing moms and daughters strengthen their bonds while enjoying some fun and energetic activities together.

I’m super excited to share that I’ll be hosting my very first mother-daughter retreat from November 8-10 in the gorgeous Hudson Valley of New York! This weekend is all about deepening connections, creating lasting memories, and just having a great time together. Plus, I’ll be rolling out after-school and summer girls’ empowerment programs, so there are plenty of opportunities for young girls to continue their journey of self-discovery and growth!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three things that have made the biggest impact on my journey are community building, leadership, and my passion for wellness.

Building community has always been a huge part of my life. Whether it’s moms and daughters working out together or girls supporting each other in empowerment workshops, I love creating spaces where people feel connected and supported. About eight years ago, I started a local “Pinterest Party” meetup for women in their 20s and 30s to get together, craft, and make new friends. It was such a fun way to bring people together and foster connection.

For the past seven years, I’ve also been a volunteer with the Girls on the Run non-profit organization. This year, I started two new teams in my local community, and I now help to coach both. Watching these girls gain confidence, build friendships, and achieve their goals has been incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy on their faces when they realize how much they’re capable of.

Leadership has also played a huge role. As a coach, mom, and business owner, I’ve had to step into leadership roles in different ways—whether it’s motivating girls to believe in themselves, showing moms attainable ways they can prioritize their wellness, or leading by example in my own life. Leadership, to me, is about helping others grow and find their own strengths.

And lastly, my passion for wellness has been the foundation of everything. I’ve always loved being active, whether it was through dance, gymnastics, or running, and now I get to share that enthusiasm with others. There’s nothing better than seeing someone light up when they discover how good it feels to move their body and take care of their own health & wellness.

For anyone just starting their journey, my advice would be to find something you’re truly passionate about and build a community around it. Do your research—talk to people, see what challenges they’re facing, and figure out how you can help support them. Keep learning, stay curious, and focus on creating something that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Always! I’m looking to collaborate with fitness and wellness professionals who share my passion for supporting moms, daughters, and the next generation of strong, empowered girls. Whether it’s for events, retreats, or ongoing programs, I’m excited to partner with like-minded individuals who want to help build confidence and healthy habits in families.

I’d also love to connect with local businesses interested in hosting a program or event, as well as those involved in Girl Scouts. My Girl Scout offerings include a mom and daughter fitness class, girls’ empowerment fitness class, and girls’ empowerment wellness workshop. If you’re interested in collaborating on any of these, I’d love to chat and partner in the future!

If any of this resonates with you, please reach out via email at sandy@sandyrichardswellness.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sandyrichardswellness.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sandyrichardswellness
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-richards/