Wellness Marketing 101

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Marketing 101, I speak with Tara Butler Floch, leadership coach and former executive, about why hustle culture is outdated and how entrepreneurs and leaders can achieve better results with less effort and more joy.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Why discipline and hustle are outdated leadership tools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!

Episode 44: From the Jiu-Jitsu Mat to Shark Tank: How Maya Nazareth Built Alchemize Fightwear

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Maya Nazareth, founder of Alchemize Fightwear, Shark Tank deal recipient, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Maya shares how she turned a personal pain point in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into a global women’s fightwear brand starting with one rash guard and growing through persistence, learning, and resilience.
This conversation dives deep into entrepreneurship, product-market fit, failure, Shark Tank preparation, and what it truly takes to build a brand from scratch at a young age.
What We Cover
How Maya discovered Jiu-Jitsu and why it changed her life
The problem with women’s fightwear (“shrink it and pink it”)
How Alchemize Fightwear was born from a real unmet need
Building a product with no prior manufacturing experience
Early-stage struggles, slow growth, and costly mistakes
Getting robbed, manufacturing failures, and customer backlash
Preparing for Shark Tank and securing a deal with three sharks
Being named Forbes 30 Under 30
Lessons on resilience, persistence, and long-term thinking
Advice for young entrepreneurs and students
 
Key Takeaways
 
Great businesses often start from personal frustration
You don’t need experience — you need persistence
Transparency builds trust with customers
Entrepreneurship is a long game, not an overnight win
If you don’t quit, success becomes inevitable
 
About the Guest
Maya Nazareth is the founder of Alchemize Fightwear, a women-led combat sports apparel brand designed specifically for female athletes. Her company has been featured on Shark Tank, in Philadelphia Magazine, and she was named to Forbes 30 Under 30.
🔗 Website: alchemizefightwear.com📲 Instagram: @alchemizefightwear
 
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 43: How Mompreneurs Can Build Flexible Wellness Businesses Without Burnout with Guest Jess Koteles

In this episode, I sit down with Jess Koteles, a mom of two and Arbonne business owner, to talk about entrepreneurship, flexibility, mindset, and what it really takes to build a business while raising a family. From redefining “busy” to prioritizing self-care and releasing control over others, this conversation is packed with honest insights for moms building businesses on their own terms.
 
What We Cover
 
Jess’s journey from lab technician to wellness entrepreneur
What Arbonne is and why its mission aligned with her values
Why “busy” doesn’t mean productive
How to build a business without being tied to a 9–5
The reality of team building and leadership in network marketing
Letting go of control and focusing on personal growth
Self-care, morning routines, and bookending your day
Gratitude, mindset, and setting daily priorities
Creating freedom, flexibility, and long-term vision as a mom
 
Key Takeaways
You don’t need more time, you need clearer priorities
Flexibility is created, not given
Leadership starts with personal responsibility
Self-care is not optional if you want sustainable success
You can build a business that fits your life
Connect with Jess
All social media platforms: @jesskoteles_
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 42: Why Slowing Down Didn’t Break My Business as a Mom Entrepreneur

In this solo episode, I’m sharing something more personal than I usually do. Over the last month and a half of 2025, life forced me to slow down in a way I didn’t plan for or expect.
 
As a mom, entrepreneur, and professor, I’m used to juggling a lot, but this season reminded me that sometimes the only option is to surrender. In this episode, I talk honestly about what it looked like to step back from my business, why my podcast and content continued despite my absence, and what this experience taught me about rest, presence, and grace in entrepreneurship.
 
What I Talk About in This Episode:
 
 
How quickly my energy and health shifted because life happened
Having to cancel professional commitments I care deeply about
Why I wasn’t able to intentionally work on my business for over a month
How batching content ahead of time helped my podcast and blog continue
What I noticed when I wasn’t present on Instagram
Why slower seasons, especially around the holidays, are often necessary
How this pause gave me clarity around my messaging and direction
Letting go of guilt when life doesn’t go according to plan
 
Key Lessons I’m Taking Away:
 
Life will interrupt our plans and that doesn’t mean we’ve failed
Not every season is a growth season
Being “busy” isn’t the same as being effective
Presence matters more than consistency for consistency’s sake
Sometimes rest is forced because it’s needed
 
Why I Wanted to Share This:
I debated whether to record this episode because it’s personal. But after talking it through with another entrepreneur, I realized how many of us are setting goals and pushing forward without leaving space for life to happen.
 
If you’ve been knocked off track, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Taking a step back doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made. It’s often part of the process.

Episode 41: How Small Businesses Can Use Pinterest, SEO, and AI to Get Found Online With SEO & Pinterest Expert Julia Renee

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Julia Bocchese, an SEO and Pinterest expert, to break down how small businesses can get discovered online without relying solely on Instagram.
 
We talk about why Pinterest is an underutilized search engine, how keyword strategy impacts both Pinterest and Google rankings, and what business owners should know about SEO in an AI-driven world. Julia also shares practical advice for solopreneurs and mompreneurs who are balancing content creation, client work, and family life.
 
If you’re creating content but struggling to turn visibility into website traffic and leads, this episode is a must-listen.
 
What You’ll Learn
 
Why Pinterest works more like Google than Instagram
How wellness and service-based businesses can use Pinterest to drive website traffic
Pinterest keyword research basics (titles, descriptions, boards, and images)
How Pinterest content can support your overall SEO strategy
Best practices for profile and board optimization
How often you need to pin—and how to do it without burnout
Website strategies to convert Pinterest traffic into leads
How SEO is evolving in an AI + ChatGPT search world
How to increase the chances of your business being recommended by AI tools
Honest insights on running a business while working from home with kids
 
Key Takeaways
 
Pinterest is a long-term, evergreen traffic source, not a trend-based platform
You don’t need to show up daily—scheduling + templates make it manageable
Keywords matter across Pinterest, Google, and AI tools
Driving traffic from Pinterest can actually support your Google rankings
Informational content builds trust and moves people into your funnel
AI tools reward clear website copy, brand mentions, and authority signals
 
Who This Episode Is For
 
Wellness practitioners and coaches
Service-based business owners
Podcasters and content creators
Solopreneurs and mompreneurs
Anyone tired of relying solely on Instagram for growth
 
Connect with Julia
 
Website: https://juliareneeconsulting.com/
IG and Pinterest: @juliareneeconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bocchese/

Episode 40: A Fighter’s Mindset: How UFC Athlete Bassil “The Habibi” Hafez Built Discipline, Resilience, and Purpose Through Pain and Challenges

In one of the most powerful episodes of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with UFC fighter and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Bassil “The Habibi” Hafez to explore the realities behind a life built on grit, trauma, discipline, and second chances.
Bassil’s journey is far more than a highlight reel. It’s a story of extreme weight cuts, last-minute UFC opportunities, devastating injuries, personal loss, and the mental battles that happen long before an athlete ever steps into the octagon.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a wellness practitioner, or someone rebuilding your life, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how elite performers stay grounded, focused, and resilient—even when life hits harder than any opponent.
 
The Call That Changed Everything
Bassil’s entry into the UFC was anything but traditional.He got the call on a Monday and was fighting that Saturday.
He was out of shape.He was overweight.He was coming off an injury.
And still, he said yes.
Because sometimes the opportunity you’ve been waiting for doesn’t arrive when you feel “ready”—it arrives to test whether you’ve been preparing without knowing it.
 
The Brutal Reality of Weight Cutting
One of the most gripping parts of our conversation was Bassil’s detailed walk-through of his extreme weight cut:
Starting at 200 lbs and needing to reach 171 lbs in a few days
Spending hours in a sauna, pushing himself to the edge
Nearly losing consciousness mid-cut
Breaking not physically, but mentally—the true fight of weight cutting
Missing weight by 0.6 lbs, and what happened immediately after
Bassil explained that weight cutting isn’t just dehydration or hunger—it’s a “spiritual battle” against your own limits.
This part of the story is a masterclass in endurance, mindset, and the psychology of pressure.
 
Fear, Nerves, and the Fighter’s Mindset
Contrary to what people believe, professional fighters don’t walk out fearless.They walk out prepared.
 
Bassil shared:
Why the mental game is harder than any physical training
How fighters deal with nerves—especially in a main event
The difference between athletes who “want a way out” and those who push until the end
Why every fighter hits a breaking point, and how champions move past it
Entrepreneurs and wellness leaders face similar battles:imposter syndrome, self-doubt, public pressure, and the temptation to quit when things get hard.
 
Injuries, Setbacks, and the Quiet Work of Resilience
Bassil’s career has been shaped by injuries that could have—and often almost did—end everything:
Three knee surgeries before getting into the UFC
Two more in the past year
A motorcycle accident just before getting signed
Mental health struggles during long recovery windows
The stress of only getting paid when you fight
Yet he kept going.
His strategies for staying mentally locked in are powerful and practical:
Let yourself feel the emotions, but don’t live in them
Visualize your comeback
Create structure even when your body can’t work
Rewatch stories of resilience (“Go watch Rocky 1–5 again”)
Focus on what you can control
This is a blueprint for anyone navigating a setback.
 
Grief, Loss, and the Turning Points That Built Him
Bassil’s emotional story of losing both parents is one of the most impactful parts of the episode.
 
Losing His Mother at 18
He wasn’t fighting professionally yet—just drifting, street fighting, and acting out.Her passing broke him.It sent him spiraling into anger, rebellion, and eventually an arrest after a fight.
Seeing his father in court—disappointed, stressed, and hurting—snapped him awake.He didn’t want to waste his life.He didn’t want to break the people who loved him.
That moment was a pivot toward discipline, purpose, and martial arts.
 
The Cigarette Story
At 265 lbs, smoking heavily, eating fast food, and living recklessly, a quiet moment in the car with his father changed everything.
His dad lit a cigarette.Instead of lecturing him, he simply handed him the lighter.
That silence hurt more than any punishment.He quit smoking cold turkey.
A cousin later challenged him:“If you’re not addicted, then why are you doing it?”
Bassil threw the cigarette out of the window mid-smoke.Never touched one again.
 
His Mother’s Strength
His mother worked 12-hour shifts at the family pizza shop while going through chemo and radiation.Her discipline—her refusal to quit—fuels him every day.
He said:“I hope the mother of my future children is even 1/10th the woman she was.”
 
His Father’s Illness
After rebuilding their relationship, Bassil’s father was diagnosed with lung cancer and passed eight months later.
Bassil’s message for listeners:Repair your relationship with your parents while you can.They won’t be here forever.And many did the best they could with the emotional tools they had.
 
The Fighter’s Philosophy on Health and Longevity
 
Bassil is very honest:Your choices matter more than your genetics.
He emphasizes:
Only ~5% of cancer is genetic
Young people think they’re invincible
Lifestyle habits form the foundation of your 40s, 50s, and 60s
It’s not about perfection—it’s about direction.
 
Purpose, Integrity, and Living Intentionally
Bassil lives by a verse tattooed on his body:“Your actions are judged by your intentions.”
His shirts always feature:
Half breast cancer ribbon (for his mom)
Half lung cancer ribbon (for his dad)
Quotes he wrote himself
He plans to relaunch the line soon as a way to honor them both.
 
Why This Episode Matters
You’ll connect with this story if you’ve ever:
struggled with discipline
battled addiction
lost a parent
faced injuries or setbacks
needed a wake-up call
felt stuck or directionless
questioned your purpose
This episode is a reminder that resilience is built, not born—and that even the strongest fighters are shaped by pain, love, loss, and the choices they make every day.
 
🔥 Key Takeaways
Opportunities won’t arrive when you feel ready—you must say yes anyway.
The mental battle is the real battle.
Every challenge has a breaking point.
Champions push past it.
Success is about consistent habits, not heroic moments.
Discipline, humility, and resilience carry over into every area of life.
 
🎧 Listen to Learn:
What high-performance athletes do differently
The truth about extreme weight cutting
How to manage fear and pressure
How fighters cultivate discipline and resilience
How to apply the fighter’s mindset to business, wellness, and everyday life
Connect with Bassil:
IG: @bassil_badre

Episode 39: Parenting and Entrepreneurship: How to Run a Business with Grace and Adaptability

In this solo episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I share a behind-the-scenes look at the juggling act of being a mom, entrepreneur, and professor during a particularly chaotic week. From last-minute schedule changes to the challenge of working with kids at home, this episode is a candid reminder that success isn’t about perfection, it’s about adaptability, asking for help, and giving yourself grace.
Whether you’re a parent, a business owner, or simply navigating a busy season, this episode will encourage you to pause, breathe, and trust the process.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why adaptability is one of the most valuable skills as an entrepreneur and parent
How to shift your mindset when plans fall apart
The importance of asking for help and leaning on your support system
Why self-care time is non-negotiable during busy seasons
How to embrace “good enough” weeks without guilt
 
Connect with me:
Follow me on Instagram: @blackseaams
Email me: Boryana@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 38: Why You Must Set Your Own Limits (and Not Let Others Decide for You)

In this solo episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I share important life and business lessons inspired by a simple event: watching my kids and their friends take swim tests at the community pool. What started as a summer memory turned into a reminder that other people’s opinions, judgments, and imposed limits don’t define what we’re capable of.
I also reflect on my own experiences as a young basketball player, a first-generation entrepreneur, and a mom building a business while raising a family. This episode is a heartfelt call to trust yourself, find the right mentors, and keep pushing toward your goals, even when others doubt you.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 
How children’s determination and resilience can inspire adults
Why we should be mindful of how authority figures shape confidence
How to stay focused when others doubt your abilities or vision
The importance of finding mentors and coaches who truly get you
Why investing in yourself early can help you build a rock-solid foundation for your business
 
Connect with me:
Follow me on Instagram: @blackseaams
Email me: Boryana@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!