How This Nurse Turned Entrepreneur is Revolutionizing Health

Summary

The Living Your Legacy Podcast: Episode Summary

Episode Title: How This Nurse Turned Entrepreneur is Revolutionizing Health
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Host: Rudy Mawer
Guest: Shauna Brio

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Introduction to Shauna Brio

In this enlightening episode of The Living Your Legacy Podcast, host Jordan engages in a profound conversation with Shauna Brio, a dynamic entrepreneur and registered nurse from Canada. Shauna is the founder of Smoke Show Swim, an eco-friendly swimwear line, and the visionary behind Aquasol Infusion, an IV infusion and aesthetics business dedicated to enhancing hydration and overall well-being. Her diverse ventures reflect her commitment to promoting wellness and preventive care outside the conventional healthcare system.

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Transition from Healthcare to Entrepreneurship

Shauna shares her pivotal decision to transition from traditional healthcare to entrepreneurship. Her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed her to the shortcomings of hospital-based healthcare, fueling her desire to create change.

[02:45] Shauna Brio: "I just saw a lot of nasty per se and crazy things during COVID when I was traveling. So I just don't really always agree with the way healthcare is run in the hospital."

Frustrated with the reactive nature of hospitals, Shauna sought to focus on wellness, preventive care, and holistic alternative medicine. This motivation led to the founding of Aquasol Infusion, aiming to provide a more proactive approach to health.

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The Power of IV Infusions and Biohacking

The conversation delves into the core concept of IV infusions and their role in biohacking—optimizing the body’s performance and longevity through direct nutrient delivery.

[05:00] Shauna Brio: "So basically, you can do an injection in your muscle, or you can do it intravenously, which is through the vein. It's the IV bag like you would get in the hospital, and it just runs throughout your body and goes straight to all of your organs."

Shauna explains that IV infusions allow for 99% absorption of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system's limitations. This method ensures that nutrients reach every organ efficiently, enhancing overall health and vitality.

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Benefits Over Traditional Supplements

Jordan and Shauna compare IV infusions to traditional oral supplements, highlighting the superior absorption rates and efficacy of IV therapy.

[07:03] Shauna Brio: "Straight to every single one in your organs."

[07:15] Jordan: "They just don't see maybe the bad side and the stress. So what are some of the challenges and struggles you've had and how have you overcome them?"

Shauna emphasizes that while oral supplements may offer about a 30% absorption rate, IV infusions provide nearly complete nutrient uptake. This significant difference makes IV therapy a more effective solution for those seeking to address deficiencies and enhance their health proactively.

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Industry Growth and Future Plans

Discussing the burgeoning trend of biohacking and health optimization, Shauna envisions a bright future for the IV infusion industry. She anticipates widespread adoption as more people become health-conscious and seek alternative wellness solutions.

[07:29] Shauna Brio: "I feel like it's still a little bit under the radar. So I think when people, I mean, more people are gonna. Word of mouth is already spreading so fast and people want to live forever."

Shauna plans to franchise Aquasol Infusion and expand her services globally. Additionally, she has integrated aesthetic treatments such as microneedling and red light therapy into her business model, diversifying her offerings to meet the evolving needs of her clients.

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Overcoming Adversity and Challenges

Shauna candidly discusses the numerous challenges she has faced as an entrepreneur, including the impact of natural disasters and personal struggles.

[09:00] Shauna Brio: "This hurricane that just hit, Hurricane Milton, it actually destroyed the main warehouse that produces all the IV bags. So it's a national shortage right now... I had to start esthetics."

Despite setbacks like Hurricane Milton, which disrupted her IV supply chain, Shauna demonstrated resilience by pivoting her business to include aesthetic services. This adaptability not only sustained her business but also expanded her service offerings, showcasing her ability to turn adversity into opportunity.

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Advice for Aspiring Health Entrepreneurs

Shauna offers valuable insights and practical advice for individuals, particularly those in the healthcare field, aspiring to venture into entrepreneurship.

[15:39] Shauna Brio: "I think a lot of people think that to start a business, you have to give up your job and start the business. But you don't have to do it that way. You can pivot, you can still work part-time and start your business."

She emphasizes the importance of discipline, mentorship, and strategic planning. Balancing a stable job while nurturing a new business can mitigate financial risks and provide a safety net during the initial phases of entrepreneurship.

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Defining and Building a Legacy

The discussion culminates in Shauna’s perspective on legacy and what she aspires to be remembered for.

[14:57] Shauna Brio: "I think a legacy to me is really like trailblazing through the fire and coming out as like a phoenix for everybody to really see and be like, I, you know what? If she can do that, I can do that too."

Shauna aims to inspire others by exemplifying resilience and determination. Her journey from a registered nurse to a successful entrepreneur serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on promoting health and wellness.

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Conclusion

Shauna Brio’s story is a compelling example of how facing challenges head-on and embracing innovation can lead to meaningful change. Her dedication to enhancing health through IV infusions and holistic practices not only revolutionizes the wellness industry but also paves the way for others to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. Listeners are encouraged to explore Shauna’s ventures and apply her wisdom to their own paths, embodying the essence of building a lasting legacy.

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Notable Quotes:

• [02:45] "I just saw a lot of nasty per se and crazy things during COVID when I was traveling."
• [05:00] "It's the IV bag like you would get in the hospital, and it just runs throughout your body and goes straight to all of your organs."
• [07:03] "Straight to every single one in your organs."
• [09:00] "This hurricane... destroyed the main warehouse that produces all the IV bags."
• [14:57] "A legacy to me is really like trailblazing through the fire and coming out as like a phoenix."

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For more insights and to follow Shauna Brio’s journey, visit Aquasol Infusions and Smoke Show Swim online.

Transcript

[Jordan]

What's the story behind the IB infusion business?

[Shauna Brio]

I just don't really always agree with the way health care is ran in the hospital. So I wanted to make a change and focus on wellness and preventive care and holistic and alternative medicine.

[Host]

Shawna Brio is a dynamic entrepreneur and registered nurse from Canada. She is the founder of Smoke Show Swim and the powerhouse behind Aquasol Infusion, an IV infusion and aesthetics business designed to help people enhance hydration and overall well being.

[Shauna Brio]

People want to live forever.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Shauna Brio]

And people are now understanding that you can biohack your body and you can really live a really long time and you can be healthy and you can be happy without medication.

[Jordan]

And how have you worked, you know, as you've got into entrepreneurship, got hit with these big challenges, how have you learned to work through them? And what would you advise someone struggling right now?

[Shauna Brio]

Oh my gosh. Okay. Where do I start? It spans the globe like a super.

[Jordan]

High cold Internet Elvis Presley. Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone.

[Shauna Brio]

It's not over until I win.

[Host]

The Living youg Legacy podcast.

[Shauna Brio]

For those who live to leave a legacy that's extraordinary.

[Jordan]

The impossible has been. Oh, that is sensational. Jordan open Chicago with the lead.

[Shauna Brio]

You said Paul is the fastest man on the planet. You can live your dream foreign.

[Jordan]

Welcome back to another episode of Legacy Makers. Today I'm here with Shauna. We're about to dive into her legacy. All the amazing things she's doing. I'm so excited to be here. Shauna, welcome to the show.

[Shauna Brio]

Thank you. Thank you for having me. I'm so excited to be here as well.

[Jordan]

Good. So let's dive in. If people are watching, they haven't watched your episode yet, but they're starting to learn about you. Maybe they've seen you on our socials, but do you mind just giving a couple of minutes intro on what you do and all the amazing things you've got going on?

[Shauna Brio]

Yep. So I am originally from Canada. I'm from Toronto. I moved down here maybe about 10 years ago.

[Jordan]

Better. Better weather down here.

[Shauna Brio]

Yeah, definitely. So I have a swimwear line that I have been working on, an eco friendly swimwear line. I've been in Miami swim week in 2022. My background is I'm a registered nurse. So I actually traveled around during COVID and that is kind of what brought me into my next business. Which is an IV infusion.

[Jordan]

Yep. And, and, and what's the, what's the story behind the IV infusion business? Why did you start that?

[Shauna Brio]

I just saw A lot of nasty per se and crazy things during COVID when I was traveling. So I just don't really always agree with the. The way health care is ran in the hospital. So I wanted to make a change and focus on wellness and preventive care and holistic and alternative medicine, which is great.

[Jordan]

I mean, if you're in the health space, America is very well known and most countries in the world, sadly, they're there to cure a disease versus stop you getting the disease in the first place. Right. And I came from a fitness and health background and you know, there's much more money sadly in America and you know, helping cure a disease, but not even cure or just stabilize a disease. Right.

[Shauna Brio]

Pushing the medication.

[Jordan]

Yeah, yeah. Because you get a long lifespan out of that. Right. If someone's sick for 20 years, then they can bill for 20 years, whereas if no one's sick, then there's no money. So I'm always passionate and excited when I meet someone like you that's trying to counterbalance that. And we have a lot of great people in legacy makers that are, you know, biohackers or health experts or, or whatever. Right. Pro athletes, Olympians and you know, all trying to make the world a better place and a healthier place. So someone's listening. How does what you do help achieve that?

[Shauna Brio]

We try to start at the basics. So, you know, the basic nutrition should be the basic building blocks. People shouldn't have to wait until they're sick to go so. And start taking care of themselves.

[Jordan]

They should start or get in the minerals that are deficient in the whole vitamins.

[Shauna Brio]

Right. The education, just the convenience of us going to their house. Maybe they're sick. You know, if they just need a bag of sodium chloride, they shouldn't have to be in the ER for 12 hours and then have that bill. They can just go to our clinic or any clinic, you know, IV infusion or someone can come to them and just. It's just a better way of life.

[Jordan]

Yeah. And I know that, you know, especially in America, I've seen it really take off in the last five years. And I still don't mean it's mainstream, but because I'm in the health space, I kind of aware of it and seen it get more popular. So if someone doesn't understand what it is, can you just explain like the concept?

[Shauna Brio]

So basically, I mean, you can do an injection in the im, in your, in your muscle, or you can do it intravenously, which is through the vein. It's the IV bag. Like you would get in the hospital and it just runs throughout your body and goes straight to all of your organs. So.

[Jordan]

And you do a mix of different solutions.

[Shauna Brio]

And what are the most popular drip artists? So I can tailor to whatever you mean. But yeah, we do, like, vitamins, minerals, coenzymes, like nad. We do amino acids.

[Jordan]

Yeah, I know NAD is all the rave right now.

[Shauna Brio]

Yeah, it's. There's a reason why for sure.

[Jordan]

And there's a lot, you know, a lot of pro athletes do it now. Right. Especially between. Recovery is very popular when traveling with athletes, too, because of, you know, jet lag and all that sort of stuff.

[Shauna Brio]

Right.

[Jordan]

And, you know, I'm in endurance sports, a lot of ultra endurance from electrolyte side, too. But for an average person. Let's talk a little quickly. Why is the basic minerals and vitamins so important for the average person?

[Shauna Brio]

I mean, a lot of people don't drink enough water. We also, for us, we live in Florida. So, you know, it's humid, it's hot, we sweat a lot. A lot of people work outside. It's just people are busy, you know, people.

[Jordan]

And I think the big one, too is a lot of people don't get the vitamins and minerals they need from that diet.

[Shauna Brio]

Exactly. Because of all the processed foods and all the foods that we're eating is just when.

[Jordan]

Even if you do eat natural, it's very hard when you, you know, I was a scientist. When you study how much vitamins and minerals you need from fruits, vegetables, nuts, you have to eat a lot of it and vary it a lot. And it's not often. A lot of people, even if they do eat fruit, vegetables, they have their go to three or four, which might give them this spectrum of vitamins, but they're missing all of these minerals and other vitamins.

[Shauna Brio]

So.

[Jordan]

And I think what's important, too, is why is it better than a cheap multivitamin? Like, why would someone pay for this over multi.

[Shauna Brio]

Well, you only absorb maybe like 30% of your oral intake, but with the IVs, it's like 99%, because it's going.

[Jordan]

Straight in the bloodstream versus being broken down by digestive.

[Shauna Brio]

Straight to every single one in your organs.

[Jordan]

Yes. Yeah. So that's really important to, you know, that difference. I think most people don't understand.

[Shauna Brio]

Right.

[Jordan]

They're like, oh, I just get a $30 vitamin from, you know, Walgreens. Right. And. And it. Yeah, the absorption rate is different. So how do you see this industry growing and changing over time as people get more health conscious?

[Shauna Brio]

I Mean, I feel like it's still a little bit under the radar. So I think when people, I mean, more people are gonna. Word of mouth is already spreading so fast and people want to live forever.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Shauna Brio]

And people are now understanding that you can biohack your body and you can really live a really long time and you can be healthy and you can be happy without like medication.

[Jordan]

And Miami is a great place for that. I feel here the health consciousness is much bigger. And I actually they made an announcement the other day on Miami Beach. They're trying to make it a blue zone where people live to way longer than the average life expectancy because of the outdoor nature. And, and you see it, you know, here you're out on the beach and there's a lot of healthy people working out. Right. Compared to other countries. So how do you see your business expanding worldwide?

[Shauna Brio]

I definitely want to franchise it and grow it. And I mean, it's just doesn't really. It starts with like the infusions, but there's so many different things that you can do like salt therapy and red light therapy. Just, it's just going to continue growing especially as people realize, like, it really does work.

[Jordan]

Yeah. Yeah. There's so many add ons and I think it becomes addictive too, Right?

[Shauna Brio]

It does. Yeah.

[Jordan]

And I know also, you know, you mentioned red light. I do a lot of red light. I have red light pads at home that train so much. So juicy. Eventually you expand into like ivy having, you know, infrared saunas and all those things and building out the like biohacking tools.

[Shauna Brio]

Yeah. So this hurricane that just hit, Hurricane Milton, it actually destroyed the main warehouse that produces all the ivy bags. So it's a national shortage right now. Like they were even canceling surgery. So I had a very difficult time getting the ivy bags because obviously they give the bags to the hospitals first. So I was like, what the am I going to do now? Like, I can't even pay the lease. So I had to do something. So I started esthetics. I hired an esthetician.

[Jordan]

Yep.

[Shauna Brio]

So now I have esthetics in my business. So I'm doing microneedling, relay therapy and all of that stuff. And people actually like really love it and they believe in it and like red light therapy, people know how beneficial it is even more than I even realize.

[Jordan]

Yeah. There's a ton of science behind red light.

[Shauna Brio]

Yeah. So, yeah.

[Jordan]

And I do want to highlight there, that's something that's great about entrepreneurship, that sometimes a setback can help you propel forward. Right. It's like initially it's like, oh, crap, this happened. But it forces you to pivot and do something you were maybe never going to do. And then when you recover from the initial thing that is in your case, you get IV bags back going. Now you've got this whole new business model that it kind of forced you to do.

[Shauna Brio]

It was an idea and I was like, I'm going to do it. But I just got pushed.

[Jordan]

It pushed you quicker to do it.

[Shauna Brio]

Yeah, like pushed me definitely to do something.

[Jordan]

Great thing. Yeah.

[Shauna Brio]

You can't be comfortable in business or else you're just going to.

[Jordan]

I think the moment you feel you're okay and get comfortable, it's like you get hit again. So I've been doing this 12 years and I don't think I've ever had, like, too much of a breathing space about something coming up. So let's talk about that more, you know, as we transition here. You know, I always love to highlight in these podcasts with every entrepreneur, whether it's someone that's built massive companies, pro athlete, it doesn't matter. Entrepreneurship, not about adversity and struggles. And I think on social media, maybe your friends, family, it's great. You see on a TV show flying around doing all these cool things. Right. But they don't see maybe the bad side and the stress. So what are some of the challenges and struggles you've had and how have you overcome them?

[Shauna Brio]

Oh, my gosh, where do I start? Especially right now. So the hurricanes definitely have impacted me a lot in. Because I live in Cape Coral. It was a direct hit. So my office building was closed for like four months.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Shauna Brio]

They wouldn't even let us in the building to get supplies.

[Jordan]

Wow.

[Shauna Brio]

So that was things like that. And then this last hurricane with the IV infusion business and then just honestly, like personal things, like maybe being with like the right person because that can really influence your mental health and how you perform in, like a business.

[Jordan]

And I think he would just highlight there. A lot of people don't realize, you know, as an entrepreneur, you're always on. Right. So you don't have the right environment. It's not like, you know, in an office, nine to five people leave and they don't think about it. So they get back in at 9:00am not the case.

[Shauna Brio]

You take it home with.

[Jordan]

Yeah, of course. Yeah. An extension of you.

[Shauna Brio]

Boundaries is a huge thing.

[Jordan]

Yeah. And how have you worked, you know, as you've got into entrepreneurship, got hit with these big challenges. How have you learned to work through them? And what would you advise someone struggling right now?

[Shauna Brio]

I mean, it's not over till you quit. And you're not an entrepreneur, like, unless you really keep it going. I just keep going because you started it for a reason. Like there's a reason, there's a deep reason why you started it. So you had to, like, you can't let go of that. It's easy to give up because it gets hard.

[Jordan]

Yeah. It's easy to be like everyone else.

[Shauna Brio]

Yeah.

[Jordan]

It's hard to be unique and you.

[Shauna Brio]

Can'T, it's like a dream. You can't just let it go.

[Jordan]

And I think with entrepreneurship, I would say you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

[Shauna Brio]

Oh, yeah.

[Jordan]

Because you'll always be like, there's always something. Right. And I even say, like, you look at the billionaires, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and stuff, they have a great life, obviously, endless money. But they're also going to get like, they're getting sued by the government with 200 million or a class action or their rocket blows up on the way to space and kills two people. Like the. That's not without stress and problems. Even when you're the best of the best. Right. Or the best athlete in the world, all it takes is for them to have one drink too many and drive a car. Now they're in the news and their life's ruined. Right. So I think you have to, you know, as entrepreneurship realize, this is never ending. This is the game you're in and you just, you eventually you get better at coping with it. But it's, it's a never ending thing.

[Shauna Brio]

Definitely. I agree. Especially like the bigger you get, I think the bigger, the bigger the problems.

[Jordan]

Bigger you get. Bigger the problems.

[Shauna Brio]

Yeah.

[Jordan]

You just get better at coping with somebody.

[Shauna Brio]

Yeah. Yeah, for sure.

[Jordan]

So, so let's now, just as we could get towards the end of today, talk about legacy. Right? People are probably, you know, maybe watching this before they've seen the full episode, talking about everything you're up to and the future you. Maybe they're watching it after. But if someone hasn't seen your main episode yet, can you tease the camera and tease the audience a little? What are they going to learn from your story?

[Shauna Brio]

So I think I have, I mean, I had a really rough upbringing. I'm sure people can relate to that. I've been, it's been like been to rock bottom. I struggle with different things throughout my life, but I believe that I have like a special ability to always push through. I mean, I'm a nurse, so educated. I Can, I don't know. You're gonna love me.

[Jordan]

I hope so. I'm excited to see it. And then talking about the legacy side, right? What does, what does legacy mean to you?

[Shauna Brio]

So I think a legacy to me is really like trailblazing through the fire and coming out as like a phoenix for everybody to really see and be like, I, you know what? If she can do that, I can do that too.

[Jordan]

Yeah, that's what this is all about. Yeah. Inspiring. Inspiring. So let's talk about that. Maybe there's someone watching right now. They're a nurse currently and they, they dream of entrepreneurship or their own health related business because like you, they're passionate. See a gap in this industry that they want to fill. But you know, they've got a job, they've got a mortgage or rent, and it's scary starting something. What would you say to someone, maybe in the health field that feels that way?

[Shauna Brio]

I think a lot of people think that you, to start a business, it's like you have to give up your job and start the business. But you don't have to do it that way. You can pivot, you can still work part time and still start your business.

[Jordan]

And most entrepreneurs start that way.

[Shauna Brio]

But I think, like, it's definitely doable. You just have to have the right resources. You need a business consultant for sure. Someone you can ask questions to. I would say, like face to face.

[Jordan]

Yeah, Mentorship advisory is great.

[Shauna Brio]

A mentor who's done everything that you want to do and it's successful and it's doable.

[Jordan]

And I think you hit the nail on the head. It's the, I think I want to emphasize the discipline because it's easy, you know, it's easy to come home, especially from nursing. You're doing a 12 hour shift, you want to sleep your two days off or three days off, you want to sleep some more and you got to do the laundry, but you have to. And you want to crash and watch a Netflix show, but you've got to be like disciplined to be like, no, now I've got to go work on my business. Right. So how, how do people do that? If they struggle, they work and then in their free time they want to go out or watch Netflix. How would you advise them to like, have the discipline to get the other side done?

[Shauna Brio]

I mean, if you want something that bad for this type of lifestyle, you are a lock in. You cannot be like, I'm going out every weekend and celebrating. You have nothing to celebrate over. I mean, and then for nurses, I think we're so burnt out and sick of everything that it's kind of an easy transition for us. It's just maybe like the financial part, because nursing is stable, you can make a ton of money. So it's hard to let that side go to something very. Like the unknown. Yeah, exactly.

[Jordan]

But did you find that. That you had to, you know, juggle the nursing? You were kind of burning out there, working hard and trying to get the business. What was going. What was that like?

[Shauna Brio]

So I actually traveled for Covid. I went to New and then Miami and then Texas, and I was so burnt out and I. It was like, I need. I need a break. I took six months off. I had PTSD from everything in Texas. And I was like, I can't. It doesn't matter how much money I can make because I made an insane amount of money in that time. But I was like, money doesn't matter at this point. Like, I really have to do something that.

[Jordan]

What's good for you. Yeah.

[Shauna Brio]

And I have the ability as a nurse to really help people and change lives. And I don't feel like in the hospital system I was capable of really doing that. I mean, I was.

[Jordan]

You're doing it on a micro level, right?

[Shauna Brio]

Like, you know, one on one or whatever, really. Like, I don't know, not like on.

[Jordan]

The big scale that you can, you can.

[Shauna Brio]

I'll go into all the stories in the. In the TV show that you're gonna watch.

[Jordan]

So. So let's talk about last couple of questions. What do you wanna be? You know, and you've teased it already, but what do you wanna be remembered for? Like, what does legacy long term, what do you want people to think and say about you?

[Shauna Brio]

I mean, if she can do it, I can do it too.

[Jordan]

And any final bits for the audience, if they're watching, they want to check out your episode, obviously. But what about social media, the businesses? How can they. How can they try the IV side? Can you just talk about that?

[Shauna Brio]

So the Ivy side, I mean, I travel everywhere in South Florida. I have a team of nurses as well. So from Southwest Florida, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, it's aquasole infusions. And my swimwear is online. And we do. I mean, I do shows sometimes as much as often, but it's smoke show, so.

[Jordan]

Love it. Great, great. Well, excited for your episode. Thank you so much for coming on and coming in and. Yeah, super excited to see, you know, this health expansion impact the world. So great job, guys. Keep crushing it. That's another episode in the wraps. Keep building a legacy. And I'll see you very soon. Take care.