Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisol Starr.
Hi Marisol, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to founding Starr Wellness Collective (SWC) began with a deep personal conviction and a growing concern for the health and well-being of our youth. With a background in health and wellness, I spent 11 years working with clients on fitness and nutrition goals in a boutique fitness facility my husband and I founded and led, called Starr.Fit. However, I always felt something was missing in the broader picture of sustainable transformation. That’s what led me to create SWC, envisioning a space that merged education, empowerment, and real community—where teens, young adults, and their families could build lifelong healthy habits.
The spark for SWC ignited from recognizing a critical need: the alarming statistics on youth obesity, coupled with rising rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents, highlighted an urgent crisis. I envisioned a program that would go beyond traditional sports or gym memberships, one that would truly empower young people with lifelong health management tools.
SWC officially launched out of a desire to bridge the gap between what’s taught in traditional healthcare and what people actually need day-to-day: real tools, hands-on learning, and a strong support system. It started small, with local workshops and classes, but the need and interest grew quickly. From offering seasonal programs and wellness challenges to now developing full-scale curriculum for schools, churches, businesses, and individuals, we’ve built something that’s both scalable and deeply personal.
Starting SWC involved a lot of grassroots effort, building a dedicated team of certified professionals, and forging partnerships with local boutique fitness studios. It was about creating a supportive and encouraging environment where teens could feel safe to explore fitness, learn about balanced nutrition, and develop mental fortitude.
Today, SWC has grown into a proven 6-week Summer Program that has made a profound impact. We’ve successfully expanded our reach, even piloting a multi-location model this past summer, allowing us to serve more teens across Lake County. We pride ourselves on delivering a comprehensive experience that integrates high-intensity functional training, hands-on nutrition/wellness education, and vital mental resilience workshops. Our goal is to equip the next generation with the confidence, knowledge, and habits to navigate life’s challenges and thrive, creating a more vibrant and healthier community for all.
I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but more importantly, I’m inspired by what lies ahead. Every step has been driven by our belief that wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that lasting change comes from education, consistency, and community.
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?
The road to building SWC has certainly been rewarding, but it hasn’t been without its significant challenges. Our primary struggle has consistently been securing sufficient funding to make our comprehensive programs accessible to every teen and family who needs them.
Our vision is to provide this transformative health and wellness education at a lower cost, and ideally, to offer full scholarships to families in our community who face financial barriers. The reality is that delivering high-quality, hands-on fitness, nutrition, and mental resilience programs requires significant resources – from certified coaches and licensed social workers to facility partnerships, equipment, and healthy snacks. Bridging this gap between program costs and what families can afford, especially for at-risk youth who stand to benefit the most, remains our biggest hurdle. It’s a constant effort to demonstrate the profound long-term impact of preventative wellness, but it’s a challenge we are passionately committed to overcoming to ensure our programs reach those who need them most.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Starr Wellness Collective (SWC) is a non-profit organization passionately dedicated to empowering teens and young adults with the essential tools for lifelong health and well-being. We specialize in delivering a comprehensive, 6-week Summer Program that uniquely integrates high-intensity functional fitness, hands-on nutrition education, and vital mental resilience workshops. We are known for our holistic approach, addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health, particularly for at-risk youth in Lake County, Florida.
What truly sets SWC apart is our commitment to practical, sustainable transformation within a supportive community. Unlike traditional programs that might focus solely on physical activity, we delve deep into why and how to live healthier lives. Our hands-on nutrition modules, for instance, go beyond theory, making healthy eating tangible and enjoyable. The mental resilience workshops, led by licensed clinical social workers, equip teens with coping mechanisms and emotional strength, which is increasingly critical in today’s world. We also pride ourselves on our strategic partnerships with local boutique fitness studios, providing our participants with diverse, high-quality training environments they might not otherwise access.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the tangible, positive transformations we witness in our teens. Seeing their confidence grow, their physical capabilities improve, and their understanding of self-care deepen is incredibly fulfilling. Our brand is built on empowerment, community, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.
We want your readers to know that SWC is more than just a summer camp; it’s a foundational experience. We are directly confronting the alarming trends of youth obesity, anxiety, and depression by providing a proven, impactful solution. Our services equip the next generation with the confidence, knowledge, and habits to navigate life’s challenges, make informed choices, and cultivate a vibrant, healthy future. We’re building a community of resilient, healthy individuals who are prepared to lead and inspire.
Below is the 6-week curriculum:
PREP WEEK ~ InBody and Hydration: The week prior to the summer program starting we teach the participant how to read the InBody results and how to use the data to calculate proper hydration protocols.
WEEK 1 ~ Macronutrients, Hydration and Energy Balance: On the 1st official week of the summer program we focus on teaching the the participants about the essential macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats), the importance of hydration, and how they can balance their energy for optimal health.
WEEK 2 ~ Whole Foods, Lean Proteins, Fiber, Sodium, Sugars, Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains, Good Fatty Acids: On week 2, we dive into the world of whole foods and we teach the participants how to build balanced meals with quality ingredients that fuel their body.
WEEK 3 ~ Meal Timing, Planning, Food Labels, Grocery Shopping, and Pantry Organization: On week 3, we teach the participant how to master the art of meal timing and planning, how to read food labels, how to organize their pantry to support their nutrition goals and how to grocery shop.
WEEK 4 ~ Exercise & Sleep Optimization: On week 4, we teach the participant the critical role sleep plays in recovery, weight management, and overall well-being, with tips on how to optimize their sleep. We also teach them the importance of exercise.
WEEK 5 ~ Managing Stress: They learn strategies to manage stress effectively and understand how stress impacts their health, nutrition, and fitness progress through a 3-par “Building Mental Resilience” workshop led by Clinical Social Workers.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Equally, my heart swells when a teen approaches me, beaming, to show a picture on their phone of a healthy, balanced meal they cooked at home the night before. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the conscious choice, the application of knowledge, and the pride they take in nourishing their bodies. These moments signify that our lessons are truly resonating and extending beyond our sessions into their daily lives and families.
Beyond these individual moments, I’m incredibly moved by the profound impact on their futures. It makes me incredibly happy when we help a teen pass the Marine Corps fitness test after they had failed multiple times, seeing our program condition them for success, and now they’re proudly serving their second year as a U.S. Marine. Or, when a 14-year-old diagnosed with pre-diabetes (a condition affecting 1 in 3 teens in America), whose doctor advised her to lose 40 pounds of excess body fat, goes through our program and loses 6 pounds – that’s a significant start and a testament to the healthy habits she’s building. And there’s nothing quite like a teen coming up to me after a tough workout and telling me they feel truly empowered.
Beyond the program itself, I find immense satisfaction in mentoring our interns that help us execute on our program. Being able to help them with their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and teaching them how to navigate the corporate job world, brings me great joy. Seeing their excitement and appreciation for the time invested in their professional development is incredibly rewarding.
These instances, whether it’s a physical breakthrough, a mindful nutritional choice, empowering the next generation of professionals, setting a teen on a path to a healthier future or military service, or simply hearing that they feel empowered, are powerful indicators that we’re not just running a program; we’re cultivating lifelong healthy habits and empowering a generation to take ownership of their well-being and their futures. That’s what makes all the effort worthwhile.
Pricing:
- Summer Program $250.00
- Youth Nutrition/Wellness Masterclass ~ FREE
- Parents Nutrition/Wellness Masterclass $99.00
- Family Nutrition/Wellness Coaching $99/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joinswc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starrwellnessco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starrwellnessco
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starrwellnessco/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoinSWC
