Hello, wonderful community! As I embark on a much-anticipated mini-moon adventure with my husband (still feels wonderfully surreal!), I’ve handed over the reins of The Healthy Maven blog for the week to two truly indispensable women. You might be wondering, who are these incredible individuals? Today is the perfect opportunity to formally introduce you to Tanya and Georgia – the dynamic duo working diligently behind the scenes, ensuring everything at THM operates with precision and passion.
The Healthy Maven has evolved far beyond a one-woman show, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Over the years, many talented women have contributed their skills and dedication, and I wouldn’t be able to achieve half of what I do without their collective support. For nearly a year now, my “G&T superhumans,” Georgia and Tanya, have been instrumental in keeping THM running smoothly. More importantly, they’ve helped me reclaim a crucial sense of work-life balance, transforming my entrepreneurial journey. These two women are not just my organizers; they are my trusted assistants, my strategic masterminds, and undeniably the most valuable asset to my business. Without their unwavering commitment and brilliant contributions, THM simply wouldn’t be where it is today.
So, with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude, I invite them to take center stage. They’ll share more about their unique journeys, their vital roles within The Healthy Maven, and a glimpse into their lives. Get ready to see much more of their insightful contributions and vibrant personalities in the coming weeks, as I continue to relax and revel in my newlywed bliss (yes, it’s still delightfully strange to say!).
Hey THM Tribe! While Davida enjoys her well-deserved mini-moon, we, Georgia and Tanya, are thrilled to officially introduce ourselves. We are Davida’s right-hand women, the dedicated force working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you the content and community you love. We’re excited to share a bit more about who we are and what makes us tick!
How did you meet Davida, and what inspired your connection with The Healthy Maven?
This truly is a serendipitous story that still makes me smile! After diligently following Davida and The Healthy Maven for a considerable time, deeply resonating with her authentic voice and inspiring content, I took a leap of faith. I was contemplating starting my own business and felt a strong pull to connect with Davida, hoping to glean some of her incredible entrepreneurial advice. One day, I decided to “slide into her DMs,” as they say! Being the incredibly kind and generous soul that she is, Davida promptly set up a Skype call with me. She offered not just guidance, but genuine wisdom and encouragement, which was invaluable. It wasn’t long after that initial, incredibly inspiring “meeting” that Davida extended an offer to join her team. It was an opportunity I accepted with a resounding “YES!” in a heartbeat, knowing it was the perfect fit to blend my passions with a brand I deeply admired. It felt like a natural progression, transforming from an admiring follower to an integral part of the THM family.
What exactly does your role as Podcast Manager at THM entail?
As THM’s dedicated podcast manager, my role is incredibly dynamic and spans the entire lifecycle of each episode. It involves everything from the initial brainstorming and meticulous research to identify and pitch truly incredible, insightful guests who align with The Healthy Maven’s mission. Once we secure a guest, I handle all the scheduling logistics, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for everyone involved. Post-recording, my work continues with the crucial task of compiling comprehensive and engaging episode show notes each week. These notes are designed to provide listeners with key takeaways, relevant links, and further resources, enhancing their overall experience. Beyond the podcast, I also actively manage Davida’s presence on key social media platforms, specifically her Facebook and Pinterest accounts, strategizing content and engagement to grow our community.
Could you share a bit about your professional background and how it led you to THM?
My professional background is deeply rooted in health and nutrition. When I’m not immersed in my work for THM, I hold a full-time position as the Community Manager for a cutting-edge, NYC-based personalized nutrition start-up. My journey began with a strong academic foundation, leading me to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). I completed my rigorous dietetic internship in beautiful Portland, Oregon, where I then gained invaluable clinical experience working as an outpatient oncology dietitian. This experience instilled in me a profound understanding of the critical role nutrition plays in health and recovery, and it profoundly shaped my holistic approach to wellness. Moving to New York allowed me to expand my professional horizons and apply my expertise in new, exciting ways, eventually leading me to the collaborative and inspiring environment of The Healthy Maven.
Where do you currently call home?
I proudly call the Big Apple my home! More specifically, I live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn – a vibrant, diverse, and endlessly inspiring neighborhood that has captured my heart. It’s a place brimming with unique character, incredible food, rich culture, and an undeniable energy that I absolutely adore. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone visiting New York City to explore its charming streets and discover its many hidden gems!
What’s your absolute favorite thing about living in New York City?
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? There’s so much to love about New York City, but if I had to pinpoint one thing, it’s how profoundly it forces you to engage with the world and connect with people from all walks of life. The city is a constant tapestry of diverse experiences and perspectives. Whether I’m navigating the bustling subway, strolling through lively city streets, or attending an exhilarating concert (one of my absolute favorite activities!), I’m continuously meeting new people. This constant interaction allows me to organically grow my network of inspiring, vibrant friends and consistently pushes me out of my comfort zone in the most exhilarating and rewarding ways. It’s a city that truly fosters personal growth and an expansive worldview.
Walk us through your typical morning routine.
I am definitely an early bird – you’ll usually find me waking up around 5:00 AM most mornings! I find the quiet stillness of the early hours incredibly peaceful and productive. It’s a fantastic time to catch up on emails, dive into specific projects, or simply organize my thoughts before the rest of the world begins its daily hum. The very first thing I do after my eyes open is head straight for the coffee maker; that much-needed caffeine boost is essential for kicking off my day! I’ll then quickly wash my face. If I’m planning a workout, I’ll hit the gym next. Otherwise, I’ll prepare myself a nourishing breakfast, which is typically a comforting combination of peanut butter and banana toast or my beloved overnight oats. While enjoying my breakfast, I usually catch up on some of my favorite online publications or immerse myself in a podcast (and yes, That’s So Maven is always on the rotation, of course!). After breakfast, it’s time to get dressed, apply a touch of mascara, and then I’m out the door, ready to catch the subway for my morning commute, feeling energized and prepared for the day ahead.
What’s your all-time favorite food?
Brussels sprouts, hands down, no question. I know, that might sound a little unconventional to some, but trust me, when they’re roasted to absolute perfection with a generous sprinkle of sea salt and a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze… mmm, I am truly in heaven! The crispy edges and tender interiors are just divine. But beyond my savory obsession, I also confess to having an undeniable soft spot for anything salted caramel – cookies, ice cream, brownies, you name it, I’m a fan! And let’s not forget nut butter! Peanut, cashew, almond, pecan – I genuinely don’t discriminate. I love them all equally and consider them a pantry staple!
What’s your favorite way to stay active and move your body?
Lately, I’ve been completely captivated by strength training and weightlifting, and I am absolutely obsessed! For a long time, the weight room felt incredibly intimidating to me, a space I wasn’t sure how to navigate. However, after making the commitment to work with a knowledgeable trainer to learn proper form, key exercises, and effective techniques, my perspective completely shifted. Now, I feel incredibly empowered and confident in that space. There’s such a profound satisfaction in feeling myself getting stronger with each passing week, pushing my limits, and seeing tangible progress. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s about mental fortitude and a newfound appreciation for what my body can achieve.
How did you first connect with Davida and become a part of The Healthy Maven?
I honestly can’t pinpoint the exact moment I first heard of The Healthy Maven, but I’m fairly certain it was through following Fit Foodie Finds way back in the day. My connection with Davida actually came about through a rather bold move: I blindly emailed her! I had decided to venture into freelancing and was reaching out to a select few bloggers whose work and ethos truly resonated with me. I’ve always admired Davida’s authentic voice and the genuine, impactful space she cultivates within the wellness world. When Davida actually responded, I nearly “peed my pants” – only half kidding, of course! It felt like such a serendipitous and destined connection. The rest, as they say, is history. It’s funny because I haven’t even met Davida in person yet, but I am absolutely convinced we are soul sisters and share the same brain. Our working relationship is incredibly harmonious and intuitive.
What does your role as Operations Manager at THM involve?
My official title at The Healthy Maven is Operations Manager, and I absolutely love being the person behind the scenes, providing comprehensive support to Davida in every way she needs. My responsibilities are broad and varied, ensuring the smooth execution of THM’s strategic vision. I manage all external partnerships for The Healthy Maven, fostering collaborations that align with our brand values. I play a key role in content brainstorms and the creative process, contributing ideas and helping bring them to life. Crafting engaging newsletters that connect directly with our community is also a significant part of my work, as is assisting with basic graphic design needs. Beyond the day-to-day, I’m actively involved in planning some truly exciting things for the latter half of this year and into next year! Here’s a little hint for our eager community: it starts with “re” and ends with “treat” – so get ready for something special!
Could you describe your professional journey prior to joining THM?
My professional background is built upon a strong foundation in nutrition and dietetics. I graduated with a degree in the field, and then spent several insightful years navigating the various paths one can take with such a versatile qualification. My early career saw me working for a corporate wellness company, where I gained experience in promoting health within a corporate environment. Following that, I moved on to a nutrition start-up, which offered invaluable exposure to the dynamic and fast-paced world of new ventures. Eventually, I discovered the immense flexibility and fulfillment of freelancing, a path I absolutely love. Each step of this journey has provided me with unique skills and perspectives that I now bring to my role at The Healthy Maven, supporting its growth and mission.
Where do you reside?
Two years ago, I made the exciting leap from Minnesota, my home state, and relocated to the beautiful city of Denver, Colorado. It was a significant change, and one that I have truly embraced!
What do you love most about your current city and state?
E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.! But seriously, I am completely obsessed with Denver and Colorado as a whole. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to build the most amazing community of friends here, which makes a huge difference. I absolutely adore the majestic mountains, the fantastic climate that offers distinct seasons, the vibrant city vibes, and the thriving food scene – honestly, there isn’t much not to love about this place. If I had to pick just one favorite aspect (and it’s the primary reason it would be incredibly difficult for me to ever move back to Minnesota), it’s the sheer abundance of activities available year-round. In the summer, we’re out hiking almost every weekend, exploring breathtaking trails. Come winter, we swap our hiking boots for skis and snowboards, hitting the mountains nearly every weekend. The mountains genuinely have a powerful stronghold on my heart. Sorry, Mom!
Describe your ideal morning routine.
I’m really making a conscious effort to start my mornings slowly and intentionally these days. I admit, I used to be “that girl” who would roll over and immediately check her email and social media the moment she woke up (cue the palm-to-face emoji!). My current, more mindful routine begins by staying in bed for a bit, engaging in a tapping meditation (something I’m excited to dive into more on the blog later!). After that, I get up to wash my face, make myself a carefully prepared pour-over coffee, and then enjoy some precious snuggle time with my dog. It’s only after these grounding rituals that I finally sit down and begin my workday. This slow start has made a remarkable difference in setting a positive, calm tone for my entire day.
What’s your ultimate favorite food?
Bacon. Yes, I am absolutely dead serious. I unequivocally love bacon! It’s a bit of a running joke that I’ve inherited a certain title; my mom was once the “Pork Queen” of our small town, and I like to believe I’ve carried on that noble legacy. There’s just nothing quite like perfectly cooked, crispy bacon.
What’s your preferred way to stay active and move your body?
I definitely go through phases when it comes to my fitness routine, but my constant, unwavering favorite way to move is simply walking or hiking outdoors. There’s something so refreshing and grounding about being in nature. However, within the gym setting, I oscillate between different types of workouts. My favorite kind of yoga is Yin yoga, which focuses on deep, meditative stretches. And when it comes to weight lifting, I much prefer slow and heavy movements. You won’t catch this gal doing any fast, flailing, high-intensity workouts! I gravitate towards intentional, controlled movements that build strength and mindfulness.
Davida again! I’m taking this moment to be extra sappy and express my profound gratitude to Georgia and Tanya for all the incredibly hard work, dedication, and heart they pour into The Healthy Maven every single day. Never in a million years did I envision having the opportunity to not only build a thriving wellness brand but also to actively help support and empower other talented women in their careers. Witnessing you both blossom within THM, taking on new challenges, and continually bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, has truly become one of the most rewarding aspects of my entire entrepreneurial journey. I am deeply and genuinely grateful for every single thing you’ve been able to add to this community and business. You are both truly the best, and I cherish our collaborative spirit <3
We know you’re curious! What questions do YOU have for Georgia and Tanya? They are here and ready to answer them for you in the comments below!