Today we’d like to introduce you to Mara Winegar.
Hi Mara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was introduced to yoga at the age of 13. I didn’t fully understand it — I just knew I liked stretching in the dark, listening to Enya. I practiced secretly in my room. Even though I didn’t know the words for it at the time, those quiet stretches were my first meditations. They gave me a sense of peace, a space to process emotions, and an unexpected entry point into the feminine energy I had been craving.
As the youngest of seven kids — with four brothers — everything around me felt competitive and survival-based. I didn’t even realize how much I longed for softness, for stillness, for the feminine. Yoga quietly opened that door for me. It also launched me into the mystical: incense, horoscopes, yin-yang symbols, Buddha statues — I was fascinated.
When I got my first job, I bought a Gaiam yoga DVD. It was just movement and breathwork with no explanation of why it felt so good… just that it did. So I kept following that feeling.
At 18, I moved to Warner Robins, Georgia — a military town — newly married and still Mormon. I started taking yoga classes on base and later joined a women’s gym off base. I took every yoga, pilates, and “yogalates” class I could. Eventually, the instructors started asking me to open their classes and encouraged me to teach. I earned my AFAA certification and began teaching pilates, which put me in the most incredible zone.
Then one of the yoga instructors asked me to cover her base classes while she was on TDY. That experience, and her mentorship, led to me becoming one of the yoga teachers in town. But at that time, yoga was still “fitness yoga.” The deeper meaning — the mystery of why it made me feel so amazing — was still just out of reach.
Fast-forward: I’ve now been teaching yoga and movement for about 17 years. But it wasn’t until after my divorce — when I was living on a farm in Idaho — that I had a massive spiritual download. I was in the kitchen, doing dishes, when I got sidetracked by the music. I started dancing, stretching, flowing — and all of a sudden, I was in it. This flow state hit me with a wave of emotion and clarity. This… this was yoga. Not just poses. But the mental, emotional, spiritual union.
A year later, I was back in Utah doing yoga teacher training — finally learning what that “thing” was that had been moving through me since I was 13. I discovered yoga means union. And that my love of running was actually a form of pranayama and meditation. It clicked. I ran my first ultra marathon — but that race pushed my body too far. Shortly after, I got extremely sick.
I was constantly feverish, fatigued, barely able to walk. I fainted before work one day and ended up in the ER. Blood tests came back showing signs of cancer, and I was referred to a specialist. But deeper panels revealed I had reactivated Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). I went from running 33 miles to struggling to walk one. I had to cancel all my classes. It was devastating.
But during this forced slow-down, something beautiful happened. I started walking the same trails — only now, at a snail’s pace. I began noticing everything: the river, the bees, the way seasons shift in the air. I became deeply present. It was mindfulness. It was union. It was medicine.
Then COVID hit. And to pass the time, I started painting huge sheets — letting the music guide me, allowing color to flow without expectation. It became a meditation.
I began growing herbs and making bouquets for friends. They were so beautiful, a friend suggested I sell them at a local market. That same friend worked for a venue and suggested I teach mindfulness classes.That friend told me to rent a studio at the venue. I did. I started teaching 1-on-1 painting meditation sessions. It was profound.Fast forward to now: I work full-time at that same venue — The Monarch — the one that gave me my start on this path. I run vendor events and serve as the floor manager. One day I was talking with my boss (and friend), sharing how badly Northern Utah needs more spiritual connection, education, and community. So many people are feeling lost right now, with nowhere to turn.
I asked her if I could rent the building to host a Yoga Fest. She said yes.
I’ve never put on an event like this before. The navigation has been… interesting. New territory. But it’s also been beautiful. The way people are showing up — collaborating, supporting, offering their gifts — it’s yoga in action. It’s union. Connection. Community.
And here we are — with the support of our community, volunteers, peers, and mentors — co-creating something beautiful. Something needed
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been such an ebb and flow — highs and lows, rocky and smooth, light and dark. Every part of it has come with its own lessons. Honestly, the whole process has felt a lot like the seasons.
“Winter” shows up as the time to go inward. Sometimes the mental struggle is so real — it can be heavy and hard. But I’ve learned that those are the moments to soften, to turn inward, to let go. That’s what actually creates the space for expansion.
And that inner work? That’s what preps you for the season of “Spring”creating and moving forward. The push and the pause are both part of it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creative ideas and fresh perspective. I’m known for what I bring to the table in the yoga, art, and private event bartending worlds — and I love blending those passions in unique, unexpected ways.
My bartending work is mostly for intentionally-based gatherings — events rooted in connection, creativity, and vibe. Think curated cocktails, botanicals, and energy-infused experiences.
What sets me apart is that I stay rooted in authenticity. I weave my style of art, mindfulness, and intention into everything I do — whether I’m garnishing a drink, guiding a flow, managing an event, or coaching a client
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First — my mom. THEE artist. She’s a legit, bonafide creative — went to art school, has had her work in galleries and shows all over Utah, and now she’s expanding into New York. She’s been painting my entire life. Watching her create gave me permission to do the same.
My dad — the original mountaineer. His love and respect for nature is unmatched. He had me hiking Angels Landing at 5 years old and rappelling off cliffs like it was normal weekend fun. That connection to the outdoors shaped everything I do now.
My sister Megan — she’s been there at every single turn. When I got sick, she was there. When I started vending, she was there. All the boring, chaotic, in-between moments? Still there. Helping me, holding space, showing up.
My brother Weston told me, “Find what you love — and do that.” And my brother Lonny told me, “You can do anything.” Those two phrases are burned into me.
My kids — they are the reason I stayed creative. Their wonder, energy, and constant inspiration kept that part of me alive.
My friend Kacey, who nudged me (okay, shoved me) in the best way possible — and gave me the space to get started. And Brandy, my boss and my friend, a quiet mentor who placed so much trust in me before I even saw it in myself.
The teachers and volunteers who have shown up to share their energy for this upcoming fest — I seriously cannot even put into words how grateful I am. They’ve shown up with full hearts, big energy, and so much generosity. LIKE… beyond grateful.
And of course — all my friends, coworkers, and community. The ones who’ve taught me, walked with me, talked with me, and let me teach them my weird ways.
And in the words of Snoop Dogg:
“I wanna thank me… for believing in me.”
Pricing:
- tickets for the fest 50.00 for all day any of the classes take as many as youd like and can fit in
- Become a Vendor promote and sell your products at the yoga fest by becomig a vendor 75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wasatchyogafest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wasatchyogafest?igsh=MWZ3YXEyZTIzcnpyMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/the.good.spirit_?igsh=MWhwZjM1MmI5ZzExcQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
