My Journey

I never imagined I’d be working as a health and wellness influencer, especially not while raising two kids and juggling the day-to-day chaos of family life in California. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that life has a funny way of steering you toward exactly where you’re supposed to be.

I grew up in a pretty average suburban neighborhood just outside of Los Angeles. My parents worked hard to give us everything we needed, but health and wellness weren’t exactly front and center in our household. We had our share of drive-thru dinners and late-night snacks, and honestly, I didn’t think much about what I was putting in my body back then. I was more focused on school, friends, and daydreaming about what my future might look like.

That all started to shift in college. I wasn’t the type who hit the gym every day or counted calories, but I did begin to realize how much better I felt when I paid attention to things like sleep, exercise, and real food. I still remember dragging myself to an early morning yoga class during finals week, thinking it would just be a quick way to stretch and zone out. Instead, it changed me. I walked out of that class calmer, lighter, and more energized than I had in weeks. It clicked: taking care of yourself wasn’t about restrictions or punishment, it was about balance and feeling good in your own skin.

After graduation, life moved quickly. I met my husband at a friend’s birthday party in San Diego. He was funny, down-to-earth, and instantly felt like home. Within a couple of years we were married, and not long after that, we welcomed our first baby—a sweet little girl who completely rocked my world. I won’t lie: motherhood was both the most beautiful and the most exhausting season I had ever experienced. I loved her more than I ever thought possible, but I also felt like I had lost myself in the shuffle of diapers, feedings, and sleepless nights.

That was when wellness stopped being just something I dabbled in—it became my lifeline. I started making small changes, like walking with the stroller every morning, swapping out my endless cups of coffee for more water, and carving out ten minutes to meditate when the baby napped. Those tiny shifts made me feel more grounded, more like myself again. And when we had our second child, a little boy with boundless energy, I leaned on those same habits even more.

It was during those years that I found myself sharing little tips online—recipes that worked for me, workouts I could squeeze in at home, or just honest thoughts about the ups and downs of parenting. At first, it was just friends and family who paid attention. But slowly, more people started following along. They’d send messages like, “Thank you for sharing this, I needed to hear it today,” or, “I tried your smoothie recipe and my kids loved it!” That’s when the idea of actually building a platform around health and wellness started to feel real.

Living in California definitely shaped my journey too. Out here, there’s such a culture of being outdoors and staying active. Whether it’s hiking as a family on the weekends, hitting the beach for a little vitamin D, or checking out the local farmer’s markets, there are endless ways to live a healthier lifestyle. Plus, there’s a real community vibe—people genuinely want to share resources, swap ideas, and cheer each other on. I wanted to bring that same spirit into the online space I was creating.

Of course, being a mom while also running a growing social media presence hasn’t been easy. My house isn’t perfectly tidy, I don’t cook elaborate meals every single night, and my kids definitely have their fair share of ice cream. But I think that’s why people connect with me. I don’t try to paint a picture of a perfect life. Instead, I show what balance actually looks like—some days it’s green smoothies and workouts, other days it’s movie night with popcorn and pajamas.

Over the years, my focus has shifted from just sharing tips to creating a true community. I love hosting live chats, answering people’s questions, and connecting with other moms who are trying to prioritize their health without burning out. I’ve collaborated with brands I genuinely believe in, created wellness challenges that people actually stick with, and even started speaking at local events. Every step of the way, I’ve kept reminding myself why I started: to show that health isn’t about perfection, it’s about small, consistent choices that make you feel good.

Now, my kids are old enough to understand what I do, and they actually get excited about it. My daughter loves helping me film cooking videos (she’s the best taste tester), and my son thinks it’s hilarious when people recognize me at the grocery store. But more than anything, I hope they see that following your passion—no matter how unexpected it is—can turn into something meaningful.

When I look back, I see a younger version of myself who was just trying to keep her head above water as a new mom. I had no idea that by sharing my struggles and little wins, I’d end up building a career that lights me up every day. Health and wellness aren’t just part of my job—they’re woven into my family’s story, our routines, and our way of life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

- Susan