Wellness Marketing 101

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 

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Marketing 101, I speak with Tara Butler Floch, leadership coach and former executive, about why hustle culture is outdated and how entrepreneurs and leaders can achieve better results with less effort and more joy.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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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/

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

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!

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!

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Andrés Oliveros, co-founder of Astrolab, a professional development training firm that helps leaders and teams become more clear, memorable, and inspiring through the power of storytelling.   Originally from Mexico and now based in Philadelphia, Andrés shares his journey from corporate lawyer to behavioral science expert and storytelling strategist. He opens up about the challenges and opportunities of growing a business in a new country, why communication is much more complex than most leaders realize, and how storytelling can bridge organizational gaps, rom the C-suite to the front lines.   If you’ve ever struggled to make your message resonate, align your team, or build trust in your brand, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.   What We Cover: The origin story of Astrolab – How Andrés turned a corporate communication problem into a thriving business. Why storytelling matters in leadership – Moving beyond facts and figures to connect with people on an emotional level. Bridging the communication gap – Aligning executives, middle managers, and frontline teams to deliver consistent customer experiences. The immigrant entrepreneur experience – Navigating challenges, building community, and raising a family in a new country. Behavioral science meets communication – How biases, trust, and storytelling shape how ideas are received and acted on. AI vs. human connection – Why technology can’t replace storytelling, relationships, and meaning in communication. The future of leadership communication – How influence, clarity, and authenticity remain key in the age of automation.   Connect with Andrés   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andres-oliveros/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andresoliverosg/ Website: astrolab.us Blog: https://mondoli.substack.com/

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, host I welcome back Grace Ambroze (first featured in Episode 25) for a deeper dive into accessibility, this time focusing on physical product design. Grace shares powerful insights from her work with Lululemon and the Canadian Paralympic Team during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where inclusive innovation shaped everything from uniforms to user experience. Together, we explore how thoughtful design choices not only empower people with disabilities but also create better, more user-friendly products for everyone.   You will find out: How Lululemon co-created adaptive apparel with Paralympic athletes — from higher waistlines and magnetic zippers to catheter-friendly designs and reimagined pocket placement. Why “nothing about us without us” is the golden rule of accessibility and how to apply it to your product development process. The importance of designing beyond the product,  including accessible changing spaces, pathways, and brand experiences. Real-world examples of inclusive design innovations - from baby clothes with magnetic closures to ergonomic beauty packaging and chemo-friendly apparel. Practical, low-cost ways entrepreneurs can start designing more inclusively, even without big-company resources. The role of ergonomics in product design and how simple tweaks can make everyday products more intuitive and accessible. Connect with Grace: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceambroze/   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!

In this inspiring episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Renee Plyler, co-owner of Elevated Studios, a jiu-jitsu school in Wilmington, Delaware that she runs with her husband. Renee’s journey is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship often starts with passion, pivots, and a willingness to grow beyond your comfort zone. Once an elementary school teacher with no athletic background, Renee never imagined herself owning a martial arts studio. But driven by her husband’s vision, her own creativity, and a desire for more freedom, she transitioned from education to entrepreneurship, building a thriving family business along the way. Renee shares openly about the realities of running a business with your spouse, why they chose to homeschool their kids, and how the entrepreneurial path transformed not just their careers but their entire lifestyle.   In This Episode, We Discuss: How Renee left teaching and embraced entrepreneurship How Renee in love with jiu-jitsu, even when it felt “weird” at first Running a family business and managing both marriage and entrepreneurship Why Renee and her husband chose homeschooling and how it shapes their family values The difference between “have to” learning and “want to” learning Hitting a business growth ceiling and how they broke through it The power of mentorship, community, and surrounding yourself with like-minded business owners Navigating social media for business without getting stuck in the scroll cycle   Connect with Renee: 📸 Instagram: @elevatedstudios 🌐 Website: https://elevatedstudiosmartialarts.com/   If you enjoyed this episode, share it with another entrepreneur building a purpose-driven business and don’t forget to leave a quick review to help more wellness businesses find the show!

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Natalie Contrera, Creative Director and co-founder of Mango Marketing Co., to talk about the power of intention, storytelling, and community in branding.   Natalie shares her journey from commercial makeup artist to leading a creative team that helps women-owned businesses grow authentically. We dive into: Why going back to the basics is the key to strong brand storytelling How to uncover your true brand story (even if you think you already know it) Balancing creativity and deadlines without sacrificing quality Why SEO is still worth your time (and how to adapt to AI changes) Common pitfalls to avoid when working with a creative team The role of brand communities like Mango Members and Mango Mixers in creating impact   If you’ve been struggling to stand out, chasing trends, or unsure how to connect your brand’s mission to your marketing, this conversation will inspire you to simplify and get back to your “why.”   Connect with Natalie:   Mango Marketing Co. website: https://www.mangomarketingco.com/ Instagram/TikTok: @mangomarketingco LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mango-marketing-co/posts/?feedView=all   If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a quick review—it helps more small businesses find us!

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Alison Wehr, an analytics specialist with experience at QVC and Aramark, to talk about one of the most important parts of building a successful business: knowing your ideal customer. Alison shares how companies like QVC built loyalty by focusing on women over 50, why your customer persona should go beyond basic demographics, and how even small businesses can use simple data and conversations to understand their audience better.   You’ll also learn:   Why revisiting your customer persona regularly is crucial The difference between demographics and psychographics Practical ways small businesses can gather customer insights without a big budget How to combine data with real conversations for deeper understanding An inspiring example of QVC’s “Age of Possibility” campaign   Whether you’re just starting your wellness business or looking to refine your marketing strategy, this episode will give you actionable steps to clarify who your ideal customer really is and how to connect with them authentically.   Connect with Alison:   LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-wehr/   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!

In this episode, I sit down with Terence Milstead, Head of User Experience Research @ CODE PA and Lecturer at the Wharton School. Terence is an expert in strategic communication and user experience. Together, we explore how entrepreneurs can improve their communication strategy, use AI responsibly, and build authentic professional connections.   Terence shares insights from his work improving government websites in Pennsylvania and training teams to use generative AI to enhance their creative voice. I reflect on my own experiences in teaching and business, highlighting the balance between using AI tools and maintaining strong critical thinking skills.   Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or communication professional, this episode will help you rethink how you approach outreach, networking, and technology in your business communication.   Key Topics Discussed During the Podcast:   The importance of strategy in business communication Effective techniques for cold calling and outreach How to make networking requests that get responses Balancing AI tools with critical thinking in education Custom GPTs for communication and creativity Best practices in prompt engineering and AI collaboration   Connect with Terence:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terence-milstead-phd-61b4807a/ Email: terencemilstead@gmail.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!

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I talk with Kathryn Ambroze, a behavioral scientist and VP, UX Research Lead - Trust and Security at JPMorgan Chase, about how understanding human behavior can improve customer experiences for your business. Kathryn explains the difference between behavioral science and user research and shares practical tips for entrepreneurs to optimize websites, apps, and services without breaking the bank. Learn how to identify friction points, use analytics effectively, and “dogfood” your own products to spot pain points from a customer perspective.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode:   How to use behavioral science to understand and influence customer decisions Why some friction points are actually helpful for guiding users Low-cost ways to conduct user research for your website or app How analytics and qualitative research work together to improve UX Tips for using your own experiences as a customer to improve your business   Resources Mentioned in the Episode:   Podcasts: User Research Strategist: https://open.spotify.com/show/53eOVirTLtGydqOvicHDyD Behavioral Grooves: https://behavioralgrooves.com/ No Stupid Questions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-stupid-questions/id1510056899   Newsletters & Tools: Habit Weekly: https://www.habitweekly.com/ Fun Fact: Kathryn loves baking and even made her own wedding cake! She enjoys observing people’s reactions, combining her professional skills and personal passion. Connect with Kathryn: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathrynambroze Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review! It helps more small business owners discover the podcast.

In this episode, I sit down with one of my students, Michael Golkow, to explore his journey as an entrepreneur and creator. Michael shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the lessons he’s learned from both successes and challenges, and the marketing strategies that have helped him grow.   We discuss:   Building a business with resilience and adaptability Practical marketing and growth strategies that work The role of mindset in achieving long-term success Emerging industry trends and future opportunities Actionable advice you can start using today Why we should follow our own path and not stick to societal norms   Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business owner, or just curious about what it takes to succeed, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.   Connect with Michael: https://linktr.ee/Mikeydelph?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=36191ba8-0f02-4de4-9789-e4ec713c9f2c   Artists mentioned during the episode: Illia Ihatenko (Pokemon rugs artist): @ig.rugs Jake Colito (glass artist) @jake_c_glass Website: https://illadelphglass.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!

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with Shane Barker, a digital marketing strategist and founder of TraceFuse, a platform dedicated to helping brands detect and remove fake and harmful Amazon reviews. Shane brings over two decades of experience working with e-commerce businesses, influencers, and Fortune 500 companies, and shares practical insights every entrepreneur selling online needs to hear. Together, we discuss how fake reviews damage visibility, revenue, and customer trust and what you can do to fight back. Shane also shares his perspective on the real future of SEO in the age of AI, how to approach cold outreach effectively, and why owning your audience (via your website and email list) is more crucial than ever.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How fake reviews hurt your business — from lost visibility and lower rankings to damaged credibility and declining sales. How TraceFuse works and the process of identifying and removing reviews that violate Amazon’s policies. The right way to do cold outreach without being spammy and while building real relationships. SEO isn’t dead - why it’s evolving, how AI is changing the game, and what strategies still matter most. Why you need to own your traffic and how building your website, email list, and content ecosystem protects your business long-term.   Connect with Shane:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanebarker/ Website: https://shanebarker.com/ Tracefuse: https://tracefuse.ai/ Email: Shane@shanebarker.com Tracefuse Email: Shane@tracefuse.si