Wellness Marketing 101

Episode 54: From Meal Prep to Movement: Building a Wellness-Focused Food Business with Dean D’Angelo

If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in the crowded food and wellness space, this episode is for you.
 
I sat down with Dean D’Angelo, founder of Horseman Wellness Club in Philadelphia, a one-of-a-kind concept where everything is grass-fed, thoughtfully sourced, and cooked with intention.
 
What started as simple meal prep for athletes turned into a thriving business rooted in quality, community, and purpose.
 
Dean shares his unconventional journey-from working in restaurants and funeral homes to building a brand trusted by athletes, fighters, and health-conscious customers.
This conversation goes beyond food. It’s about discipline, relationships, and creating something meaningful in your community.
 
In This Episode, We Cover:
 
Dean’s journey from college dropout to business owner
How a failed opportunity led to a breakthrough
Why sourcing and supplier relationships matter more than ever
The gap in nutrition for athletes (especially in college)
How community and word-of-mouth built his business
The story behind the name “Horseman Wellness Club”
His connection with MMA and UFC fighters
The role of discipline in both business and health
Why convenience is key in wellness businesses
His vision for expansion and giving back through a nonprofit
 
Key Takeaways:
 
Your story is your strongest marketing tool
Quality and transparency build long-term trust
Community is the foundation of sustainable growth
Wellness is more than fitness-it’s food, mindset, and environment
You don’t need everything figured out, just start and adapt
 
Connect with Dean:
📍 Location: 1801 S 4th St, Philadelphia🥩 Dine-in, takeout & meal prep available
📍Meal prep also available at The Bunker Fitness Center, 2 S Black Horse Pike, Blackwood, NJ 08012📲 Instagram: @horsemanwellnessclub
 
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Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a quick review. It helps more small businesses find us

Episode 53: Building Community & Systems for Small Business Success with Suzette Melendez

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with entrepreneur and community builder Suzette Melendez, founder of Suzette LC and a key member of the team behind Alchemize Fightwear.
Suzette shares how her journey from office management to community building, operations, and event planning led her to develop a passion for helping small businesses grow through strategic organization, authentic relationships, and strong communities.
The conversation explores what small businesses often miss when it comes to marketing strategy, why community is at the heart of every successful brand, and how entrepreneurs can build systems that support sustainable growth.
About the Guest
Suzette Melendez is the founder of Suzette LC, where she helps small businesses improve operations through:
Strategic organization
Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Community management
Event planning
She also plays an important role in building community for Alchemize Fightwear, supporting women athletes in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community through events, partnerships, and relationship-driven brand building.Key Topics Discussed
How Suzette “Dabbled in Everything”
Suzette began working as an assistant and office manager before gradually expanding her role into customer service, fulfillment, event planning, and athlete relations. Her curiosity and willingness to learn every part of the business helped her develop deep operational knowledge.
What SOPs Are and Why Small Businesses Need Them
SOP stands for Standard Operating Procedures—step-by-step processes that help businesses operate efficiently.
Suzette explains that many small businesses struggle because they skip structure and strategy, which makes it difficult to scale.
The Power of Community in Marketing
One of Suzette’s biggest beliefs is that every business should stay rooted in its community.
Instead of focusing only on transactions, businesses should:
Build relationships with customers
Understand their audience deeply
Communicate their mission clearly
Create meaningful experiences
Building Authentic Brand Relationships
Suzette approaches athlete partnerships by prioritizing real relationships over transactional sponsorships.
Her philosophy:
Start with genuine conversations
Focus on long-term relationships
Support people beyond the product
This approach has helped create strong connections within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community.
Supporting Women in Jiu-Jitsu
The episode also touches on the experience of women training in a male-dominated sport.
Through events and community initiatives with Alchemize Fightwear, Suzette helps create spaces where women can:
Train confidently
Build friendships
Support one another
Helping Couples Plan Stress-Free Weddings
Through Suzette LC, Suzette also offers small wedding coordination services, helping couples who plan their weddings themselves.
Her approach focuses on:
Organizing vendor communication
Managing timelines
Overseeing setup and logistics
Ensuring the couple can simply enjoy their day
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
1. Passion matters.If you can’t clearly explain and believe in your product, it’s difficult for others to support it.
2. Community builds brands.The strongest businesses build meaningful relationships with their customers.
3. Strategy is essential.Growth requires systems, processes, and long-term thinking.
4. Listen to your customers.The best ideas often come from understanding your audience’s real needs.
5. Relationships beat transactions.Whether with customers, partners, or athletes, authentic connections create lasting impact.
Connect with Suzette
Instagram: @the_slc_methodEmail: suliymelendez.ops@gmail.com

Episode 52: From CPA to Creative Entrepreneur – Building a Premium Photography Business with Intention with Guest Yoana Vasileva

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Yoana Vasileva to talk about what it really takes to pivot careers, especially when you’ve invested years into a “safe” and prestigious profession.
Yoana shares her journey from tax accountant and CPA to boutique photographer, and the mindset shifts, business strategy, and pricing confidence required to build a creative business the right way.
This episode is a must-listen for wellness entrepreneurs who:
Feel called toward something more creative
Struggle with pricing their services confidently
Want to build a business that supports their lifestyle — not consumes it
What We Discussed
✨ 1. The Identity Shift: From CPA to Creative
Why walking away from a hard-earned certification felt “irresponsible”
The emotional weight of investing years into one path
How long it really takes to feel ready for change
Why it’s okay to evolve
✨ 2. Passion vs. Profit
Testing different creative ideas before landing on photography
Why enjoyment matters, especially when business gets hard
Turning a hobby into a legitimate business
✨ 3. The Truth About Pricing Creative Work
Why $100 mini sessions aren’t sustainable
The hidden costs of running a photography business
Editing time, equipment, taxes, education
Calculating your Cost of Doing Business
Pricing for your ideal client, not for everyone
✨ 4. Boutique vs. Volume Business Models
Working with fewer clients at higher quality
Delivering a white-glove experience
Avoiding burnout
Designing a business around your life (not the other way around)
✨ 5. The Client Experience Matters
Making photoshoots fun for kids (yes, even with fart sound buttons!)
Creating emotional value, not just pretty pictures
Why people invest in memories, not just images
Key Takeaways for Wellness Entrepreneurs
✔️ You are allowed to change paths, even after years of investment.✔️ Your pricing should reflect your expertise, time, and vision.✔️ Cheap pricing attracts the wrong clients for premium services.✔️ A business model must support your lifestyle goals.✔️ Emotional value is what sells, not just deliverables.
Connect with Yoana
Website: https://www.yoanavasilevaphotography.com/
Instagram: @yoanavasilevaphotography
Facebook: Yoana Vasileva Photography
If you enjoyed this episode, please:
⭐ Leave a review📩 Share with a fellow entrepreneur📲 Follow @blackseams for more wellness marketing insights

Episode 51: From Managed Care to Root Cause: A Holistic Approach to Eye Health with Dr. Britt Parvis

In this episode of the Wellness Marketing 101 Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Britt Parvis, an ophthalmologist, retina specialist, and founder of Dr. Bright Eyes, to talk about something most of us have never considered:
 
👉 Eye health is not just about your eyes.
 
Dr. Britt shares her journey from traditional, system-based medicine to a holistic, root-cause approach to eye and overall health. We talk about:
 
Why dry eyes can be linked to hormonal imbalances
The connection between systemic health and what shows up in your eyes
The difference between lifespan and health span
Why patients (and doctors) are burning out in the current healthcare model
What true healing actually requires
Why supplements often don’t work the way we think they do
The power of human connection in medicine
 
 
If you’ve ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling rushed, dismissed, or without real answers, this episode will resonate deeply.
 
Key Takeaways
✨ Your eyes can reflect systemic health issues.✨ Dry eye is often a symptom, not the root problem.✨ Hormones, nutrition, and inflammation all impact eye health.✨ The healthcare system is built around disease management, not wellness.✨ Health span (how well you live) matters more than lifespan alone.✨ Prevention requires education and personal investment.
 
About Dr. Britt Parvis
 
Dr. Britt Parvis is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and retina specialist who transitioned from managed care to creating her own holistic practice, Dr. Bright Eyes. She integrates ophthalmology, nutrition science, hormone optimization, and aesthetic treatments to support whole-body wellness.
 
📍 Based in NJ📲 Text: 484-EYEBALL (484-393-2255)📧 hello@drbrighteyes.com📱 Instagram: @dr.brighteyes
Facebook: Dr. Bright Eyes

Episode 50: How Holistic Practitioners Can Build Sustainable, Profitable Businesses (Without Burnout) With Business Strategist Joanna Sapir

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with business strategist Joanna Sapir to talk about one of the biggest challenges in the health and wellness industry: burnout. Joanna shares her journey from high school teacher to gym owner to business coach for holistic practitioners and explains why so many talented wellness professionals struggle financially despite delivering incredible results for their clients.
Together, they unpack why session-by-session models don’t serve clients or practitioners, how “hope-and-wish” marketing hurts yoga studios and wellness businesses, and what it really means to serve clients more powerfully through structured programs, intentional sales conversations, and long-term transformation.
If you’re a holistic practitioner, yoga studio owner, or wellness entrepreneur who wants a business that supports your life, not drains it, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Topics Covered
Why many wellness businesses burn out even with loyal clients
The difference between marketing and sales (and why both matter)
Why discounts and free trials don’t convert without a sales process
How session-by-session services limit client results
What it means to “serve clients more powerfully”
How structured programs create better outcomes and more income
Why listening, not pushing, is the foundation of effective selling
How to pre-qualify clients so you work with the right people
Memorable Quotes
“Busy is not a badge of honor.”
“Selling is really about listening.”
“You’re not selling sessions, you’re guiding transformation.”
“Hope is not a marketing strategy.”
Resources Mentioned
Joanna Sapir’s Website: https://joannasapir.com/
Free Resource for Listeners: https://joannasapir.com/lp/systems/(Includes system recipes for sales, structure, and sustainability)
"The One Shift That Took Practitioners From $4K Months to $12K, on Fewer Hours" FREE masterclass on 3/26: https://joannasapir.com/live-masterclass
Connect With Boryana
Instagram: @BlackSeaAMS
Website: https://www.blackseaams.com/
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!

Episode 49: How to Build a Strong Marketing Foundation for Your Wellness Business with Corey Levin

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with branding expert Corey Levin, co-founder of Truth & Consequences and CMO of Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC).
Corey shares real-world insights from building a nationally recognized branding agency and working with high-profile clients and breaks down what small businesses often get wrong when it comes to marketing.
If you’ve recently launched your wellness business and feel unsure where to invest your time and money, this episode will help you build a smarter, more strategic foundation.
We Discuss:
How Corey co-founded Truth & Consequences after a private equity exit
Why employee ownership builds stronger brands
The most common marketing mistakes small businesses make
Why a “one-channel” marketing strategy doesn’t work
The importance of investing in marketing (even with limited budgets)
The opportunity cost of doing your own marketing
How positioning creates a premium brand perception
Lessons from rebranding and elevating CFFC into a UFC talent pipeline
Key Takeaways for Wellness Entrepreneurs
✔ Marketing is a system, not a single tactic✔ Spending money strategically is different from wasting money✔ Your brand positioning influences who you attract✔ Alignment between client and agency matters✔ Visibility requires consistency and intentionality
Connect with Corey
Email: corey@welcometruth.comAgency: Truth & Consequences: https://welcometruth.com/
Follow Boryana for more marketing insights:Instagram: @BlackSeaAMS
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow wellness entrepreneur and please leave a review! It helps more small businesses find us.

Episode 48: Bulgarians Do It Better! Gut Health, A2 Milk & the Trimona Yogurt Story with Founder Atanas Valev

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101,I sit down with Atanas Valev, founder of Trimona Yogurt, to explore the fascinating story behind authentic Bulgarian yogurt and why it is better for your gut than Greek yogurt.
Atanas shares how his journey from Bulgaria to the U.S. inspired him to recreate the traditional tangy taste of Bulgarian yogurt using time-honored fermentation methods and A2A2 milk, sourced from Jersey and Guernsey cows. Together, we dive into the science of gut health, lactose intolerance, fermentation, and the challenges of launching a food brand in a crowded market dominated by Greek yogurt.
 
Whether you’re a wellness entrepreneur, food founder, or health-conscious consumer, this episode is packed with insight, education, and inspiration.
 
Key Topics Covered:
What makes Bulgarian yogurt different from Greek yogurt
The truth about A2A2 milk and digestion
Why Bulgarian yogurt is considered the original yogurt
Lactobacillus bulgaricus and gut health
How Trimona went from a home recipe to Whole Foods & Costco
Entrepreneurial challenges in the food industry
Why fermentation time matters for probiotics
Using yogurt beyond breakfast (soups, savory dishes, baking)
 
Guest Bio:
 
Atanas Valev is the founder of Trimona Yogurt, a premium Bulgarian yogurt brand available at Whole Foods, Costco (select regions), and specialty markets across the U.S. Passionate about preserving authenticity, Atanas created Trimona to bring the traditional taste, health benefits, and culture of Bulgarian yogurt to American consumers.
 
Where to Find Trimona Yogurt:
Available at Whole Foods Market, Costco (Southeast region), and select independent & Eastern European grocery stores.
Website: https://trimonafoods.com/bulgarian-yogurt/
IG: @trimonayogurt
 
Enjoyed This Episode?
Share it with a fellow wellness entrepreneur
Leave a quick review! It helps small businesses grow
Follow @blackseaams on Instagram for marketing tips for wellness brands
Bulgarian meals you can make with Trimona: banitsa (fillo pastry); moussaka (with potatoes and ground beef); poached eggs; spinach, eggs and feta; green beans; crepes 

Episode 47: How to Avoid Burnout as an Entrepreneur: Pull Energy, Leadership & Sustainable Success with Tara Butler Floch

Burnout is often treated as the price of success but what if it’s actually a sign something is broken?
In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I speak with Tara Butler Floch, leadership coach and former executive, about why hustle culture is outdated and how entrepreneurs and leaders can achieve better results with less effort and more joy.
Drawing from her own experience with executive burnout, Tara introduces the concept of push energy vs. pull energy, explains why constant discipline and hustle drain performance, and shares practical ways leaders can design work and businesses that are sustainable long-term.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why burnout is not a personal failure, but a system failure
The difference between push energy and pull energy
Why discipline and hustle are outdated leadership tools
How entrepreneurs can stop being “always on”
Why doing nothing doesn’t actually restore your energy
How to redesign your workday to protect your energy
Why joyful work leads to 20% higher productivity
How leaders can build teams around strengths instead of job titles
Why social media isn’t mandatory for business success
How to lead with less effort and better results
Key Concepts Discussed
Burnout prevention for entrepreneurs
Energy management vs. time management
Sustainable leadership
Willpower fatigue
Strength-based leadership
Redefining success beyond hustle culture
About the Guest
Tara Butler Floch is the founder of Broadview Coaching and a leadership coach who works with executives, entrepreneurs, and other coaches to prevent burnout and create sustainable success. After experiencing burnout herself as an executive, Tara now helps leaders redesign how they work—for long-term impact and joy.
Connect with Tara
🌐 Website: Broadview Coaching📧 Email: tara@broadviewcoaching.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarabutler/
 
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!

Episode 46: How Baby Gear Group Is Changing Parenthood: Renting Baby Gear, Saving Money & Supporting Families in Need with Bo Zhao

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Bo Zhao, founder of Baby Gear Group, to discuss how she turned a frustrating first-time motherhood experience into a powerful baby gear rental movement. Instead of encouraging parents to buy expensive baby items they’ll only use for a few months, Baby Gear Group offers a sustainable, community-centered alternative: renting high-quality baby gear when you need it and returning it when you don’t.
 
From saving parents money and reducing clutter to supporting families facing medical and emergency challenges, this conversation highlights how thoughtful entrepreneurship can create real impact.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
 
Why buying baby gear often leads to wasted money and unused items
How Baby Gear Group’s baby gear rental library works
The difference between membership plans vs. à la carte rentals
Why trying baby gear at home matters more than online reviews
How Bo turned a “lightbulb moment” into a multi-state business
The biggest challenges of entrepreneurship (and why marketing is the hardest part)
Why sales and marketing are ongoing skills, not one-time tasks
How Baby Gear Group supports families through hospitals like CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)
What Bo wishes more moms knew before starting a business
Why “overnight success” usually takes 10 years
 
Key Topics Discussed
Baby gear rental vs. buying new
Sustainable parenting and reducing waste
New parent overwhelm and decision fatigue
Community-based business models
Entrepreneurship, marketing, and resilience
Social impact and family support initiatives
 
Notable Quotes
“I wanted baby gear to be the last thing parents had to worry about.” – Bo Zhao
“Marketing is a forever topic. It’s never one and done.” – Bo Zhao
“Most overnight successes are actually 10-year success stories.” – Bo Zhao
 
About Baby Gear Group
Baby Gear Group is a baby gear rental library serving families with children ages 0–3+. With locations across multiple states, the company helps parents:
Save money
Reduce clutter
Live more sustainably
Access high-quality baby gear without long-term commitment
 
Through initiatives like the GEAR Access Program, Baby Gear Group also supports families facing medical emergencies, early deliveries, displacement, and extended hospital stays.
 
How to Connect with Baby Gear Group
🌐 Website: babygeargroup.com📧 Email: info@babygeargroup.com
 
Perfect For Listeners Who Are:
Expecting parents or new moms
Parents trying to save money on baby essentials
Interested in sustainable living
Thinking about starting a business or side hustle
Curious about community-based entrepreneurship
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!

Episode 45: How Small World Seafood Built a Hyper-Local, Community-Driven Food Business with Robert Amar

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Robert Amar, founder and owner of Small World Seafood, to talk about food, community, and what it really means to build a relationship-driven business.
Robert shares his journey from fine dining and restaurant consulting to creating one of Philadelphia’s most beloved seafood businesses—born organically during the early days of COVID. What started as helping neighbors access fresh fish quickly turned into a hyper-local, trust-based model serving thousands of customers weekly.
 
This conversation is a masterclass in community marketing, authenticity, and wellness through food, and a reminder that the best businesses don’t scale by getting bigger—they grow by getting closer.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
 
How Small World Seafood started during COVID—and why it worked
Why hyper-local businesses can outperform national brands
The three questions every food (and wellness) business must answer
How trust, transparency, and education build customer loyalty
Why people are intimidated by cooking fish—and how to remove that fear
The marketing power of personality, storytelling, and email communication
What wellness, food, and community truly have in common
 
Key Takeaways
 
Quality + trust > scale
Community-first marketing creates emotional loyalty
Education is one of the strongest marketing tools
People don’t just buy food—they buy relationships
Local businesses thrive when they feel human
 
Guest Bio
 
Robert Amar is the founder and owner of Small World Seafood, a Philadelphia-based seafood company known for its exceptional quality, transparency, and deeply personal customer relationships. With a background in fine dining and restaurant consulting, Robert brings chef-level seafood to home cooks while fostering a true sense of neighborhood and community.
 
How to Order from Small World Seafood
Join the email list to receive weekly availability —> https://www.smallworldseafood.com/
Place orders mid-week
Pick up at designated neighborhood locations in Philadelphia and surrounding areas
Seasonal, fresh, restaurant-quality seafood—without the grocery store guesswork
If this episode has brought you any value, insight, or even just a moment of inspiration, I’d be so grateful if you could take a minute to leave a review. Your feedback not only helps others find the show but also keeps me motivated to keep creating. Thank you!