Cultivating Wellness Media

One of the most complex challenges an artist in business must face is the duality between being drawn to art in its pure essence and deciphering the code to make it profitable. At the same time, the satisfaction of finding the sweet spot between "birthing" pieces of content that generate profit for the company and its customers is incomparable. In today's episode, the extraordinarily creative artist, chocolatier, and entrepreneur Annie Woo joins us to share her version of mixing arts, inspiration, ingenuity, and business. Annie is the Founder of Sweetstory Media, a video service company that helps entrepreneurs find their best media voice through the creation of conscious entertainment. She is also the Founder of Sweetduet, a brand focused on health, nutrition, and integrity, currently pioneering the organic premium gourmet industry that sells organic, unadulterated, chocolate-covered fruit. Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Annie's journey as an entrepreneur and artist, how she developed her passion for chocolate, and how she got into CPG. You'll also hear about the meditative-inducing characteristics of chocolate making, how to create content that inspires and creates loyal customers, Annie's thoughts on balancing passion projects and generating profit, and much more. Tune in and listen to episode 15 of Cultivating Wellness Media and learn more about Annie's unique perspective on blending arts, health, and entrepreneurship.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Annie's first encounter with CPG and chocolate (3:40)About the meditative-inducing properties of chocolate making (13:00)Annie talks about the creation of Sweetstory Media (22:00)How to captivate audiences through artistic storytelling (27:10)The importance of self-care and being patient with ourselves as entrepreneurs (32:30)Connect with Annie:LinkedInInstagramSweetstory Media websiteSweetduet websiteLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The almost infinite amount of online resources available about health and fitness might be a double-edged sword. On one side, people with no nutrition knowledge can google a FODMAP diet and have a reasonable idea of what foods to avoid and which ones to consume more frequently. At the same time, many people might fall for the dietary dogma of the moment, follow a celebrity's extreme diet, or plan their meals copying a "what I eat during the day" reel on Instagram, just to break their faces against the only universal truth of health and fitness: each wellness journey is unique. This week, we hear about holistic nutrition, weight loss, mental health, and communications from the multifaceted expert Maryann Walsh. Maryann is a Registered Dietitian and Wellness Expert and owner of Walsh Nutrition Consulting. She holds two Bachelor's degrees, one in Dietetics and the other in Biological Sciences and Marketing, a Master's degree in Food and Nutrition, and is getting her doctorate in Psychology.Throughout this episode, Maryann shares her thoughts on how the general public access, interprets and uses the massive amount of information about nutrition and wellness they have available. She also discusses time management, mental health, and personal growth and why people shouldn't mindlessly follow nutrition dogmas. Additionally, we expand on the importance of spreading awareness of mental and physical health issues, how she developed a passion for helping people deal with mental health issues, her newest endeavor at a substance abuse recovery clinic, and more.Tune in and listen to episode 14 of Cultivating Wellness Media and learn why you should stay away from one-size-fits-all nutrition and dietary solutions. In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Maryann's background and what led her to become a health and nutrition expert (3:30)Maryann talks about the importance of trusting the process (14:50)The double-edged sword of nutrition and health online resources (26:20)Maryann talks about the newest project that brings joy to her heart (34:00)Connect with Maryann:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a deep connection between how we feel about ourselves, physically and mentally, and how we present ourselves to the world. Those two elements are intertwined and influence each other. The more comfortable you feel in your skin, the more comfortable you'll feel about your style, and your outfit will make you feel safe, portraying confidence. Paying attention to its crew's style and clothing is also a great way of delivering a cohesive message, from which brands can hugely benefit. In today's episode, Tannya Bernadette joins us to discuss a different and unique aspect of wellness: how styling your closet can influence your mindset. Tannya is the Founder and CEO of The Closet Edit, Host of The Closet Edit podcast, and a passionate stylist who has been helping people look and feel their best for the last 14 years. Throughout this episode, you'll hear the extraordinary story of Tannya's leap of faith into entrepreneurship, what moved her to become a stylist, and the mindset change she underwent that revolutionized her business. You'll also hear Tannya's recommendations for a cohesive style and branding, the link between personal growth and style evolution, and much more. Tune in and listen to episode 12 of Cultivating Wellness Media and discover the benefits styling your closet can imprint in your mindset and vice versa. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Tannya's incredible leap of faith into entrepreneurship (4:40)Tannya talks about the link between what we wear and how we feel (11:20)There are a lot of moving parts to style (16:20)About personal growth and style evolution (21:30)Tannya talks about the main reasons why people change styles, and the best ways to define it (25:00)Connect with Tannya:WebsiteInstagramFacebookListen to The Closet Edit PodcastLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all want our brand to sell, our offerings to be widely known, and our customers to understand how our products can improve their lives. After all, there wouldn't be a company without sales. Still, throwing products at people's faces 24/7 does not draw people into brands; the sense of community does. So, how can we create a sense of community, advertise consistently, and attract eyeballs to our brand without overwhelming our audience with our presence? In this episode, Maggie Glenski joins us to share her expertise in tailored content creation, organic growth, how to present ourselves and our brand on social media, and more. Maggie is an award-winning advertising leader, mom, self-proclaimed book nerd, and the Founder and CEO of Wrinkle's Content Studio. During her time in corporate America, she managed massive accounts like Gatorade, Exxon Mobil, Toyota, and Intel, to name a few, and participated in some of VMLY&R's most-awarded work at Cannes, Clio, and One Show Awards.Throughout our conversation, we learn why Maggie abandoned her super-successful career as a marketing strategist for industry giants and started working with ambitious founders. You'll also hear about Maggie's bumpy beginning as an entrepreneur, the curious origin of her company's name that'll blow your mind, and her love for words, books, and crafting stories. Additionally, you'll get tons of valuable insights on tailored content creation, brand strategy, authenticity, entrepreneurship, how not to cringe when looking at your content, and much more. Tune in and listen to episode 12 of Cultivating Wellness Media and learn the secrets to making your brand be seen without overwhelming your audience. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Maggie's background (3:00)How to resonate with your audience without spending a fortune (7:10)The story behind Maggie's company name, Wrinkle's Content Studio (18:00)What to post on social media when you're out of ideas (22:00)About Maggie's excellent newsletter (32:40)Entrepreneurship is not always a smooth road (38:20)Connect with Maggie:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramJoin Maggie's NewsletterLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultationKeywords:Wrinkle's Content Studio - Tailored Content Creation - Attract Eyeballs To Your Brand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although we have the highest adult gym participation in US history, we are also experiencing the most elevated rates of obesity and lifestyle diseases. Why is this happening? Aren't gyms supposed to keep us healthy?Whole Health Club founders believe that gyms (on their own) don't work, and they figured out what's the structural piece of the puzzle missing. In today's episode, I'm joined by the brilliant Sam Grantham, CIO of Whole Health Club, to discuss this disruptive company's unique approach to health and wellness. After a wild leap of faith Sam and his partners Paige and Chase Parker took, they built Whole Health Club, a true transformation center. Sam describes Whole Health Club as a preventive care center masqueraded as a gym, where students will find personalized programs, committed coaches, and a kitchen onsite that will teach them what and how to eat.Throughout our conversation, Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey, how he and his partners came up with the idea of putting a kitchen in a gym, and the challenges they had to overcome to make their dream come true. We also discuss Whole Health Club's services, like cooking classes and unlimited mental health support. We also touch on why it is so hard to get and stay in shape, Sam's future plans, and much more. Tune in and listen to episode 10 of Cultivating Wellness Media and learn more about Sam's and his partners' disruptive approach to health & wellness.   In This Episode, You Will Learn:How it all started for Sam, Paige, and Chase (2:00)Sam talks about how the support from their families helped them (13:00)How does a gym with an onsite kitchen work (17:10)Sam talks about how they discovered the structural piece of the puzzle missing (24:30)How to get healthy in three easy steps (36:10)Resources:Whole Health Club's websiteWhole Health Club's InstagramBook: T. Colin Campbell - The China Study: Revised and Expanded Edition: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Connect with Sam:LinkedInLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although the science behind what makes people lose or gain weight, burn fat, or change body composition is pretty straightforward, nutrition plans' efficiency relies more on personalization than on the accuracy of the recommended intake of micro and macronutrients. This is one of the many things Working Against Gravity (WAG), a nutrition coaching company founded in 2014 by the Canadian Olympic medalist Adee Cazayoux, figured out quickly and used as a differentiator. In today's episode, Alex Oskian and Brittany Werner join us to talk about their journey from clients to nutrition coaches at Working Against Gravity, share their thoughts on why custom nutrition plans are the answer to weight control, and the massive advantages of personalization and intentionality for health and wellness companies. Alex is a Coach and Registered Dietician at WAG, with almost 15 years of experience in nutrition coaching. Brittany is the Director of Coaching at WAG and a Coach and Registered Dietician. In her over 17 years of experience in the field, she helped thousands of people reach their health and wellness goals.  Throughout our conversation, you'll hear about Alex and Brittany's experiences helping people accomplish their fitness and health objectives, why they believe personalized meal plans are the answer to weight control, Working Against Gravity's mechanism to pair prospects with the right nutrition coach for them, and more. Tune in and listen to episode 10 of Cultivating Wellness Media and learn more about the extraordinary advantages of personalized and custom-oriented services in the health and wellness industry. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Brittany's background and how she joined WAG ( 2:30)How and why Alex joined WAG (7:00)A bit about WAG's unique coachee and coach pairing system (15:50)It doesn't matter how good your diet is: if it doesn't fit your life, you won't do it (34:30)Brittany shares two special moments she lived with WAG's clients (37:40)Resources:Working Against Gravity websiteConnect with Brittany:LinkedInConnect with Alex:LinkedInLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our hyperconnected world, thinking about a brand from a siloed perspective can be a deadly mistake. We've established that compelling storytelling that makes consumers feel is a shortcut to community building. However, brands can't oversee the massive potential of partnerships that make sense; they translate into exponential growth and refine personalized content creation. In today's solo episode, I share great insight about community building, content personalization, storytelling, and consumer psychology I learned from Create & Cultivate's Beauty and Wellness event and Lori Harder's Girlfriends & Business conference speech. Throughout this episode, you'll hear why compelling storytelling is crucial and the difference between making your audience feel something and telling them something. You'll also learn about the "TikTok approach" to community building and personalized content creation, target audience analysis, details of the Cultivating Media, the company I'm working on to launch soon, and more. Tune in and listen to Episode 9 of Cultivating Wellness Media and discover new ways of connecting with your audience and other brands.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About storytelling and community creation (4:20)The importance of understanding consumers' why ( 5:50)Using social media for personalization and storytelling (9:00)What are data-driven avatars, and how can they help you grow your brand (12:10)Let's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The element that'll take your brand to the next level isn't the price, the design, or even the solution you bring to your audience. People identify with the value you serve; the more genuine it is in you, the more people will align and buy into it. In this episode, I'm joined by the extraordinary Tiffany Lewis to talk about values, community building, authenticity, and how to fill our tanks to make the leap of faith from corporate to entrepreneurship. Tiffany is a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, featured in The Food Network with Curtis Stone and Giada De Laurentiis, and the Founder and Chief Cookie Officer at Cookies with Tiffany, a company born from cookies' timeless, comforting, and joy-giving power.Throughout this episode, Tiffany talks about her transition from VP Field Marketing Manager of one of the world's largest banks to "cookiepreneur," the moment she realized she had all it takes to make that leap of faith and her unique approach to community building. We also discuss the importance of values and how our brand reflects them clearly. Additionally, we talk about Tiffany's brand name, why she chose Cookies "with" instead of "by" Tifanny, Tiffany's company's cornerstone, the idea of bringing people together around food, her philanthropic side, how she dealt with becoming a national success, and much more.Tune in and listen to episode 8 of Cultivating Wellness Media and learn more about Tiffany's unique approach to community building, authenticity, and entrepreneurship.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Tiffany's brand and the choice of her company's name (2:10)Tiffany talks about the leap of faith from corporate to entrepreneurship (7:40)How it was for Tiffany to gain national notoriety with her company (11:30)Food brings people together to celebrate themselves, to feel closer, and to share their lives (18:20)Tiffany talks about her passion for giving back (22:00)Tips and advice to consider when starting your business (27:20)The importance of teamwork and surrounding yourself with experts (35:10)Connect with Tiffany:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFacebookLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many entrepreneurs get lost in "focusing on a holistic approach to their business" because they think it means wearing ALL the hats. Although entrepreneurship is about wearing many hats, especially in the beginning, the goal must be to delegate as soon as the business grows and financials allow it. So, what does adopting a holistic approach mean? It means keeping an eye on four key areas: financials, technology, marketing, and management. In this episode, I'm joined by Carlyn Bushman, Expert Strategist and Entrepreneur, Educator, Founder of the Carlyn Bushman Consulting, and Co-Host of Start-Ups In Stilettos Podcast. Carlyn is a lifelong learner, owner of vast experience in tech, marketing, management, and business financials, and passionate about helping women launch and grow product and service-based businesses. She is also a mom, wife, former corporate executive, and small business owner. Throughout our conversation, you'll hear Carlyn's thoughts on the importance of authenticity in entrepreneurship, keeping ourselves updated, and having an eternal student mindset as business owners. Carlyn also talks about the benefits of adopting a holistic approach to business, highlights how crucial planning is for any business, and shares tips for preparing your company for holidays. We also discuss why every business owner must be in tune with their company's financials, how to fight the fear of spending money on external support, the importance of product profit analysis, and more.Tune in and listen to episode 7 of Cultivating Wellness Media and learn how a holistic approach to your business can utterly change your company's revenue and profit. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Carlyn and her consulting company (3:10)How to be aware of time scarcity (12:00)Tips and advice to leverage your holiday sales (15:20)The importance of product profit analysis and how to do it (19:00)Why someone who has your back is essential in entrepreneurship (25:50)Why is it so scary to spend money on external support (34:00)Connect with Carlyn:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The difference between posting something to gain views and sharing content you felt had to come out is reflected in the outcome. Posting for views might or might not generate some engagement; the latter will bond brands and ideal clients on a deeper level, authentically, and, ultimately, make them interested in what you have to say. In this episode, I'm joined by Shirley Chock, Owner and Executive Director of Aiping Tai Chi, a school founded in 1997 dedicated to spreading the benefits of authentic tai chi and qigong. Shirley, also known as The Stressbender, has over 2 million views on Instagram and TikTok combined and is followed by Alistair Overeem on IG, which makes her hyperventilate whenever she thinks about it. Shirley is also a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist who produces Aiping Tai Chi's online content and is one of the internet's most followed martial arts content creators. Throughout our conversation, you'll hear about Shirley's journey into understanding, learning about, and producing digital content in the wellness space. Shirley also talks about the different views of harmony in Western and Eastern societies, what Tai Chi is about, and how it can help replenish your energy. Additionally, we talk about the true purpose of mindfulness, the benefits of moving less and staying centered, fluid instead of tense, and much more. Tune in and listen to the sixth episode of Cultivating Wellness Media and be inspired by Shireley's philosophy and approach to wellness media. In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Shirley's background and her decision to jump into the wellness world (3:10)How Western and Eastern societies see harmony (6:10)The difference between posting for views and sharing value (9:00)Becoming a content creator (15:50)How to deal with toxicity online (21:10)Why being tense is letting others have control over your life (28:40)Mindfulness' true purpose (39:00)The benefits of staying still (44:40)Connect with Shirley:WebsiteInstagramLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world taught us several lessons in the last couple of years. To reconsider how we see our work-life balance, approach business and relationships, and, most importantly, realize that mental, physical, and spiritual health are intimately intertwined. Still, although change is inevitable and necessary, it can be terrifying. In this episode, I'm joined by Mar Soraparu, Co-founder and Chief Wellness Officer at BIÂN, a private wellness ecosystem that provides holistic health, vitality, and social well-being. In 2012, Mar's passion for enriching the lives of those around her spoke louder, and she left her successful career as a finance professional. Her journey into holistic health, well-being, and self-discovery led to the creation in 2018 of BIÂN, described by Forbes as "the ultimate wellness destination," which offers fitness classes, therapeutic spa services, nutrition consultants, medical concierge, and beauty and med-spa treatments. Throughout our conversation, Mar shares her thoughts on the necessary and inevitable health and wellness paradigm change and how advantageous it can be for wellness brands to embrace a holistic approach, including social, mental, spiritual, and physical health, in their offerings. Additionally, we talk about Mar's journey into self-development and coaching that led to entrepreneurship, coaching styles, mindfulness, connection, and much more.Tune in and listen to the fifth episode of Cultivating Wellness Media and learn more about Mar's unique and disrupting views on health, wellness, and community. In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Mar's background and the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey (3:10)About BIÂN's origins (6:20)Coaching styles. Is any coach the right fit for everyone? (11:50)How to deal with one's need to control things (17:00)Mar talks about BIÂN's expansion and offerings (26:30)The future of wellness (32:10)Mar talks about connection and shares tips to reach out authentically (36:40)Connect with Mar:BIÂN's websiteBIÂN's InstagramFollow Mar on InstagramLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A brand with a compelling story inspires its consumers and grants a fabulous presence in the wellness space. Yet all that means nothing if that storytelling doesn't generate connection and a sense of community among its audience members. Community is the backbone not only of any business but of our personal lives too. In this episode, we'll analyze the importance of community in our personal and professional lives. I'll share three scenarios I experienced throughout my life in which having a community to rely on utterly changed my reality. You'll also hear tips and advice to help you find and connect with a community that understands your needs and desires, why creating or belonging to a community is crucial in the wellness industry, and more. Tune in and listen to the fourth episode of Cultivating Wellness Media and discover the benefits of connecting with like-minded people. In This Episode, You Will Learn:A community can provide relief: you are not the only one who feels that way (4:30)Having someone to learn from at work is not only advantageous but necessary (7:30)Tips and advice to reach out more meaningfully (12:10)Community is a critical component of our personal and professional lives (16:00)Why creating a community is crucial in the wellness industry (18:10)Make every pixel count (20:40)Let's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The digital landscape for wellness brands demands precise and tailored content to attract and retain new customers. Gone are the days of wide-net generic ads, and identifying and targeting a specific audience, which used to be an advantage, has become a must. What's one of the best ways to build meaningful and trustworthy connections with your audience? Paid Media Placement. I'll be your trusty guide in paid media placement waters in today's solo episode. We'll navigate paid media's potential, connection possibilities, challenges, and the growth and success opportunities it can bring to your wellness brand. You'll also learn how to use paid media to create authentic connections with your audience and turn them into your raving fans, the benefits of outsourcing your paid media placement campaigns, what critical components you must pay attention to when crafting a campaign, and much more. Tune in and listen to the third episode of Cultivating Wellness Media, and discover how paid media can utterly transform your wellness brand.In This Episode, You Will Learn:What is paid media placement (4:40)It is critical to be effective with your marketing efforts (9:30)Personalization is the name of the game in the digital landscape (13:00)How to get ahead in a saturated space with big-name players (19:00)Use the almost "real-time data" in your favor (21:20)The benefits of outsourcing paid media placement (24:00)Tips to make informed decisions about your paid media placement campaigns (30:20)Key considerations to create successful collaborations (34:00)Best strategies to evaluate your partnerships (38:10)Let's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A wise man once said that every story has already been told, and the stories we come up with are a mixture of remembering and forgetting what we've read. In advertising, it has become more interesting to curate real people's voices and turn them into storytellers than trying to create a unique story. When brands like Nike invite an unknown runner from a small town to share their story, they acknowledge, empathize, and give the consumer a voice. It's the most compelling storytelling.In this episode, I'm joined by Rick Wayne, Owner and Director of Underscore Films and Executive Creative Director for LiveLab. Rick's work as a TV, commercials, and viral content director earned him several Emmy nominations, and has been featured on The Huffington Post, MTV, NBC, FOX, Spin, Vice, and Rolling Stone. In 2015, Rick directed and starred in "Millennial's Guide to Making It," a project founded by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon for HBO's Project Greenlight. Throughout our conversation, Rick shares his thoughts on advertising, storytelling, content creation, and live activations. We delve into Rick's unique perspective as a director and creative from both the agency and the brand's side, how to turn advertising more enticing for the general audience, and people's realization that being in Hollywood or Manhattan is not a must anymore if they want to create something. Additionally, Rick talks about self-development and mindfulness, realizing that every tool he ever needed to change his life was already in him, surprising lessons learned in unexpected destinations, and much more. Tune in and listen to the second episode of Cultivating Wellness Media, and enjoy our insightful and thought-provoking discussion on advertising, storytelling, and self-discovery.In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Rick's background (3:20)Why advertising must find an alternative to interrupting whatever we are watching (9:10)What makes Rick tick? (14:00)The post-pandemic scenario of online, digital, and social media (22:30)About Rick's self-development and mindfulness experiences (31:20)Why brands are curating other people's stories instead of creating them (39:00)Connect with Rick:LinkedInUnderscore Films websiteLet's connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brand awareness and reach are integral to building a business and it’s more often than not a major deciding factor on whether that business will be successful. That being said, it can be difficult for companies to know where to start when it comes to building brand awareness and it can be equally as difficult to know how to pivot when certain methods aren’t working anymore.I’m Lara-Ashli, a digital strategist and account director who works with wellness brands to harness the power of digital advertising to connect with individuals on a global level, fostering brand awareness and creating strong customer relationships. My podcast, Cultivating Wellness Media, is about extending brand awareness by using paid media placements that expands from what you may be used to. The goal is to increase return on investment by connecting with audiences in strategic, creative ways.In this first episode, I talk about how my life path started and how the power of YES got me to the place I am today. You’ll learn about the brands that I’ve been involved with along the way, what my experience working with them was, and how we were able to innovate and think outside the box when it came to using digital advertising to increase their outreach and customer base.In this episode, you will learn:The first time I committed fully to doing something outside the box (2:16)How I leveraged my acting skills into paid media placement (6:17)About my experience working as a global director of marketing for the global company, NovaLash (10:33)The biggest leap of faith I’ve ever taken (12:32)About my work with the brand Goodsmith Homecare and why I chose to quit the job (18:48)My advice for wellness brands looking for something different in terms of advertising and outreach (28:47)What the difference between first-party and third-party data is (33:06)Let’s connect!LinkedInInstagramWebsite consultation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cultivating Wellness Media Podcast with Lara-Ashli. Coming July 13th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.