We had the good fortune of connecting with Elaine Morrison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elaine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I never set out to build a wellness brand but I had an idea that I just couldn’t get out of my mind. As a certified Pilates instructor, the journey that would completely transform my relationship to wellness and beauty began in 2013 when seemingly out of now where my health took a complete nosedive and I built it back up from within. I was burning the candle at both ends working six days a week teaching and managing two Pilates studios for a private club in Los Angeles. My symptoms began with a new pair of pants that wouldn’t zip up, even though nothing about my diet or fitness had changed.

Next came the fatigue that wouldn’t go away even after ten hours of sleep. My skin lost its glow, becoming dry and lackluster and I developed Guttate psoriasis from my scalp to my ankles. Then, a chilling question from my hairstylist: “What’s going on with your hair? It’s breaking and falling out.” Desperate for answers I read Sara Gottfried’s “The Hormone Cure” and the lightbulb went on when she described my exact symptoms and their cause: a thyroid autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s. I started reading everything I could get my hands on about reversing autoimmunity through diet, and even though this was not the route endorsed by my doctors, I had nothing to lose. I began an autoimmune Paleo diet — first eliminating gluten, dairy, and grains, then slowly adding fish to my repertoire after 24 years as a vegetarian and vegan. Collagen came up again and again as an important supplement for hair, skin, and nails so I added that in too. Within a matter of months, my labs had so drastically improved that the Hashimoto’s was completely reversed. All psoriasis faded away, and to my delight and extreme relief, my hairstylist informed me that small baby hairs had started to fill back in. Coming out on the other side of this experience left me with an unshakeable belief in the profound interconnectedness of health and beauty. And so I launched Elaine Wellness with collagen, not only because it played such an important role in my healing, but because it serves as a potent reminder that small changes in our diet can be completely life-changing.

Changing the narrative for women around beauty and aging is my passion. Radiant beauty is an inside job and aging is a privilege. The diet and beauty industries have shamed women for long enough and I believe there’s a better way to talk about aging. I’ve created a company that sells high-quality products to help women look and feel their best from the inside out. There’s so much opportunity to create community and conversation around beauty, health, wellness, and aging that has a positive, inclusive message. Very few companies are speaking to women 45+ and I’m here to fill that void. I’m building a community of women to have conversations around what it means to age well.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m proud to offer high-quality powdered collagen supplements. What sets me apart from my competitors is the quality. My entire product is sourced from here in the USA which helps to lessen the carbon footprint. I’m also able to print and package the product here in Southern California which supports local businesses. Most important is the overwhelming feedback from the reviews and testimonials about how well it dissolves, the lack of taste or smell and the results customers are experiencing. Tenacity and determination have gotten me to where I am business-wise. Entrepreneurship is portrayed in a very glamorous way on social media. The reality is it’s a lot of hard work and wearing many different hats. It’s the highest highs and the lowest lows. Knowing my “why” is what keeps me going. I have to keep that top of mind when I want to quit and give up. I also think having my tribe of fellow women entrepreneurs keeps me grounded when life throws curve balls.

My biggest lesson is to always listen to my intuition. In the early days, I would listen to experts and consultant’s advice even when it went against my gut instinct. I’ve learned my intuition doesn’t lie and when I’m in doubt it means it’s time to be still and really tap into what I’m being guided to do. I want the world and women, in particular, to know that you’re meant to live in a body that looks and feels its best. If I can overcome two autoimmune disorders so can you. Keep digging and searching for answers. Symptoms are signs that something is out of balance in the body. My brand Elaine Wellness is a community of women that know radiant beauty begins within and that aging is a privilege. I’m here to support you in looking and feeling your best.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Gosh, I dream of having a girl’s weekend given we’ve been staying at home for the past year. I love going to Shutter’s Hotel and having champagne and appetizers on the balcony of the living room. Sitting overlooking the ocean and catching up with a dear friend is the perfect tonic to chase away the stresses of life. In the winter months, I love sitting on their big couches by the fireplace and having a long conversation. I love to enjoy the beautiful weather here in LA so it would have to include a hike in the Santa Monica mountains – Westridge trail or Will Rogers Park. I’m a pilates instructor so we might take in a reformer class or TRX class at Mighty Pilates. I love grabbing coffee at the Larder at Tavern in Brentwood. Dinner at Bottlefish since they have so many great fish options and delicious sides and a beautiful setting to enjoy it in.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m proud to offer high-quality powdered collagen supplements. What sets me apart from my competitors is the quality. My entire product is sourced from here in the USA which helps to lessen the carbon footprint. I’m also able to print and package the product here in Southern California which supports local businesses. Most important is the overwhelming feedback from the reviews and testimonials about how well it dissolves, the lack of taste or smell and the results customers are experiencing. Tenacity and determination have gotten me to where I am business-wise. Entrepreneurship is portrayed in a very glamorous way on social media. The reality is it’s a lot of hard work and wearing many different hats. It’s the highest highs and the lowest lows. Knowing my “why” is what keeps me going. I have to keep that top of mind when I want to quit and give up. I also think having my tribe of fellow women entrepreneurs keeps me grounded when life throws curve balls.

My biggest lesson is to always listen to my intuition. In the early days, I would listen to experts and consultant’s advice even when it went against my gut instinct. I’ve learned my intuition doesn’t lie and when I’m in doubt it means it’s time to be still and really tap into what I’m being guided to do. I want the world and women, in particular, to know that you’re meant to live in a body that looks and feels its best. If I can overcome two autoimmune disorders so can you. Keep digging and searching for answers. Symptoms are signs that something is out of balance in the body. My brand Elaine Wellness is a community of women that know radiant beauty begins within and that aging is a privilege. I’m here to support you in looking and feeling your best.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Gosh, I dream of having a girl’s weekend given we’ve been staying at home for the past year. I love going to Shutter’s Hotel and having champagne and appetizers on the balcony of the living room. Sitting overlooking the ocean and catching up with a dear friend is the perfect tonic to chase away the stresses of life. In the winter months, I love sitting on their big couches by the fireplace and having a long conversation. I love to enjoy the beautiful weather here in LA so it would have to include a hike in the Santa Monica mountains – Westridge trail or Will Rogers Park. I’m a pilates instructor so we might take in a class reformer or TRX class at Mighty Pilates. I love grabbing coffee at the Larder at Tavern in Brentwood. Dinner at Bottlefish since they have so many great fish options and delicious sides and a beautiful setting to enjoy it in.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Shoutout goes to all the female entrepreneurs that I’ve met in the past two years. I’ve met women through direct message on Instagram as well as in mastermind programs. They inspire me, lift me up, support me and share their knowledge and resources. One of the greatest investments I’ve made is in opportunities for learning and growth with other women. Women are wired for community and collaboration and I’ve seen incredible opportunities come to fruition. We go farther together. I’ve had women broaden my network by introducing me to their friends and contacts. Collaborations and podcast interviews have come my way through these connections. I’ve found freelancers and many resources through these women. Find your tribe and see how far you can expand and grow.

https://shoutoutla.com/meet-elaine-morrison-founder-of-elaine-wellness/