Five Wellness Leaders Share Game-Changing Insights

The energy was electric as LA's wellness elite gathered for an intimate panel discussion at the annual “What She Said” event, produced by the W Hotel in collaboration with Modern Day Wife. The spotlight shone on five powerhouse entrepreneurs who are quite literally transforming lives through their innovative approaches to health, beauty, and wellbeing. What unfolded was more than just a conversation—it was a masterclass in modern wellness, authenticity, and business innovation.

Lola Kamolov: The Pilates Revolution That Changes Lives

Lola Kamolov, founder of Body Sculpt Pilates Inc., is leading a movement that’s transforming not just bodies, but entire lifestyles. A former high-powered auditor for Fortune 500 companies, Lola’s journey to wellness entrepreneurship began not with ambition, but necessity.

“A couple years ago, I found myself in excruciating pain from a herniated disc in my lumbar... that left me basically forced to slow down to the point where simple, daily movements are really, really hard, like, including carrying a little child,” she shared candidly.

That moment marked the beginning of her transformation. Through Pilates, she found a lifeline: “Pilates came to my life and transformed everything. I became my body's power, energy. I gained confidence... It helped me to build endurance and overcome, I guess, life's challenges that were thrown my way.”

Today, Lola fuses classical Pilates with modern science, offering accessible, structured programs designed for busy people with demanding schedules. Her approach resonates particularly with those stuck at desks or dealing with chronic pain. “What has changed is our lifestyle. Our bodies haven't changed. This is what makes Pilates relevant,” she told a room full of professionals.

Her mission is clear, and her belief unshakable: “Just try Pilates and see what it can do to you. And I believe with every single cell in my body that it will be helpful, and it will transform your life—not only physically, but emotionally, mentally, psychologically and spiritually.”

Chloe Beaton: Heritage Wellness Meets Modern Innovation

Director of Sales and Marketing, Martin & Pleasance

With a brand legacy stretching back to 1855, Chloe Beaton brings deep-rooted credibility to today’s fast-evolving wellness industry. “We've been around since 1855, which is pretty much the birth of Australia, not really, but... we're still family owned and operated,” she shared with a smile, grounding the conversation in history and purpose.

But heritage alone isn't enough in a marketplace flooded with wellness claims and ever-shifting consumer needs. Chloe emphasized the importance of continuous evolution: “If you're not changing a product that 50 years ago wasn't relevant to the issues that we face today—stress clearly has gone up, fatigue—and then the research on the science around natural health product space is so critical to then ensure that you can implement that into what you're providing.”

As consumers face shelves packed with overwhelming options and marketing jargon, Chloe calls for clarity through a powerful triad: “Truth, trust and transparency. Truth comes down to credibility. Like, is there research? Is there science here? Is there somebody that I can speak to that actually understands what this is?”

In a noisy industry, Chloe’s approach blends legacy with integrity, empowering both brands and consumers to make choices that are as smart as they are authentic.

HIYASMIN HARPER: THERAPEUTIC WELLNESS BORN FROM HEALING

Founder of Build Yourself Brick by Brick Spa and Wellness

Though the transcript captured Hiyasmin at the beginning of her segment about lymphatic drainage, her story runs deep. Specializing in lymphatic drainage and comprehensive therapeutic services, her business represents more than just wellness—it's a testament to transformation.

Her Powerful Why: "My spa is born out of my healing journey emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually," Hiyasmin shared. "For 30 plus years I have been a financial controller and held Senior VP jobs but miscarried 7 times. I did the traditional climbing up the ladder yet forgot about myself, so the spa is not only a place of healing but an actual testimony of my healing journey from PCOS, stress, perfectionism and control."

Her vulnerability and triumph make Build Yourself Brick by Brick more than a spa—it's a sanctuary built from lived experience, offering clients the healing she fought to find herself.

Reena Vokoun: Fitness and Passion Combined

Founder and CEO of Passion Fit™

Reena Vokoun brings a powerhouse blend of personal passion, professional discipline, and holistic wellness philosophy to the health and fitness space. As the founder and CEO of Passion Fit™, she has transformed a lifelong dedication to movement into a mission to empower others. “Hi! My name is Reena Vokoun and I’m the Founder and CEO of Passion Fit™, where I’ve created Your Power Move™, a simple, sustainable, unique-to-you habit that helps you unlock your full potential.”

Her journey—from a corporate career at Google and other major brands to entrepreneurship—is rooted in both her personal values and cultural heritage. “My Indian-American upbringing, the fact that I’m a mom and wife, and my academic and professional backgrounds, are major influencers in my unique approach to Passion Fit,” she explains. Reena’s east-meets-west mindset forms the foundation of her holistic approach to wellbeing, combining fitness, mindfulness, nutrition, and professional development.

With over 25 years of experience in the digital media and fitness industries—and credentials ranging from ACE certifications to TEDx speaking—Reena works with individuals, companies, and schools alike to combat burnout and build balanced, thriving lives. “I’m passionate about educating others and helping them take control of their lives in these areas,” she says. “My philosophies on health, wellness and fitness are holistic, combine the best of the East and West and incorporate considerations for your family and career.”

THE TAKEAWAY TRUTH

What made this panel extraordinary wasn't just the expertise shared, but the vulnerable authenticity of each speaker. These aren't wellness gurus preaching from ivory towers—they're real women who've faced real challenges and found real solutions.

Whether you're dealing with chronic pain like Lola, navigating supplement confusion like Chloe's clients, or seeking therapeutic wellness services, this panel proved that transformation is possible when you find the right approach for your unique needs.

The message was unanimous: wellness isn't one-size-fits-all, but with the right guidance, research, and commitment to trying something new, everyone can find their path to feeling stronger, more energized, and genuinely better.