Greater Wellness Holistics: How I Turned a COVID-Era Wake-Up Call Into a Community That Feels Like Home

Before I jump in — I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Heather, the owner of Stuff Marketplace, for being kind enough to feature me on her blog.

I met Heather through another show she was doing, and I knew I wanted her as a vendor at one of my events right away. From the start, we just hit it off. She’s one of those people who is genuinely authentic — the kind of person who adds value to any room she walks into without even trying. I’m truly grateful to have her in my village and in the vision I’m building, and I’m honored to share my story here with her community.

Hi, I’m Liz — and by day, I’m a full-time MRI technologist.

Greater Wellness Holistics didn’t start as a business idea on a vision board. It started as a very real thought I had during COVID, when I watched people lose their jobs — not because they weren’t talented or hardworking, but because of changing requirements and the reality of being labeled “essential” or “non-essential.” I saw people laid off because they weren’t considered essential, and I saw others pushed out over personal vaccine requirements.

I remember thinking:

I need a backup — but it can’t just be a backup. It has to be purpose-driven. Something that fuels me.

At the same time, I was thinking about something else nonstop: immunity, resilience, and prevention. I wanted to keep my body strong, my mind steady, and my life aligned with wellness — not fear. And I’ve always loved the health and wellness field, even long before it was trendy.

So I started digging deeper.

My “Aha” Moments: Wellness From the Inside Out

My journey into holistic wellness began with simple, powerful tools that genuinely shifted me:

    •    Meditation

    •    Affirmations

    •    Herbs and herbal medicine

Those practices reminded me that wellness isn’t just about what you avoid — it’s about what you build: a foundation, a mindset, a way of living that supports you.

And that’s where my bigger vision began.

Why I Started Greater Wellness Holistics

I founded Greater Wellness Holistics in 2023 because I wanted to create a space that felt different than anything else.

I wanted to build a transformative experience — where people could show up as they are and learn about cutting-edge, natural wellness tools in real life, face-to-face, in community.

Because I kept seeing the same thing: so many people are doing “fine” on the outside… but inside they’re dealing with:

    •    Burnout

    •    Fatigue

    •    Gut issues

    •    Hormone imbalances

And I wanted them to leave my events with something real.

Not just a tote bag.

Not just information overload.

But inspiration to elevate their wellness and their mindset — with hope, practical tools, and community relationships that last.

The Greater Wellness Holistic Expo: More Than a Vendor Event

My flagship event is the Greater Wellness Holistic Expo, and I always say this:

It’s not just an event — it’s an experience.

What makes it different is that it’s built for people who want to explore wellness hands-on. We create an atmosphere that feels welcoming, family-friendly, and energizing — with things like:

    •    Resources on site to support Greater Wellness in real ways

    •    Samples and opportunities to try different wellness tools

    •    A FREE kids corner so parents can breathe while kids play

    •    Workshops and guest speakers so attendees can learn and engage

    •    Photo opportunities and interactive elements that make it memorable

    •    A true family atmosphere

    •    And free giveaways, because giving back is part of the culture we’re building

I want people to walk in and feel like they’re stepping into a space where healing, growth, and community are normal.

“Wander Through Wellness”: The Immersive Vision I’m Growing Into

One of my favorite directions we’re moving in is creating more immersive, themed experiences — like Wander Through Wellness, with an Alice-in-Wonderland-inspired feel.

Not because it’s about being “cute.”

But because when life is heavy, people need spaces that feel magical, light, safe, and full of possibility — while still offering real tools, real education, and real connection.

The theme is the doorway.

The transformation is the point.

Vendors Aren’t “Booths” to Me — They’re the Heart of This

One of the most important parts of Greater Wellness Holistics is my commitment to small business owners.

I don’t want vendors to feel like they’re just paying for a space and hoping for the best.

My goal is for every vendor to feel seen, supported, and celebrated — and for attendees to truly understand what each business offers.

That’s why we support vendors through things like:

    •    Vendor spotlights

    •    Blog posts

    •    Hashtags and promotional content

    •    And ongoing community support that doesn’t end when the event ends

If I had to sum up my vendor promise in one line, it would be:

Come as you are — and let’s build a community for life.

Because this isn’t transactional to me. This is a movement — and vendors are a huge part of how the movement spreads.

Greater Together: My Monthly Networking Meetups

I also host Greater Together, my monthly networking meetups for business owners.

I genuinely love networking — but not the awkward, salesy kind.

I love real connection. The kind where business owners leave feeling inspired, supported, and more confident because they finally met people who get it.

One of my favorite moments is when business owners tell me how much value they got from simply having a shared space to connect — and how grateful they are that someone created the room for it.

That’s what I’m building: connection that creates momentum.

What I’m Building Next: Sponsorship Growth, Retreats, and Masterminds

Right now, I’m in an era I keep calling “guiding a village.”

Because I don’t just want people to attend an event and go back to life unchanged.

I want them to elevate their lives from within — to build a healthy foundation and create success in anything they pursue.

In the next 12 months, I’m focused on:

    •    Sponsorship growth to make the events even more incredible and community-focused

    •    Building out retreat experiences

    •    Hosting mastermind meetings that truly help vendors and business owners grow and excel in any venture they pursue

I’ve always believed that if you follow your passion, the money will come.

But what I’m building is bigger than money.

It’s a community-driven wellness and success movement — and it only works because I have an amazing support system of family and friends, plus the most incredible vendors and community members who spread the word and help bring it to life.

Without them, none of this would be possible.

And I never take that for granted.

⸻

How to Connect With Me (Attendees / Vendors / Business Owners)

    •    Attendees: Come experience the Greater Wellness Holistic Expo and leave with hope, tools, and real connections.

→ Learn more: www.greaterwellnessholistics.com

    •    Vendors & Sponsors: Be seen, supported, and part of a community that promotes you beyond the event.

→ Get involved: www.greaterwellnessholistics.com

    •    Business Owners: Join Greater Together monthly meetups and grow with people who get it.

→ Join the community: Greater Wellness Holistics (FB/IG)

Follow along on Facebook & Instagram: Greater Wellness Holistics

Website: www.greaterwellnessholistics.com

Huge thank you again to Heather of Stuff Marketplace for sharing my story — I’m grateful to have her in my village, and I hope you’ll go support her too, because she truly brings authenticity, heart, and value to everything she does.