Getting into a Career in the Wellness Space

I have to say that one of the most common questions I get asked is how I got to the place that I have a career in the wellness space, and it’s never a short answer, so I figured I would write it all out and also give my tips and tricks on how to get here! There will also be a part two to this too, so stay tuned! 

My Career History 

Taking it way back when I was around 17, I was at an event for my dad’s work at the White Sox Game, where his company had arranged for him to throw the opening pitch of the game. I was able to speak with the lady who coordinated the whole thing and her title was ‘Corporate Event Planner.’ I never knew that this could be a JOB and I thought wow, how FUN!

PS: I say FUN a bit mockingly, TBH. I can’t tell you the number of times someone tells me “your job looks so FUN!” and of course it is, it’s amazing but it’s also freaking HARD! It takes a lot of hard work and consistency. At the end of the day, anything you choose to do that is your true passion and love will be fun, but it will also always take hard work too!

Since then, I decided that I would go to school for Communication Studies (they didn’t have hospitality programs developed just yet) and pursue my dreams of becoming an event planner. I always enjoyed the details of making events over the top and extra special and would always volunteer to be on the board for every sorority dance to help plan the whole thing.

Once I graduated, I eventually landed a job as a sales and marketing coordinator in a hotel and quickly learned that wasn’t for me. It was a bit too boring for me to plan something in the same venue every single time. I’m a gemini after all! Eventually I moved to San Diego and started working at an Event Production company where I planned everything from Luxury Car Shows to Street Festivals and did the PR for it all too, including being interviewed on the news to promote these events!

Shortly after, I realized I wanted events that had a bit higher of a budget: enter corporate event planning. A majority of my career was spent in this space between two Destination Management Companies (DMC.) A DMC handles everything for corporate clients from the time they touch the ground in a destination – transportation, activities, hotel sourcing, evening event planning, etc. You name it, we did it! This was a THRILL for me. I was on the creative side so I put together the proposals that would sell clients on amazing sales or incentive programs for their team. I worked on the most insane projects ranging from 1,000 person events to car launches to a single night $3M affair! Needless to say, I learned A LOT from these jobs.

Enter Career in Wellness

While working at my last job, I suddenly stumbled upon an Instagram account that really intrigued me. It was a company that was hosting events in NYC all centered around wellness with health influencers. AKA: HelloWellness. One day I was watching IG stories and saw that they were looking for an Ambassador for Chicago. The requirements were being interested in wellness and having experience planning events – literally both my bread and butter!

I had a few calls and we eventually decided that I would launch the first ever event in Chicago, which happened to be a baking event with Monique from @AmbitiousKitchen. And it was exhilarating!! After a few more events in Chicago and come Summer, I had made the decision to move to LA with Nick and had to let Sarah and Jenna know that I would be moving. 

This prompted them to ask me if I would be interested in a more permanent position within the company as Director of Events. Sometimes you just vibe with people instantly, and Sarah, Jenna and I did just that. It was the perfect fit and the right time for me to make the move to a startup environment, when I had a ton of experience under my belt. I was feeling a bit uninspired at my job if I’m being honest, and I was ready for a challenge. I’ve now been at HelloWellness full-time for just about a year and a half! 

Top Tips for Getting into the Wellness Space

Now if you notice, a key thing I mentioned above is that I was ready to enter a startup environment in the industry I was so passionate about AFTER I got a ton of experience under my belt. Here’s why I think that’s important:

• Learn Time Management: In a startup (which a lot of wellness companies are), you may not have an office, we don’t in LA. I had experience working from home and had always worked on deadlines. I have never missed a deadline, ever. I’m able to effectively manage my time on my own. 
• Take Advantage of Being in a Structured Environment: A little humble brag here, but I’ve been able to get really good at what I do from an event perspective. Why? Because I have experience. Because I’ve worked under some of the most skilled people in this field and have learned an immense amount from them to get where I’m at today. I’m so glad that I didn’t start out in a startup because I was able to work alongside so many people that were specialized in decor, operations, business management, contracts, accounting, etc. 
• Build Up Your Skills: This is my TOP TIP! No matter where your passion is whether that be marketing, sales, accounting, creative, HR, etc. – every single industry needs every one of these departments. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land a marketing job at your dream company early on in your career. Having a diverse background and gaining the experience will allow you to be able to be versatile in switching companies when you’re ready. 
• Details Matter: If there is one thing I can say in the event planning career is that DETAILS MATTER! From going to extra mile to having things look presentable to sending a handwritten thank you note, the little things go a long way. Never forget that! 
• Network & Get Out There!: If I had never messaged HelloWellness and got out of my comfort zone, my career could’ve looked a lot different. Whenever there is a wellness event in your area, figure out how to get in touch with the organizer and volunteer to help run it. There are always hands needed and you never know who you will meet while you’re there! 

I hope this was helpful for you! Remember you can achieve ANYTHING you put your mind to. In this day and age, there is an online course for just about anything you want to develop your skills in. Get out there and follow your dreams! 

If you’re still wanting more career inspo, check out this post where I interviewed the CEO of one of the top bicoastal event production companies in the game, AGEN-C!

Get after it girlfriend!

xx

Alysia (Purely) Pope