We are so proud to be a women-owned business in an industry that is full of so many incredible women entrepreneurs and leaders.
As a women-owned business, we pride ourselves in supporting other women leaders and want to continue being a champion for those making strides, especially in the global wellness industry.
In honor of National Women’s History Month, we take the opportunity to highlight a few women entrepreneurs and trailblazers across the wellness industry. And while we could write an entire book on the women game-changers we’ve seen throughout the years, here are just a few we can’t help but brag about:
Ilana Alberico and Christina Stratton, ISM SPA, Privai, Spa Space Technology
We would be remiss if we didn’t lead off with ISM’s fearless founders, Ilana and Christina. Aside from being genuine, kind humans and successful women, Ilana and Christina are pioneers in the spa industry - always one step ahead when it comes to innovation and vision. Incorporating new offerings such as Privai skincare and integrating technologies such as Spa Space application are hallmarks of their renowned success.
In 2006, in response to ongoing problems with spa management, Ilana and Christina developed a creative solution and accompanying business model to serve an unmet need - earning them the true title of “trailblazers.” Now, ISM Spa’s service execution is absolutely unmatched in the industry.
In an industry that’s easy to get lost in the notion of maximizing revenue, Ilana and Christina instead put their faith in the impact ISM makes on their spa guests as well as their client partners. They’ve built a company culture focused on creating a completely holistic environment that enhances the wellness experience - putting spa guests first in every decision made.
We’re very fortunate to have two amazing women founders to inspire us (and all the men and women around us) to make real, positive changes in the health & wellness industry.
In 2014, Lauren Ash noticed she was consistently one of the very few women of color at yoga studios and in yoga instructor workshops. She soon realized there needed to be a safe space in the wellness industry for women of color and launched Black Girl in Om, which has become an influential online presence.
Black Girl in Om exists to hold and catalyze healing within black women around the world on their unique journeys towards wholeness. The brand offers inclusion to an online community that’s devoted to connecting the dots between healing and wholeness, a podcast series, an event series, and a plethora of guides and classes, like Heart to Heart & Meditation and 28 Days to Alignment.
Lauren was able to see a gap in the health & wellness industry, and fill that need - rather successfully if you ask us.
Afton Vechery & Carly Leahy, Modern Fertility
The desire to make fertility testing more accessible drove Afton & Carly to launch Modern Fertility, a reproductive health company, in 2017.
Modern Fertility offers a fertility test that can help women who are trying to get pregnant - or may want to in the future - find out more about their fertility and plan ahead. The company gives in-depth reports based on your hormones, an app where you can get personalized predictions for your cycle and fertile window, and a free virtual community.
Offering an at-home hormone test, the same one given in fertility clinics, but for a fraction of the price has resonated with women across the country - and the numbers are proof. Since its launch in 2017, it has raised over $22 million.
Afton & Carly are on a mission to integrate the fertility sector more broadly into women’s culture and mainstream wellness, and we’re excited to see what mountains they’ll move next.
Deborah Szekely, Rancho La Puerta
If you’re no stranger to the spa industry, you have likely heard of Deborah Szekely, also named, the “Godmother of Wellness” by the Huffington Post.
More than 80 years ago, back in 1940, she and her husband founded one of the world’s first destination spas, Rancho La Puerta! Guests at their summer health camp in Baja, California say they returned because of Deborah and her welcoming hospitality and passion for wellness.
Now, at 99 years old, she is known as the founder of the modern health and fitness movement, has served on health and fitness councils under 4 presidents, and is still involved in her community today.
A few other women in wellness honorable mentions:
- Sahara Rose: Author and Ayurvedic Expert
- Kayla Itsines: Founder of Bikini Body Guides
- Robin Berzin, MD: Founder of Parsley Health
- Arianna Huffington: Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
- Amanda Chantal Bacon: Founder of Moon Juice
Please join us in our efforts to advocate for women in wellness, not just this month but each and every day. Support their work, their career journeys, and their industry contributions.
We love to give women in wellness the recognition they rightfully deserve, so please send us a message with the names of other women we should spotlight!
