Pursuit of Wellness – Episode: Mari & Greg on IVF, Imposter Syndrome & Building a Brand Together
Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Pursuit of Wellness, host Mari Llewellyn welcomes her partner and business collaborator, Greg, to discuss a myriad of topics ranging from their entrepreneurial journey and product launches to personal struggles with imposter syndrome and work-life balance. The conversation offers a deep dive into building a wellness brand while navigating significant life changes, providing invaluable insights for entrepreneurs and individuals striving for personal growth.

Expo West Anaheim & Bloom Soda Launch

Greg shares their experience at Expo West Anaheim, a premier event for natural products. He explains the significance of the expo, highlighting its role as a platform to debut new product innovations to major retailers like Amazon, Costco, and Target.

Greg [02:02]: "It's a place to debut your new product innovation or new brand innovation... to the retailers of the world."

This year marked their first physical presence at the expo with a substantial team. Greg proudly discusses the launch of their prebiotic soda, aiming to offer a healthier alternative to traditional sodas.

Greg [02:49]: "We're hoping to bring you not only a healthier, better-for-you alternative but quite literally a good-for-you product which will be releasing this July."

Mari expresses her excitement and disappointment at not being able to attend but praises the dramatic unveiling of their new soda, particularly the Shirley Temple flavor, which garnered significant attention.

Mari [03:21]: "The Shirley Temple seemed to make the biggest wave at the expo. And it's also my favorite. It tastes like a Shirley Temple."

Greg emphasizes the natural ingredients, low calories, and the challenges they faced with the cherry crop's quality, crucial for their product's success.

Greg [04:19]: "It's only 20 calories the entire soda. And it's like 3 grams of sugar, organic cane sugar."

They reveal an exciting partnership with Walmart, aiming to make their healthy soda accessible across the United States.

Greg [04:53]: "We're taking this product that is truly good for you and making it as accessible as possible... to their doors."

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

The conversation shifts to the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome. A listener, Irena from Italy, inquires about Greg's experience with imposter syndrome and how they handle it together.

Irena [24:43]: "Do you have ever had imposter syndrome?... how you and your husband deal with it."

Greg acknowledges his struggles, especially when interacting with finance and number-oriented professionals, emphasizing the importance of honesty and transparency.

Greg [25:19]: "It's totally okay to not know something... People will appreciate the honesty."

Mari shares her personal strategies for combating imposter syndrome, likening herself to an actress playing a role to bolster her confidence.

Mari [27:10]: "I need to come up with a name for it... I pretend I'm in a movie and I'm someone else... it's me... but I kind of, like, assume this role."

She highlights the importance of reminding oneself of their achievements and recognizing that everyone else harbors insecurities.

Mari [27:09]: "And I kind of assume this role. Like, if you walk in a room... most of the time, everyone else is new, too. They're shy, they're embarrassed, they're insecure."

Work-Life Balance and Personal Challenges

Mari opens up about her current struggles with work-life balance, especially amidst her IVF journey and the pressure of maintaining her entrepreneurial identity.

Mari [16:19]: "A year ago, that was also me. Obsessed with work, didn't know who I was without it... my hard work is slipping."

She discusses the guilt associated with taking time off and setting boundaries, a common challenge for high-achieving individuals.

Mari [20:14]: "So how do you balance work and big? ... How do I balance work and big?"

Greg offers support, emphasizing the importance of viewing life in chapters and recognizing that sustainability requires periodic breaks.

Greg [18:17]: "You can't be at a full sprint for a decade straight."

They both reflect on the importance of having a supportive partner and a strong team to navigate these life phases.

Greg [18:56]: "But I think you need to look at your life in a multiple-decade run... it just feels like a ton of time."

Managing Phone Usage and Boundaries

The duo delves into the overwhelming nature of constant connectivity, discussing the stress and guilt associated with incessant phone use and the expectation of immediate responses.

Mari [22:49]: "I feel like if I look at my phone and I have tons of notifications, I'm like, oh my God, I need to answer people immediately."

Greg emphasizes the need for a collective agreement to reduce the pressure of instant responses and encourages redefining one's relationship with digital devices.

Greg [23:53]: "It's totally fine for people to reach out 24/7... What's your relationship with that device?"

Mari shares her goal of minimizing phone usage to enhance presence around her family, highlighting the mental health benefits.

Mari [23:25]: "When I put my phone down... I feel so much happier."

Listener Questions and Advice

The episode features insightful listener questions, with Mari and Greg providing thoughtful responses based on their experiences.

1. Navigating Change in Relationships

   Listener: Erica asks for advice on balancing her burgeoning career with her partner's career, especially after moving to a new state and considering another relocation due to IVF treatments.

   Mari advises open communication, emphasizing the importance of expressing individual needs and finding compromises.

   Mari [31:12]: "Is there anything we can do to help you find something where we are right now or, like, kind of come to a compromise?"

   Greg encourages embracing opportunities and trusting the process, assuring that past experiences can guide future decisions.

   Greg [31:37]: "If it makes sense, you've done it once before, you're gonna be fine."

2. Starting Social Media from Scratch

   Listener: Another listener inquires about building social media presence without prior organic engagement.

   Mari recommends focusing on TikTok, posting frequently, and staying vulnerable to engage the audience.

   Mari [32:54]: "I would post probably like three to five times a day... Stay vulnerable, transparent, candid, show the real me."

   Greg advocates for leveraging paid advertising, such as Facebook and TikTok ads, to boost initial traction and complement organic efforts.

   Greg [33:37]: "Use ads and have the action taken with that ad be go follow your profile."

3. Optimizing Exercise Routines

   Listener: A question about the best exercise routines for effectiveness.

   Greg suggests a balanced approach with strength training and daily steps.

   Greg [35:42]: "Four to five strength training sessions a week for 30 to 40 minutes and getting 10,000 to 12,500 steps per day."

   Mari adds a female-centric perspective, recommending weight training and walking.

   Mari [35:58]: "Four weight training a week and then just walk as much as possible."

4. Maintaining Relationships Amid Busyness

   Listener: Lucy from Australia seeks advice on prioritizing her relationship amidst busy work schedules.

   Mari outlines practical strategies, such as establishing rituals, planning activities, and being present during shared moments.

   Mari [37:07]: "We found rituals to come together during the day... always have dinner together when we can..."

   Greg emphasizes small efforts and understanding each other's love languages to maintain connection.

   Greg [38:38]: "Little bits of effort... 15 minutes in the morning goes a really long way."

Conclusion

Mari and Greg conclude the episode by reiterating their commitment to their wellness brand, Bloom Pop, and expressing gratitude for the listener questions. They emphasize the importance of balancing personal well-being with entrepreneurial ambitions, encouraging listeners to prioritize their health and relationships alongside their professional pursuits.

Mari [39:32]: "We cannot wait to launch Bloom Pop and we'll see you guys soon."

Key Takeaways

• Product Launch Success: Strategic participation in industry expos like Anaheim’s Expo West can significantly boost brand visibility and retailer interest.

• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embracing honesty and transparency, and adopting confidence-boosting strategies, can mitigate feelings of inadequacy.

• Work-Life Balance: Setting boundaries and viewing life in chapters help maintain mental health and personal relationships amidst entrepreneurial pressures.

• Effective Social Media Strategy: Combining frequent, authentic content with targeted advertising can effectively build a social media presence from scratch.

• Maintaining Relationships: Establishing daily rituals and understanding each other’s love languages are crucial for sustaining strong personal relationships amid busy schedules.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg [04:53]: "We're taking this product that is truly good for you and making it as accessible as possible... to their doors."

• Mari [27:10]: "I pretend I'm in a movie and I'm someone else... it's me... but I kind of, like, assume this role."

• Greg [35:42]: "Four to five strength training sessions a week for 30 to 40 minutes and getting 10,000 to 12,500 steps per day."

This episode offers a rich blend of professional insights and personal reflections, making it a valuable listen for anyone interested in wellness entrepreneurship, personal development, and maintaining a balanced life.