Tag: wellness

The New Wellness Economy: 3 Companies Driving the Future of Personalized Health

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American consumers are spending more on wellness. They’re also expecting more from it.

From hormone-balancing supplements to functional tonics and vascular-tech breakthroughs, a new wave of businesses is redefining what it means to feel and be well. Today’s most promising health-forward brands are leaning into personalization, prevention, and performance, blending clinical-grade science with consumer accessibility.

The market is massive. The Global Wellness Institute valued the global wellness economy at $6.3 trillion in 2023, and forecasts it will hit $9 trillion by 2028. U.S. consumers are driving this growth, particularly in fast-growing segments such as metabolic support, sleep optimization, and longevity-enhancing treatments.

But wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. For many, it begins with managing stress or improving daily energy. For others, it’s about addressing biological shifts like hormonal decline. And for those facing serious medical risks, it’s about life-saving interventions that move beyond pills and routines.

While these three companies are different, together they capture the evolution of wellness: from everyday recovery to optimized aging and medical-grade repair.

cbdMD: Functional Stress Relief

For a generation increasingly focused on sleep, energy, and mood stability, “self-care” has gone clinical. Enter cbdMD—a wellness brand turning everyday stress relief into a science-backed routine.

While the company has recently expanded into social-friendly formats like alcohol-free drink mixers and adaptogenic tonics, its loyal following stems from its broad-spectrum CBD gummies and tinctures, crafted to promote calm focus and mental clarity, without THC or synthetic additives.

CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, especially CB1 and CB2 receptors, believed to help regulate stress response, inflammation, and mood. While research is ongoing, peer-reviewed studies suggest that broad-spectrum CBD may reduce cortisol, improve sleep onset, and support nervous system balance. One 2019 study found that nearly 80% of participants saw anxiety improvements after CBD use, while another 2023 study linked 50mg daily use to better perceived sleep and immune health.

Unlike many CBD brands that lean on vague wellness buzzwords, cbdMD prioritizes third-party testing, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and GMP-certified production to back its claims.

As stress management becomes a core pillar of health, cbdMD is positioning itself not as a fad, but as a scalable tool in the science-backed future of functional recovery.

21 Again: Men’s Wellness for the Age of Optimization

There’s a quiet revolution happening in men’s health, and 21 Again is at the center of it. Founded by food scientist and wellness entrepreneur Jarret Stopforth, Ph.D., the company offers a modern, non-invasive solution to support testosterone, metabolism, and cognitive clarity in men over 35.

Their flagship product, 21 Again Rewind, is a plant-based supplement made with ashwagandha, fenugreek, and tongkat ali—botanicals with emerging evidence in hormone support. Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol and raise DHEA-S levels in some clinical trials. Fenugreek contains protodioscin, which may help boost free testosterone levels. Tongkat ali is thought to stimulate luteinizing hormone, supporting the body’s testosterone production.

Anecdotal feedback includes increased energy, improved mood, reduced body fat, and stronger motivation. According to internal company data, some users report testosterone increases of up to 400 ng/dL over 90 days, though broader clinical validation is still needed.

21 Again reflects a growing shift in men’s wellness: moving away from silent suffering and synthetic shortcuts, and toward data-aware, evidence-informed solutions that are accessible and stigma-free.

FastWave Medical: The Vascular Tech Startup Solving a Silent Killer

Not all health innovation is wearable, and the most important tools don’t live in wellness aisles. FastWave Medical is one of the few startups tackling a deadly but often invisible threat: calcified arterial disease.

This condition, often worsened by diabetes and chronic kidney disease, leads to heart attacks, strokes, and limb loss, and is notoriously resistant to standard interventions. Traditional angioplasty struggles in calcified arteries, where vessels are too hardened to expand safely, increasing the risk of rupture or restenosis.

FastWave’s solution is a catheter-based intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) system, modeled after the sonic technology used to break up kidney stones. By emitting focused sonic pressure waves into the vessel wall at a rate of 5 Hz (five times faster than first-generation IVL), the device fractures hardened calcium, opening up the artery to allow for optimal stent expansion.

Unlike cutting balloons or atherectomy devices, which can place undue stress on fragile arterial walls, FastWave’s system uses focused acoustic energy pulses to fracture calcified plaque while preserving surrounding tissue. With eight issued U.S. patents, strong backing from investors, and recent recognition as one of Fierce MedTech’s “Fierce 15”, FastWave is quickly becoming a startup to watch in interventional cardiology.

Why the Market Is Watching

Whether it’s a non-alcoholic tonic, a botanical hormone support capsule, or a catheter-based sonic tool, each of these companies is meeting a rising expectation: health tools must be proactive, personalized, and rooted in credible science.

And the demand is rising. McKinsey estimates that 70% of U.S. consumers now prioritize health and wellness, with surging interest in functional nutrition, digital health, and preventative care.

From mood regulation to hormonal balance to vascular health, these brands represent the new frontier of wellness—one that doesn’t separate lifestyle from science, but blends the two into smarter, more effective solutions.

Because in the future of health, “wellness” won’t just be what feels good—it’ll be what works.

Written in partnership with Tom White

July 29, 2025
Prime Day 2025 Preview: Family, Wellness, and Everyday Essentials You Can’t Miss

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Amazon Prime Day is gradually becoming a massive event for savings in 2025, particularly for families and health-conscious buyers. Brands are kicking off the sale early this year by offering deals first and crafting deals around real-life uses to meet consumers’ demands for value, convenience, and day-to-day practicality.

Brands Take the Lead Ahead of Prime Day

While Amazon Prime Day traditionally starts with a flurry of exclusive offers, 2025 is seeing brands move faster than usual. Some companies, including iHealth Labs, launched site-wide promotions before Amazon’s official sale.

This shift in timing has prompted many to act early, giving shoppers a valuable head start on deals in key categories.

Early Health and Wellness Promotions

Among the most anticipated offers are discounts in the health and wellness space. iHealth Labs is rolling out early promotions beginning July 1. The promotions will focus on trusted tech and wellness tools designed to support everyday care.

These early deals reflect broader trends in the e-commerce platform, as consumers prioritize preventative health and seek tools that enhance their daily routines.

By launching ahead of Prime Day, these brands are beating the rush and offering greater visibility and longer deal durations, an advantage for shoppers who want to plan and save more.

Family-Safe Cleaning and Parenting Essentials

Practical household solutions are also taking center stage on Amazon this year. The Hate Stains’ Miss Mouth brand offers over 20% off on its EPA Safer Choice Certified stain removers. The best-selling 4-oz bottles and new 16-oz two-packs are featured in this year’s Best Deal event, meeting family needs for safe and effective cleaning.

These deals respond directly to consumer expectations for products that are affordable and aligned with health and safety standards. With bundled offerings and real-life use cases in mind, these brands are crafting promotions that serve everyday family life.

What Sets These Deals Apart

Unlike the deals featured during the last few years, many 2025 promotions stand out for their flexibility. Several offers are stackable with additional savings, including Subscribe & Save options. That means deeper discounts for budget-conscious households and individuals stocking up on essentials.

By offering earlier access to these lucrative deals, longer windows for purchase, and more tailored bundles, brands in 2025 are aligning their strategies with how families shop for their everyday needs. This resulted in many early deals that feel timely, useful, and more convenient.

Final Takeaway

Whether shoppers are restocking wellness supplies or searching for family-friendly cleaning solutions, Prime Day 2025 offers a potent mix of practical and forward-thinking deals to serve every family. With standout promotions from names like iHealth Labs and Miss Mouth, this year’s event is more than just a sale; it’s a chance to invest in smart, everyday essentials.

July 2, 2025
Health and Wellness Gifts Take Center Stage This Father’s Day

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As Father’s Day approaches, consumers are increasingly moving beyond novelty and entertainment to give something that not only celebrates the occasion but also prioritizes long-term health and wellness. From advanced health tech to functional foods and at-home culinary tools, this growing trend of health and wellness-focused gift ideas reflects a broader shift in consumer values, which is now more inclined toward care, longevity, and personal well-being.

Health Tech on the Rise

Portable and user-friendly health monitoring devices are becoming go-to gifts for health-conscious families. iHealth Labs, a leader in digital health innovation, is noticing a rising interest in products like its Neo blood pressure monitor and portable TENS unit. These are compact devices designed to manage their health proactively and conveniently, even at home. This convenience is making these devices a preferred gift for dads looking to stay on top of their wellness.

“Having these portable medical devices would certainly help any dad, as far as I’m concerned, in being able to manage their health,” says Shirley Ng of iHealth Labs.

The appeal lies in both functionality and foresight. Tools like these go beyond a moment of celebration and support daily wellness routines.

Gourmet Functional Foods

These days, the medley of pleasurable temptation and health-consciousness is setting the stage for gifting. Consider the Whiskey Reserve blend by Klatch Coffee. It’s an embellished seasonal blend with flavorful notes imparted by whiskey barrels infused with premium coffee. While it tastes sensuously rich as a fine spirit, it is nonalcoholic, giving an assertive flavor in the name of health.

Such gourmet items are a masterpiece of craftsmanship. No wonder it is becoming increasingly appealing to coffee lovers who appreciate the complexity of flavor without the side effects of traditional indulgences. This gourmet food is a small luxury with a thoughtful twist, making it the perfect addition to any modern Father’s Day gift list.

Next-Gen Nutrition

A complementary category that is quickly gaining momentum is performance nutrition, particularly when it includes clean, targeted supplements and snacks. Wild Society Nutrition, with its flagship Caveman, Eats protein snacks and the recent Longevity Protein blend, leads the charge.

Founded by former UFC champion TJ Dillashaw, the products of this company are designed to support strength, endurance, and general vitality. Each product aligns with the broader commitment to health-conscious living.

Performance nutrition is a wellness-focused approach to providing nutrition. It is a tribute to a father’s active and vigorous lifestyle, and it is undoubtedly a perfect pick for Father’s Day.

At-Home Experiences

Some dads may not have the luxury of cooking on a backyard grill or even access to outdoor spaces. However, these limitations should not diminish their joy of cooking. With indoor appliances like Hamilton Beach’s indoor searing grill, dads can enjoy the culinary ritual of grilling from the comfort of their kitchens. These indoor appliances are compact, efficient devices that offer high-heat performance without producing smoke. This is an ideal gift for apartment dwellers or those living in colder climates.

This category of gift combines experience and utility, transforming everyday meals into moments of connection and satisfaction.

Creating Emotional Bonds Through Pictures

For a unique twist on Father’s Day gifts, Peek-a-Photo is an interactive photo book featuring lift-the-flap elements, designed to strengthen the emotional bond between dads and their little ones. Its customizable photo inserts allow fathers to personalize the book with family photos, making it a meaningful and lasting gift. Developed by Maribel Angulo Bender, the product is a wonderful way for new fathers to engage with their babies and toddlers, fostering emotional connections while promoting developmental milestones such as object permanence and color recognition.

The patent-pending design of Peek-a-Photo ensures ease of use, with photo pockets that make it simple to update images. This educational and emotionally enriching gift helps create bonding moments, making it an excellent addition to any Father’s Day celebration, particularly for new dads.

Optimizing Life with Daily Garboos

For dads seeking to foster personal growth and well-being, Daily Garboos offers a 66-day wellness journal that combines neuroscience and spirituality to help individuals achieve meaningful goal shifts, cultivate gratitude, and develop lasting, positive habits. Designed for driven individuals, particularly men aged 30–60, Daily Garboos is ideal for those who want to optimize their lives, achieve personal goals, and show up better for their families.

The journal’s structured format, featuring simple questions and reflection pages, promotes consistent action and mindset shifts. The 66-day framework is based on research-backed findings that suggest this period is ideal for habit formation. It’s not just about achieving goals—it’s about fostering a positive mindset and improved well-being that aligns with long-term growth and success.

As part of its expansion plans, Daily Garboos is partnering with premium hotels to enhance guest experiences, providing a wellness tool that fosters mental clarity and focus. This makes it an excellent Father’s Day gift, offering an opportunity for fathers to connect more deeply with themselves and their loved ones through the process of self-reflection and gratitude.

Rethinking Father’s Day

From innovative health tools to curated nutritional products and home-friendly experiences, Father’s Day gifts have evolved with time. Consumers are now prioritizing thoughtful gifts over traditional ones. They are opting for presents that reflect care, foresight, and a focus on lasting well-being.

This shift marks more than just a seasonal trend. It shows a growing cultural movement where health is not just a personal goal but a shared value celebrated through meaningful giving.

June 3, 2025
LA Takes Its Wellness Obsession to a More Expensive Level

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Venice’s recently opened Hume wellness club features a compact hyperbaric chamber that circulates pure oxygen at air pressure rates approximately three times the normal amount. These high-end training tools are far from the outdated chain gym accommodations elsewhere. The new members-only club also boasts a gym with indoor/outdoor spaces overlooking the beachside enclave and offers services including Reiki, acupuncture, and lymphatic drainage massage. It also features a rooftop smoothie bar, steam rooms, and cold plunges, elevating the gym experience and reflecting a marked trend in LA.

Wellness Clubs

Though Hume revolves around the wellness space, it does not feel like a traditional gym. The wavy sitting benches inside the workout spaces are crafted from polished concrete, which blends with the downtempo electronic music emanating from pipes inside the winding, three-story club. The recovery area’s focal piece is the buttery couch, where guests can prop their feet up and use one of the always-charged massage guns to work out any sore muscles.

Hume features a floral scent wafting in and out of the club courtesy of a local French perfumer. Members can also purchase the smell at the front desk and take it home.

Membership

Unlike traditional gyms and wellness clubs, where members might be squeezing in a quick workout around the rest of their hectic lives, Hume aims for its patrons to “lose the sense of time” while at the wellness center. Co-founder and creative director Sandy Bole says, “There are no TVs anywhere. There are no clocks anywhere.”

This dissociation from time will cost members in other ways, however. Membership runs $395 per month, plus a $500 initiation fee and an application that may be rejected.

Hume aims to sell an aesthetically pleasing communal experience. Bole adds, “All the walls are hard-troweled, so you get this human, artisanal feel.” The creative director mentions that Hume has a waitlist with hundreds of hopefuls, but it is currently at capacity. However, outsiders are invited to Saturday socials if they come with a member.

Other Upscale Clubs

Hume is not the only upscale fitness club in the area. Remedy Place, which considers itself “the world’s first social wellness club,” opened in West Hollywood in 2019 and now boasts New York and Boston locations. The US has other socially focused wellness club initiatives, including Othership, SAA, and Continuum. The clubs have surged in popularity recently because they cater to a crowd that craves experiential activities, preferably in a beautiful location where they can break a sweat.

Some initiatives have LA roots, but they are becoming a nationwide trend. Unsurprisingly, the popularity surge comes when the lines of work-life balance have blurred, and social media dramatically influences many life decisions.

As individualized self-care becomes the balm against the instability of the early pandemic era, the wellness industry has bloomed beyond what was predicted. Pair this with an almost insatiable appetite for more experiential fare and active forms of entertainment, and you have the reason for the growing number of high-end wellness clubs, particularly in the LA area.

April 16, 2025
Why Gamified Fitness Tools Are Gaining Ground in 2025 Wellness Trends

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In the year 2025, a huge paradigm shift has occurred in the wellness industry, as the trend now shifts toward fun, easy, and accessible fitness solutions. As mental and physical wellness is becoming increasingly important to consumers, gamified exercise equipment has become a powerful alternative to traditional ways of engaging in exercise. These gamified tools allow one to stay fit in a fun and inexpensive way without all the added expenses and inconvenience.

The Rise of Affordable, At-Home Fitness Solutions

Economic challenges and the growing number of people working from home compel growth in demand for solutions around fitness at home. The membership to gyms is no longer feasible for many, rather consumers are turning toward innovative space-efficient alternatives that help them remain physically active without the expense and requirement of huge equipment or dedicated workout spaces. Besides that, there seems to be an increasing focus on mental health issues, further making these tools attractive as they provide stress relief and cognitive engagement, along with physical fitness.

Gamification and Mental Health Benefits

Gamification in fitness has proven to be more than a fad, it has become a motivational drive that maintains user engagement and workout consistency. By incorporating aspects of gameplay such as scoring, progress tracking, and challenges, these tools assist users in keeping their spirits high in committing long term to the fitness goals they set. On the other hand, those are equally important in terms of cognitive benefits. For instance, gamified workouts hone hand-eye coordination, increase concentration, and act as stress relievers. In a time when mental health is as important as physical fitness, such tools are becoming essentials.

A Standout Example of the Trend

One of the leading names in this movement is Boxbollen. The simple but amazing tool is simply a ball on a string that improves hand-eye coordination while giving an engaging workout with low impact. It has gone viral over the internet. Essentially, it is one of the simplest fitness gizmos ever and has gained popularity among all age groups and demographics.

“The beauty of Boxbollen lies in its simplicity: it’s a playful way to boost hand-eye coordination, improve mental health, and get a solid fitness boost—without needing a gym or freezing cold outdoor workouts.”

The effectiveness and smart design of the tool have earned recognition from celebrities including RFK Jr., Tom Brady, and Khloé Kardashian. Their appreciation of the tool further substantiates the effectiveness and mainstream appeal of Boxbollen. This has emphasized the growing trend for fitness innovations, which focus on enjoyment rather than strict traditional exercise.

The Future of Gamified Fitness

The rise of gamified fitness solutions is far more than a fleeting trend, it is a direct response to the changing wellness needs of present-day consumers. In 2025, when practical, entertaining, and effective physical activity solutions will be sought, such gamified fitness tools will only continue to gather momentum. By blending fitness with interactivity, these businesses are putting gamified fitness solutions on a path to turning exercise into something more welcoming, motivating, and customized for different lifestyles.

As the industry continues to evolve, the definition of fitness is expanding beyond the boundaries of discipline and endurance. It is more about having fun while staying healthy.

April 1, 2025
L.A.’s Wellness Community Rises to Support Fire Victims, First Responders

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As wildfires ravage Los Angeles, the city’s wellness community has rallied to support victims and firefighters. From free massages for first responders to meditation sessions, practitioners are providing solace during a time of widespread devastation.

Zuma Beach is now an Incident Command Center for the Los Angeles Fire Department. There, a corner of the lot has transformed into a serene massage station. Organized by the nonprofit Do Good Bus, 13 massage therapists and a chiropractor offer free pain relief to firefighters returning from grueling shifts.

“Our most critical need is helping first responders. That’s what we’re focused on right now,” explains Do Good Bus board member Erika Swartley. “These [firefighters], they’re moving trees, they’re on their feet for really long periods of time. This allows them to renew.”

Therapists Provide Emotional Support

The emotional toll of the wildfires has mobilized grief therapists across the city. Santa Monica-based therapist Claire Bidwell Smith launched Elegy, an online hub for grief resources. The platform includes articles, book recommendations, and a steadily growing list of therapists donating their services. Bidwell Smith has also started a weekly virtual grief support group for displaced residents and those who have lost homes.

“There are so many aspects coming from this disaster—it feels very similar to COVID times,” she says. “But grief is a really big one that needs to be acknowledged and supported.”

West Hollywood therapist Dana Nassau offers free Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) sessions for fire-related trauma. She explains the program’s value: “It’s a form of trauma therapy that can have a large effect in a relatively short period of time. It essentially shifts how we relate to traumatic experiences.”

A public Google sheet circulating in L.A. lists more than 900 therapists who have offered free services to help residents process their fire-related trauma.

Yoga and Meditation for Healing

Empowered Yoga Studio in West Adams provides free yoga classes to anyone impacted by the fires. Co-owner Rachel Hirsch explains, “It’s not just the people who are displaced—everyone is impacted. Whole ZIP codes are gone now, and that is traumatic for those people, but it also impacts the city broadly. It’s important to show up for one another, hold space for each other, as we flow through these emotions.”

The studio also hosts donation-based classes to support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and offers “pay-it-forward packages” purchased by supporters from as far away as Austria and the U.K. “It’s incredible, the outpouring. People care,” Hirsch confirms.

Sweet Antelope is another West Adams organization. They will host a free “Dance Your Ass Off” event for displaced residents. Organizer Kristina Robbins shares, “I truly believe there is no greater source of wellness than a feeling of belonging.”

At Zula Den wellness center, free sessions include reiki, acupuncture, and sound baths. Zula’s creative director, Bar Asolin, explains the impact of these practices: “Sound baths are a form of meditation and allow anyone going through stress a way to deeply unwind. Reiki and breathwork—it helps people process emotions too.”

In Santa Monica, artist Jess Mack leads nature-focused meditations at Merrihew’s Sunset Gardens. “People are feeling really ungrounded—it’s a time of great uncertainty—and this is very regulating,” Mack says. “You use your body and breath as an instrument for healing.”

Small Acts, Big Impact

Small gestures are also making a difference. Laurel Canyon mobile manicurist Vanessa McCullough offers free manicures and pedicures to evacuees. She explains her motivation: “It’s extremely important to continue to provide yourself with self-care, especially in stressful situations that are out of our control.”

In a symbolic effort, the pro-democracy group 14th Now organized a healing snow ceremony. Members gathered snow in Washington, D.C., and shipped it to L.A. There, it will be melted and poured near the Hollywood sign in what organizer Dael Wilcox calls a “symbol of water to quench and heal the ground.”

A Community United

Through massages, therapy, yoga, and countless small gestures, Los Angeles’ wellness community is showing the power of collective care. Their selfless efforts provide relief—and hope—to a city facing enormous challenges.

January 31, 2025
The Los Angeles Clippers Are Getting Some Exciting New Food Options
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While the Los Angeles Clippers have had to share space with the LA Lakers since the 1999-2000 NBA season, the crosstown rivals are heading to a home of their own this coming August, just in time for the 2024-2025 basketball season. The Los Angeles Clippers are moving from the Crypto.com Arena to the Intuit Dome, and with the move comes a whole new, tasty menu for fans to enjoy.

Located just outside of South LA, Intuit Dome will have space for 18,000 people, with its grand opening featuring a performance by Bruno Mars on August 15th. With the opening comes a new menu, which was unveiled last week and created through a partnership with Chicago-based restaurant group, Levy. Void of fast food chains and big-brand labels, the concessions menu has been specially whipped up for fans.

Known as “The Dome Dozen,” the arena’s menu is a collection of snacks and dishes that will be served throughout all 20 concession stands. Also known as “food markets,” concession stands will be located “just steps away from every seat in the house,” and feature self-checkout scanners to support customers on their mission to grab food and go, according to a statement from Intuit Dome. Further explaining the concession process, the venue’s statement also said that “the entire journey was designed to take 123 seconds or less to get back to your seat.”

Included in “The Dome Dozen” are traditional concession snacks like nachos, hot dogs, churros, popcorn, soft pretzels, and ice cream. But Intuit Dome and Levy are bringing innovation to the menu with a handful of specialty items not typically found at a snack stand. Fans can head to concessions for items like a buffalo cauliflower wrap and a “sushi dog,” which has been described on the venue’s website as “like a sushi burrito in the size and portability of a hot dog.” The sushi dog will be available in spicy tuna and California roll flavors.

According to the venue, other Dome Dozen dishes include hand-rolled maki, nigiri, and bento boxes made by an in-house sushi chef each game, artisanal sandwiches, market salads with favorites like Caesar and cobb, and a curated snack collection featuring “crispy, salty and sweet” offerings.

Over half of Intuit Dome’s concession stands will also feature signature dishes, with some honoring Angeleno favorites. The signature dishes will include:
- Four-Edge Pan Pizza: Fans can delight in this square-cut pizza that comes in pepperoni, cheese, and a rotating selection of toppings that is baked inside custom pans.
- Double-Cheeseburger: A twist on a classic. This burger is a blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, promising tender, juicy perfection topped with pickles, American cheese, and Clippers’s secret sauce.
- LA Street Dog: Grab a Niman Ranch all-beef hot dog with garlic mayo on your way back to your seat. They come on a split-top Bolillo bun – bacon-wrapped with ketchup, mustard, and seasoned peppers and onions.
- K-Town BBQ Chicken and Waffle Fries: You may have trouble focusing with these chicken thighs tossed in a sweet, smoky Korean BBQ sauce from Echo Park-based Korean restaurant Seoul Sausage.
- Empanadas: Warm, flaky pastries in rotating flavors made by LA Chain Continental Gourmet Market. Does more need to be said?
Season tickets are on sale, available here for fans ready for basketball season and good food.
June 19, 2024
EMBODY Serves Residents of LA to Improve Community and Mental Wellness

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Los Angeles was recently invigorated with the joy, connection, and empowerment that “EMBODY: Empowering Mental Health through Community Wellness and Creativity” brought to the community. Over 700 community members attended this extraordinary day of holistic wellness and artistic expression, which took place on Saturday, May 18, at Hope on Union. The event was designed to be a beacon of healing, and to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month through the support of CalMHSA and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

The event, which was MC’d by TEDx global public speaker and poet Sean Hill, delivered a plethora of activities that were aimed at promoting the wellness of both the body and soul. Those in attendance took part in spiritual yoga and tai chi sessions, a public photo booth, dance and collaboration in playshops, created an art mural, and engaged in thought-provoking discussions on mental well-being and financial wellness. Music from local DJ Tyrone Ward and songs from the all-female sextet group Mariachi Lindas Mexicanas added to the atmosphere.

During the event, the community received professional plant-based offerings that were provided by Chef Tony of Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food, Chef Megan Tucker of Mort and Betty’s, Vegan Liberian cuisine by Mamie Peppa, and Chef Supreme of Harvest Academy, who represented Big Mountain Foods.

Beverages were also offered by Hannah Said of Saffron Cowboy, as well as by Rich Bertrand of Nija Wellness. Both the food and drink added to a celebration of cultures.

With help from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s Take Action LA Initiative, EMBODY will not just be a one-time event, but a part of a movement dedicated to mental health awareness and support for LA County residents. The initiative was made in collaboration with Vegans of Los Angeles, and continues to make an impact on the community.

Gwenna Hunter, the founder of Vegans of Los Angeles and even collaborated, stated that she was “so pleased that we were able to provide this community with a day of absolute ease, celebration of wellness, live music, education, free quality merchandise, a free abundant produce market, and delicious plant-based hot foods. To see all the smiling faces, the children laughing and playing, moms sitting down to a nourishing meal and families spending time together brought so much joy to our hearts.”

L’lia ‘Tizzle’ Thomas, who co-created EMBODY and is the founder of Soul SistarMystique Aromachaura, also stated, “This was a beautifully diverse event that called for us to nurture our mind, body, and spirit. It was a profoundly memorable and life-changing day that was a true embodiment of love, art, and bliss.”

DeAnna Carpenter, the founder of She Who Builds LLC and an EMBODY Co-Creator, added: “I’m grateful we were entrusted with this opportunity to infuse the community with more beauty, joy, laughter, lightness, accessibility, and a variety of resources that we hope will sustain and inspire them in their daily lives and in their wellness and wellbeing journeys.”

EMBODY was created to untangle the stigma surrounding mental health, as well as to provide a welcoming space where prevention, education, and encouragement could flourish.

For media inquiries, please contact by email: [email protected] or by phone: (954) 224-0244

June 18, 2024