In this inspiring episode of Core and Commerce, host Perry Howell sits down with Leah Simmons—founder of KAAIAA, DJ-turned-wellness visionary, and master of reinvention. Leah shares her journey from the vibrant music scene of Bondi and London to building a transformative wellness brand that blends movement, mindfulness, and community.

Discover how Leah navigated career pivots, overcame industry challenges, and built a thriving business rooted in authenticity and connection. From the highs and lows of entrepreneurship to the importance of mental health, accountability, and finding your own personal “board of directors,” Leah’s story is a masterclass in resilience and staying true to your values.

Tune in for candid insights, rapid-fire hot takes, and actionable advice for anyone looking to create meaningful change in their life, wellness, or business.

Chapters

Introduction to Leah Simmons (00:00)

Early Life and Creative Beginnings (00:54)

Breaking Into the DJ Scene (03:39)

Moving to London and the Music Industry (06:03)

Making Career Pivots and Trusting Your Gut (08:07)

The Body By Era and Social Media (12:56)

Hot Take: Rejecting Wellness Trends (17:52)

Intention, Action, and Accountability (18:47)

The Origin Story of KAAIAA (21:47)

Building Community Through COVID (26:26)

Pivoting the Business Model (29:56)

Preventing Burnout and Work-Life Balance (33:29)

Creating Your Board of Directors (37:51)

Rapid Fire Hot Takes (40:09)

Looking Ahead to 2026 (44:03)

Core & Commerce is the space where ambition meets wellbeing. Hosted by Perry Howell, marketing leader, wellness founder, and media powerhouse - and inspired by her own journey of redefining success, balance, and health. Bringing realness to wellness, each episode goes deep in honest, unfiltered conversations with the founders, creators, and innovators moving the wellness world forward.

If you enjoy the show, subscribing, rating, and leaving a review makes a real difference. It helps the podcast reach new listeners and allows me to keep creating intentional conversations like this one.

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