Wellness Marketing 101

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Jessi Sheridan, founder of Habituelle, a leadership and community platform for ambitious women. Jessi shares how a pivotal moment during the pandemic sparked the creation of Habituelle, evolving from a storytelling platform into a thriving ecosystem that includes events, coaching, and membership.
 
We dive into the power of community, why collaboration beats competition, and the mindset shifts women need to grow both personally and professionally. This conversation is especially relevant for women balancing business, leadership, and motherhood.
Key Takeaways
Community is a growth acceleratorWomen thrive when they support, not compete with, one another.
Abundance vs. scarcity mindsetThere is enough opportunity for everyone. The right clients will align with you.
Mindset is the biggest growth barrierFear, self-doubt, and the “inner critic” often hold women back more than skill or experience.
You don’t have to do it allDelegation, outsourcing, and asking for help are essential for sustainable success.
Intentional networking mattersJessi’s events are designed not just to connect people but to actively support women-owned businesses.
You can design your life and businessEntrepreneurship can create flexibility, especially for moms who want to be present while building something meaningful.
Notable Moments
How Habituelle grew organically through referrals and shared values
Why women sometimes hesitate to support each other—and how to change that
The simple mindset shift Jessi uses to quiet self-doubt: “No, thank you.”
Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship without striving for perfection
About the Guest
Jessi Sheridan is the founder of Habituelle, a community and coaching platform supporting women in leadership and business. Through storytelling, events, and coaching, she helps women grow with intention and connection.
Connect with Jessi
Website: hhttps://habituelleleadership.com/
Instagram: @habituelle
Personal: @jessi.sheridan
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Connect with me
Instagram: @BlackSeaAMS
Website: https://www.blackseaams.com/

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with longtime Bikram Yoga practitioner, teacher, and yoga asana world champion Esak Garcia to explore the deeper meaning behind the practice and why so many people turn to the hot room not just for physical fitness, but for healing, mental clarity, discipline, and self-awareness.
 
I share how I first discovered Bikram Yoga in 2011 while navigating anxiety and panic attacks during my PhD program, and how the practice eventually became an essential part of my life as an entrepreneur, athlete, mother, and educator.
 
Together, they discuss:
The origins and philosophy behind Bikram Yoga
Why the heat creates such a transformative mental experience
The connection between yoga, spirituality, and self-awareness
The role of discipline and ego in the practice
Yoga asana competitions and the mindset behind them
The difference between fitness-focused yoga and ancient yoga philosophy
Why so many athletes are drawn to hot yoga
Injury recovery, longevity, and adapting the practice during pregnancy
How Bikram Yoga evolves from a workout into a lifelong lifestyle practice
 
Esak also shares insights into:
His journey into yoga through sports and family influence
Competing and winning yoga asana championships
The philosophy behind healthy competition
His E84 teacher trainings and Jedi Fight Club immersions
Why technique and consistency matter more than flexibility
 
Key Takeaways
Yoga is as much a mental practice as it is physical.
The heat in Bikram Yoga acts as a tool for presence and focus.
Flexibility develops over time through consistency and awareness.
Self-awareness and self-control are foundational to both yoga and entrepreneurship.
Progress in yoga often happens incrementally and requires patience.
Healthy competition can inspire growth and self-mastery.
Long-term practitioners often describe Bikram Yoga as a lifestyle rather than a fitness trend
Books Mentioned
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Yoga Body by Mark Singleton
Connect with Esak Garcia
Instagram: @esakgarcia
Website: https://www.esakgarcia.com/
 

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, host I sit down with Ashley Gould, founder of The Dew Generation, a skincare brand created specifically for tweens.
Ashley shares how her experience as a master esthetician and mom led her to develop gentle, age-appropriate skincare products that prioritize skin health over trends. Together, they discuss the dangers of adult skincare products being marketed to young audiences, the importance of education for both parents and kids, and how brands can truly serve their customers with intention and integrity.
 
What You’ll Learn:
Why most skincare products on the market are not suitable for tween skin
The difference between hydration vs. moisture (and why it matters)
How overusing acne products can actually damage young skin
The 3 essential steps every tween skincare routine needs
Why boys should be included in skincare conversations too
How Ashley built a brand rooted in education, safety, and simplicity
The role of branding and sensory experience in connecting with younger audiences
 
Key Takeaways:
Tween skincare should be simple, gentle, and protective
More products ≠ better results
Education is just as important as the product itself
Confidence starts with feeling good in your own skin—not “fixing” it
Strong brands are built with purpose first, aesthetics second
 
Connect with Ashley Gould:
Instagram: @thedewgenerationEmail: hello@thedewgeneration.com
 
Connect with Boryana:
Instagram: @blackseaams
 
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What if the best real estate advice you could get… is not to buy?
In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with real estate expert and longtime friend Ani Golovko to break down what most buyers and sellers aren’t being told.
From navigating high interest rates to understanding your true financial options, this conversation goes far beyond the typical “buy vs. sell” advice.
Ani shares how her background in economic consulting and her personal experience as an immigrant and entrepreneur shaped her unique, client-first approach to real estate.
Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply planning ahead, this episode will help you make smarter, more aligned decisions.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
 
✔️ How to approach buying a home in today’s high interest rate market✔️ Why the traditional “20% down” advice is limiting✔️ Smart alternatives to selling your current home✔️ How to think about real estate as a wealth-building strategy✔️ The biggest mistakes buyers make (and how to avoid them)✔️ When it actually makes sense not to buy or sell✔️ How to spot a realtor who truly has your best interest in mind
 
Key Insights
 
Real estate is more than a transaction, it’s a strategy.Most people focus only on the purchase, but the real value comes from how that decision fits into your long-term financial goals.
 
There is no one-size-fits-all mortgage.
The standard advice you hear is just one option. The right solution depends on your lifestyle, risk tolerance, and future plans.
 
You may not need to sell your current home.
If you have a low interest rate, keeping your property and turning it into a rental could be a smarter financial move.
 
Clarity creates confidence.
The more information you have upfront, the better decisions you’ll make without pressure or regret.
 
Real Talk: What Most Realtors Won’t Tell You
 
You don’t always need to buy right now
You might be better off keeping your current home
There are more financing options than you think
A fast sale isn’t always the right sale
 
Standout Moment
 
Ani shares how she sold a home in just 11 days in a market where the average was over 100 days by focusing on strategy, preparation, and buyer psychology rather than shortcuts.
 
Memorable Quotes
 
“Clarity is what drives decision-making.”
“For every situation, there’s a financial product—you just have to find the right fit.”
“Sometimes the best advice is: don’t buy.”
 
About the Guest
 
Ani Golovko is a real estate professional based in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in the East Bay. With a background in economics and financial consulting, she helps clients navigate real estate decisions with a strategic, education-first approach.
 
Connect with Ani
Instagram: @ani.golovkoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agolovko/
 
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In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Elizabeth Brunner, founder of Stereotype Kids, a purpose-driven children’s clothing brand challenging gender norms and promoting authenticity.
Inspired by her twins, Elizabeth created a brand that empowers kids to express themselves freely while also prioritizing sustainability, quality, and inclusivity. From launching during the pandemic to building a movement (not just a brand), this conversation dives into entrepreneurship, conscious marketing, and redefining what it means to grow organically.
 
What You’ll Learn:
How to turn a personal story into a meaningful brand
Why kids naturally resist stereotypes and how adults reinforce them
The importance of sustainable fashion in children’s clothing
How to build a brand without relying heavily on social media
The power of storytelling through books, music, and products
What it really looks like to grow a business organically
Practical self-care strategies for mompreneurs
 
Key Takeaways:
“Kids instinctively know what they love. Adults teach them limitations.”
A strong brand goes beyond products, it creates emotional connection
Organic growth (word of mouth, PR, podcasts) builds deeper trust than quick wins
Sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a responsibility
Self-care isn’t optional for entrepreneurs, it’s foundational
 
Resources & Mentions:
Stereotype Kids website
“Me Is All I Want to Be” (book + song)
 Connect with Elizabeth
Instagram: @stereotypekidsofficial
Facebook: Etereotypekidsofficial
Website: https://stereotypekids.com/

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Samantha Gold, founder of Motette and Atlas Row, to unpack what it really takes to launch and scale a successful product-based business as a mom.
From leaving a corporate career to building a fast-growing bamboo sleepwear brand, Samantha shares how she leveraged community, AI, and fearless execution to grow quickly, while keeping her operating costs incredibly low.
If you’re a wellness entrepreneur or aspiring founder, this episode is packed with actionable insights on marketing, sales, pricing, and mindset.
 
✨ What You’ll Learn:
Why betting on yourself is the first step to building a successful business
How to build in public and co-create with your audience
The power of creating an “inner circle” community for product feedback
Why sales skills = founder superpower
How to use AI tools to scale your business efficiently
The truth about PR timelines (and why quick wins are unrealistic)
When and why to say NO to clients
How pricing impacts the type of clients you attract
Why alignment and values matter more than revenue
How to balance motherhood, business, and mental health
 
💡 Key Takeaways:
Your skills are transferable, don’t wait to be an “expert”
Community-driven brands create loyal, long-term customers
AI should enhance, not replace, your creativity
Not every customer is the right customer—and that’s okay
Boundaries in business = sustainability and success
You don’t need a big team to grow, you need smart systems
 
🛠️ Tools Mentioned:
Shopify (eCommerce platform)
Faire (wholesale orders)
Klaviyo (email marketing)
Later (social scheduling)
Claude & ChatGPT (content + strategy)
SparkToro (audience insights)
Overjoy.ai (wholesale outreach)
Favorite Quote:
“Your skills are completely transferable. You are more capable than you think.”
 
🎧 Who This Episode Is For:
Wellness entrepreneurs
Moms starting product-based businesses
Coaches and consultants
Anyone looking to grow organically with limited resources
 
Connect with Samantha
IG: @shopmotette
Website: https://www.theatlasrow.com/

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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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

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:
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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