In the whirlwind of managing a growing business, it’s easy to let personal health fall by the wayside. Yet, it is not only possible but essential for long-term success. Angela Zeng, founder of Karviva, understands this balance intimately. Karviva, a wellness beverage company based in St. Louis, Missouri, embodies Angela’s belief that "Food is Better Medicine™." Recently seen in one of the “top 5 wellness brands in the US that taste good as they feel” for their 6-Day Cleanse Pack, the brand’s products are inspired by the founder’s rich background in traditional Chinese medicine and modern science - which has enabled her to craft a line of functional juices and smoothies made from whole plant ingredients to nourish the body and support overall health. While the 6-Day Cleanse Pack is available online, Karviva's ACE Sport Recovery Juices can be found at H-E-B stores, providing convenient access to their health-boosting beverages.
Her journey, from earning a Ph.D. in pathology to bootstrapping Karviva, showcases her commitment to holistic health and natural nutrition. Here, Angela shares her personal strategies for balancing health and business, offering practical advice for busy professionals striving to maintain their well-being amidst their career demands.
Prioritize Self-Care
One of the first lessons Angela learned was the importance of prioritizing self-care. "When you’re leading a company, it’s easy to put yourself last," she says. "But if you’re not taking care of yourself, you can't take care of your business." Angela ensures she sets aside time each day for activities that rejuvenate her, such as yoga, meditation, or a simple walk in nature. These moments of self-care help her stay grounded and focused.
Integrate Health into Your Routine
For Angela, integrating health into her daily routine is key. Instead of seeing health as a separate task, she incorporates it into her workday. "I always keep a bottle of one of our Karviva beverages on my desk," she shares. "It’s a simple way to ensure I’m getting the nutrients I need." Angela also schedules walking meetings whenever possible. "It’s a great way to stay active and spark creativity."
Embrace Holistic Nutrition
Angela’s background in traditional Chinese medicine and modern science has shaped her approach to nutrition. She believes in the power of whole, plant-based ingredients. "Our bodies need balanced nutrition to function optimally," she explains. This belief is reflected in Karviva’s products, which are crafted to nourish and support overall health. Angela’s advice? Focus on whole foods that provide natural energy and sustenance, and avoid processed foods that can drain your vitality.
Set Boundaries
Maintaining work-life balance requires setting clear boundaries. Angela is a firm believer in this principle. "There’s always more work to be done," she acknowledges. "But it’s crucial to establish limits to prevent burnout." Angela sets specific times to start and end her workday and sticks to them. She also makes it a point to disconnect from work emails and calls during family time. "It’s important to be present in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s business or personal life."
Stay Connected to Your Passion
One of the most motivating factors for Angela is staying connected to her passion. "Karviva was born out of my love for traditional Chinese medicine and my desire to help people achieve better health," she says. Keeping this passion at the forefront helps Angela navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. She encourages professionals to find and stay connected to their ‘why’. "When you’re passionate about what you do, it becomes easier to balance the demands of work and health."
Make Time for Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more so. Angela practices mindfulness and meditation to keep her mind sharp and reduce stress. "Mindfulness helps me stay present and manage the inevitable stress that comes with running a business," she shares. Angela also advocates for seeking professional help if needed. "There’s no shame in getting support. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness."
All these years, she has been elucidating people to balancing health and business - she says, "It's is an ongoing journey that requires intention and effort." Her strategies as a founder of Karviva have been beyond promoting Karviva's products, instead, she has been focused on providing a holistic vision to her customers while offering practical and achievable steps to maintain their well-being while pursuing their career goals. By prioritizing self-care, integrating health into daily routines, setting boundaries, and staying connected to one’s passion, it’s possible to achieve a harmonious balance.
