Anna Peterson of Los Angeles, CA on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Anna Peterson. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Anna, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was hosting the Glitter Jar podcast at CHOC Children’s Hospital. The show was broadcast throughout the entire hospital so every child could join, some from their rooms sending in photos of their creations and others sitting right there in the Seacrest Studio with me. It is something I had dreamed of since the day I started Zenimal, and living it was beyond anything I imagined. Watching those little faces light up, knowing that even for a moment they could feel creative, connected, and calm, filled me with overwhelming gratitude. It gave me such a deep sense of perspective and reminded me how precious joy is and how powerful it can be to share it.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Anna Peterson, founder of Zenimal, a screen free meditation device designed to help children, teens, and adults build tools for calm, focus, and emotional well being. I started Zenimal because mindfulness changed my life as a child, and I wanted to share that gift with others in a way that felt simple, accessible, and free of distractions.
What makes Zenimal unique is that it is intentionally designed without screens, preloaded with guided meditations and calming sounds, and used everywhere from homes and classrooms to hospitals and therapy offices. We are now working on an app connected version that will allow for even more personalization while keeping the heart of what makes Zenimal special. My mission has always been to give people of all ages a way to pause, breathe, and remember that they have the strength to handle whatever comes their way.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My dad. He saw my strengths long before I had the confidence to recognize them in myself. He also understood that I feel every feeling in a really big way and he never saw that as a weakness. Instead, he helped me see it as a gift, a sign of empathy, compassion, and connection. Even in moments when I doubted myself, he spoke to the person he knew I could become. That belief has shaped the way I see the world, the way I raise my children, and the heart behind Zenimal.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her, you are stronger than you think and softer than you realize, and both of those things are beautiful. The way you feel the world so deeply will not break you, it will become your greatest strength. It will all work out, and nobody gets to define your truth but you. One day, you will use that heart to help others feel seen, safe, and loved, and it will make every challenge along the way worth it.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to making sure every child has the tools to feel safe within themselves because I know what it is like to grow up without them. Learning mindfulness as a young girl changed my life. It gave me a way to calm my mind, manage big emotions, and believe in my own strength. I want every child, no matter where they are or what they are going through, to have that same gift. Whether it takes years or the rest of my life, I will keep working to bring Zenimal into homes, classrooms, and hospitals all over the world so every child knows they have the power to find calm and strength within.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand that calm is not something you find outside of yourself, it is something you learn to create from within. Life will always bring uncertainty, challenges, and loss, but when you know how to return to that steady place inside you, you can meet anything with more clarity, compassion, and strength. As a single mother bootstrapping a hardware/software company from the ground up on nothing but the hope that the world can be a better place, I have learned that this inner calm is not a luxury, it is essential. It is why I believe so deeply in teaching mindfulness to children. If they learn early on that their peace does not depend on circumstances, they carry a kind of unshakable resilience that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than