Wellness Marketing 101 – Details, episodes & analysis

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: @thedewgeneration Email: hello@thedewgeneration.com

Connect with Boryana:

Instagram: @blackseaams

Loved This Episode?

If you found this helpful:

⭐ Leave a review 📤 Share it with a friend who’s house hunting 📲 Follow for more marketing and business insights

In this episode of Wellness Marketing 101, I sit down with branding expert Corey Levin, co-founder of Truth & Consequences and CMO of Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC).

Corey shares real-world insights from building a nationally recognized branding agency and working with high-profile clients and breaks down what small businesses often get wrong when it comes to marketing.

If you’ve recently launched your wellness business and feel unsure where to invest your time and money, this episode will help you build a smarter, more strategic foundation.

• How Corey co-founded Truth & Consequences after a private equity exit

• Why employee ownership builds stronger brands

• The most common marketing mistakes small businesses make

• Why a “one-channel” marketing strategy doesn’t work

• The importance of investing in marketing (even with limited budgets)

• The opportunity cost of doing your own marketing

• How positioning creates a premium brand perception

• Lessons from rebranding and elevating CFFC into a UFC talent pipeline

✔ Marketing is a system, not a single tactic ✔ Spending money strategically is different from wasting money ✔ Your brand positioning influences who you attract ✔ Alignment between client and agency matters ✔ Visibility requires consistency and intentionality

Email: https://welcometruth.com/

Follow Boryana for more marketing insights: Instagram: @BlackSeaAMS

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow wellness entrepreneur and please leave a review! It helps more small businesses find us.

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.