Today we’d like to introduce you to Magdalena Holzmueller.
Hi Magdalena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My goal is to grow a thriving wellness business, putting families and communities first in the Tampa Bay Area.
After years of working in a fast-paced corporate role, I realized my health, family, and overall sense of well-being had taken a backseat to the demands of my job. I spent countless hours commuting, sitting in meetings, and preparing unnecessary presentations while my daughter’s needs and my own well-being went unmet. I was giving everything to a job that allowed me just two hours a day with my daughter without much recognition and gratitude. I wanted to be the kind of mother who was present and engaged—not just a figure passing in and out of the house.
Then came a period of family health challenges, where both I and my daughter were facing issues that pushed me to reflect on my lifestyle. I looked at what we were eating, how I was spending my days, and what I was sacrificing, as there’s always a trade-off for everything. I realized something had to change. I finally realized that I must regain control over my family’s health and happiness and pursue a deeper passion I have had for years: living a balanced, health-conscious life and helping others do the same.
Looking back, I recall that my interest in wellness and nutrition wasn’t new. Even during my corporate years, I found myself giving informal advice on how to eat healthier (yes, you can eat a vegan and gluten-free cheese pizza, and it tastes delicious), teaching yoga to internal employees, sharing tips for staying balanced and helping coworkers find ways to manage stress. It was a passion I carried with me, but I never thought it could be a career. But in the face of health struggles and my desire for more time with my daughter, I took a leap of faith—leaving behind the security of a corporate paycheck and benefits to pursue a life of purpose and well-being.
I enrolled in the renowned Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, earning my certification as a Holistic Health Coach after one year. I am also about to become a certified Herbalist. I want to integrate as many natural methods as possible that allow the body to heal without unnecessary chemicals. I knew I had to do it right if I wanted to make a difference. I needed the best education, and I am dedicated to lifelong learning to support others in a way that is holistic, sustainable, and genuinely helpful. Now, a few months after making the switch from corporate to self-employment in the health and wellness industry and a big move from Boston to St. Petersburg, in order to establish a new lifestyle myself, I am grateful for the choices I made. This has been one of the most important decisions of my life. It’s changed everything—for me, for my daughter, and for my community.
Since starting my business, my relationship with my daughter has flourished. We enjoy home-cooked, nutrient-dense, and convenient (yes, it is possible) meals together and spend quality time, particularly outdoors enjoying the wonderful weather and nature in our new area of choice. Our health has improved; we’re both so much more present with each other. And while I have to admit I am not making as much as I did in the corporate world, I found something far more valuable than money: a job with purpose and more time for myself and my daughter. Supporting people to create healthy lifestyles—helping them bring their lives back to balance—is what matters most.
Today, my wellness business is the place to go for those seeking long-term balance and well-being in their own lives. I offer one-on-one health coaching services, helping clients develop sustainable, healthy habits that align with their needs and goals. My coaching style is rooted in listening and providing guidance and support, creating an approach that my clients feel is both refreshing and empowering. I have also expanded my yoga offerings beyond corporate clients to private sessions, where individuals can enjoy a personal-trainer-like experience tailored to their specific needs, free from distractions and from a location of their choice.
Beyond yoga and individual coaching, I am also reaching out to the Tampa Bay community with a unique vision: I am collaborating with local Tampa Bay hotels to host yoga retreats specifically designed for parents. These weekend retreats give parents a chance to renew, recharge, and invest in their own health and well-being. I am really passionate about the impact this can have on families and communities. When parents feel balanced and healthy, that energy trickles down to their kids. I’m not just here to help people eat healthier; I’m here to help them live better, fuller lives and raise a healthy generation of kids free from any chronic diseases later in life – that’s my ultimate purpose.
I see my work as part of a larger mission: to educate as many people as possible—especially parents—on how to live healthily without feeling overwhelmed. A healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. With small, sustainable changes, people can give their bodies the rest and rejuvenation they need. And when children grow up in these environments, they’re more equipped to make healthier choices as they age.
Looking back, I am so grateful for my journey and the risks I took. I’m proud to be an advocate for healthier living in our community, especially when I think about the difference this makes for future generations. Preventing chronic diseases and creating a healthier generation starts with us—right here, right now.
Through my business, I am not only redefining my life but also inspiring others to embrace a path toward balance and wellness. Helping people transform their lives, being a support for those who want to return to balance—that’s what I’m here for. It’s the most fulfilling work I could ever imagine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
By all means, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all—and yes, I still struggle. Choosing the entrepreneurial path comes with serious challenges. The financial risk alone is huge, and it often takes months or even years to reach a point where you can make a sustainable living. I knew going into this that I would face financial ups and downs, so I prepared myself mentally and financially for that reality. But no amount of planning can take away the daily uncertainties, the constant need to put yourself out there, and the long hours spent establishing yourself in a competitive market.
One of the biggest hurdles has been pushing through my own limiting beliefs. Taking on the role of an entrepreneur means confronting fears and anxieties, particularly around finances and stability. There’s always a whisper of doubt when things get tough, but I’ve had to learn how to silence that voice and keep going. The mission I’m on—a quest to help others find balance, health, and purpose—gives me the strength to persist. It’s become bigger than any worry or obstacle I face.
The journey is ongoing, and I’m still working through these challenges. But as hard as it gets, I’m driven by the impact I’m making and the lives I’m able to touch. That mission is what fuels me forward every day, regardless of how bumpy the road may be.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mindful and Alive is dedicated to holistic health and well-being, embracing a truly comprehensive approach to help clients transform their lifestyles. Each service is personalized to meet my clients’ unique needs, addressing all pillars of wellness, from physical health to mental and emotional balance. My goal is to guide individuals—and especially parents and families—toward sustainable, lasting changes that improve their overall quality of life.
One of my flagship offerings is the Mind&Body Coaching Program, a three-month program crafted specifically with parents and families in mind. In this coaching journey, I work with clients to form healthy habits and overcome the typical challenges of building a balanced lifestyle. Our sessions dive into essential wellness areas, including nutrition, self-care, sleep, and stress management, giving clients the time and support they need to make lasting changes. Two principles anchor my work: bio-individuality, which recognizes each person’s unique needs, and multidimensional health, which views well-being as interconnected across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual facets. Through this approach, I help clients uncover root causes, find answers within themselves, and achieve their wellness goals sustainably. For those curious about what holistic health coaching can offer, I provide a free health consultation designed to explore clients’ goals and identify lifestyle changes needed to reach their wellness vision.
In addition to coaching, I also specialize in 1:1 and group slow-flow yoga classes, perfect for beginners and anyone looking to build mindfulness and relaxation into their daily lives. My classes incorporate guided mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques, helping clients reconnect with themselves, release stress, and cultivate inner peace. I also provide personalized feedback on alignment and, where appropriate, hands-on adjustments to deepen practice and support individual progress. Because I’m a firm believer in the healing power of nature, I often host classes outdoors in the scenic settings around Tampa Bay—whether it’s at a beach, in a park, or even on a rooftop. This natural backdrop enhances relaxation and the overall wellness experience in a unique way.
Two additional services are coming soon that will expand my offerings in exciting ways. First, I am collaborating with the YMCA in Boston and St.Petersburg to offer an Integrated Wellness Program with a personal trainer. This three-month program for YMCA community members combines fitness, nutritional guidance, and mental wellness activities for a comprehensive path to health and well-being. Our goal is to empower participants with individualized fitness and nutrition plans, mental wellness support, and other resources, creating a holistic and sustainable approach to health. This partnership is a wonderful way to serve the community and support the whole person.
Lastly, I’m working with local hotels to launch weekend wellness retreats designed specifically for parents. These retreats will offer a sanctuary for those needing time to rest, rejuvenate, and restore. The weekends will include yoga and mindfulness sessions, outdoor activities, nutritious cooking classes, and nourishing meals alongside spa treatments, all aimed at helping parents recharge and reconnect with themselves.
Mindful and Alive is here to make wellness accessible, sustainable, and impactful. Whether through individualized coaching, yoga sessions, or wellness retreats, my mission is to guide people toward healthier, more balanced lives—so they can thrive and inspire their families to do the same.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and building a network can be incredibly valuable in any business. My biggest advice is to approach networking with a genuine desire to connect and learn rather than solely for personal gain. Authenticity is key—people can sense when you’re interested in them as individuals, and this makes a big difference in the kind of connections you’ll build.
To find a mentor, I recommend starting by identifying people whose work you admire or who are thriving in areas in which you want to grow. Reach out with curiosity and respect for their journey, perhaps asking for a short chat or coffee to hear their story.
I’ve found that staying involved in community activities helps to get to know people in your community—whether through volunteer work or joining local organizations and communities like the YMCA, in my case, where I can be surrounded by people who share my passion for wellness and community impact.
Remember, networking is about giving as much as receiving. Offer support, share resources, and always express gratitude when someone takes the time to guide you. It’s these gestures that build a strong, mutually beneficial network and can open doors to valuable mentorships that enrich your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindfulandalive.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulliving_withlena/
