Meet Karena Zolner

We recently connected with Karena Zolner and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karena, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Growing up, being a city kid in a small town definitely made me feel a bit… unique. Never quite fitting in fueled this intense curiosity, this desire to see what else the world had to offer. That feeling of being an outsider? It taught me to rely on myself and to forge my own way.

My Grandma Bunny was a force. She didn’t just follow the crowd; she created her own. Building a community around her passions, teaching and inspiring other women. That entrepreneurial spirit, that drive to do what you love? I absorbed that.

And my mom. Watching her unwavering dedication to children with special needs, including my twin sister who has cerebral palsy and seizures. I spent my school years defending her from the mean kids. That wasn’t about throwing punches; I’m a lover, not a fighter. It was about finding my voice, standing firm, and refusing to back down. It taught me to be fiercely independent and to advocate for those who need it.

So, my resilience isn’t about physical fights. It’s about that inner steel you develop when you have to navigate being different, when you witness unwavering dedication, and when you learn to stand your ground with conviction. It’s about having the gumption to carve your own path, just like my grandma, and the quiet strength to stand up for what matters, just like my mom.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I spend my days navigating the dynamic world of wellness, both from a strategic business perspective and through the lens of individual well-being. My primary focus is on guiding the vision and operations at Tulum Wellness Spa as its Executive Director, and separately, empowering businesses in the medspa industry as The Spa Coach.

My work is really about guiding people down a “healthier path,” whether that’s for a thriving business or a flourishing individual. At Tulum Wellness Spa, I’m at the helm, ensuring we provide exceptional, transformative experiences and bespoke treatment plans. This extends to helping individuals create personalized home regimens for skincare and holistic body wellness, blending the serene wisdom inspired by Tulum’s ethos with practical application.

Then, as The Spa Coach, my focus shifts to the business side of the medspa industry. I serve as a business coach and consultant, providing a practical, actionable framework for these specialized businesses. I help them cultivate truly nourishing and effective environments for both their clients seeking aesthetic and wellness treatments, and for their dedicated teams. It’s about taking the profound insights of mindful living and grounding them in tangible business strategies for a rapidly evolving sector.

What I find most electrifying is witnessing that “aha!” moment – whether it’s a medspa optimizing its operations to truly flourish, or an individual discovering a skincare regimen that brings them confidence and calm. It’s about cultivating lasting well-being from the inside out, creating a ripple effect of positivity where businesses thrive and individuals feel empowered.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s rooted in authenticity and a deep belief in potential. It’s not about quick fixes, but about fostering sustainable growth and genuine well-being.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

First, tuning into people. Not just hearing, but *really* learning what’s at the core. That outsider perspective early on? It forced me to become a keen observer.

Second, plotting the course, but staying nimble. A word that has been on repeat since 2015 is “pivot”, if you don’t know when to change course, or are afraid to, don’t start a business!

Third, talking straight, with a bit of nerve. I’ll credit this to my Chicago fam. Being able to say what needs to be said, and sometimes shaking things up a little, has been huge. When you find your voice don’t be afraid to use it, we’re meant to communicate and share what we know.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m particularly keen to connect with folks who are passionate about wellness, especially those exploring innovative approaches in the spa and holistic health space. If you’re building a groundbreaking wellness product or service, or perhaps curating unique wellness experiences, let’s talk!

Beyond that, I have a obsession for food and beverage adventures. I love exploring Houston’s incredible and ever expanding food scene and craft cocktails, while also finding more and more healthy options developing. There’s a profound connection between what we consume and how we feel, and I love exploring that intersection.

And of course, I’m deeply engaged in startup conversations. If you’re an entrepreneur with a bold vision, especially within the wellness, lifestyle, or consumer goods sectors, I’d love to swap war stories and brainstorm future possibilities. I appreciate the grit and innovation it takes to bring something new into the world.

Finally, I have a keen eye for design and style. If you’re an artist, designer, or creator focused on aesthetics that inspire well-being and elevate daily life, I’m always open to exploring how our visions might align.

How to Connect

If any of this resonates with you, or if you simply have an intriguing idea you think I should know about, the best way to reach me is through Instagram https://www.instagram.com/karena_zolner_
I don’t post a lot, or receive notifications (work life balance, ya know?), but I do check it often.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Tasha Gorel

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.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your