What happens when burnout sparks innovation?

In this inspiring Daring Well Podcast episode, Rita Mercer sits down with Dan Hartshorn, co-founder of Flow Greens and Scent Expresso, to explore his journey from burnout to wellness and how that transformation inspired the creation of a revolutionary wellness product.

Dan shares his Daring Well Story—how he turned exhaustion and stress into innovation by combining scent and technology to design Scent Expresso, an aromatherapy diffuser that transforms your daily shower into a mindful, restorative ritual.

Together, Rita and Dan dive deep into the “messy middle” of entrepreneurship, the healing power of aromatherapy, and how balance, presence, and purpose can guide both personal and professional growth.

Whether you’re a wellness advocate, creative visionary, or entrepreneur navigating burnout, this episode offers practical wisdom and heartfelt inspiration to help you slow down, realign, and live well.

🕊️ Key Talking Points

• The story behind Flow Greens and how Scent Expresso came to life
• Moving from burnout to wellness through purpose-driven innovation
• Navigating “the messy middle” of business and personal growth
• The art and science of aromatherapy and its emotional benefits
• Using scent and mindfulness to reduce stress and increase focus
• The power of community and support in wellness entrepreneurship
• How the Kickstarter journey helped bring wellness technology to life
• Dan’s advice: “Do what’s purposeful—and do it with people you love.”

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

00:21:51 – Meet Dan Hartshorn: Rita introduces Dan and his mission to merge scent, technology, and wellness.
00:24:14 – The Messy Middle: Why resilience and learning live in the in-between seasons of growth.
00:26:08 – From Burnout to Breakthrough: How burnout led to creating a wellness solution for everyday life.
00:33:10 – The Power of Aromatherapy: Exploring scent’s role in calming the mind and supporting emotional health.
00:38:35 – Living What You Preach: How Dan maintains wellness while building a wellness company.
00:52:45 – “Say What You Mean”: Dan’s parting wisdom on authenticity, courage, and purpose.
00:55:03 – Connect with Scent Expresso: How to support and join the wellness movement.

Guest Bio

Dan Hartshorn is the co-founder of Flow Greens and Scent Expresso, a wellness company that merges scent, science, and technology to promote mindfulness and stress relief. His mission is to help people rediscover calm in their everyday routines through innovative, sustainable wellness design.

🌐 Learn more at www.scentxpresso.com and https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/scentxpreso/scentxpresso-instant-immersive-natural-shower-aromatherapy

📱 Follow @ScentExpresso on Instagram, TikTok, and Fa

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