Nutrition Happens. We’re not solely focused on the food around here (even though we LOVE chatting about a good meal!) – we believe nutrition happens when we’re intentional about the way we’re feeding every aspect of life: the decisions we make for our bodies, the way we take care of our minds, and the relationships we choose to invest in.
While healthy certainly looks differently on everyone, one thing we can all agree on is this: health should be a judgement-free zone. Instead of focusing on perfection, we’re actively choosing to drop the comparison game and instead, celebrate people just the way they are. Because nutrition happens with no labels – whether you’re holding a green smoothie or a maple glazed doughnut. This series intends to share the incredible minds of Chicagoans in this community who share a similar passion for living their own definition of their best lives. Here’s how these Chicago locals are all making nutrition happen:
*May’s note: Carolyn’s business, Welltended curates indoor potted plants that DELIVERS right to the front of your doorstep (I KNOW!). I love supporting locals because small businesses reminds me of the work ethic and passion that goes into running your own brand (my parents are small business owners!) And everything about Welltended speaks to me on another level: as someone who’s always browsing for her next house plant but a) lives in the city b) does not own a car c) does not want walk a fiddle fig leaf tree 2-3 miles back to her apartment d) also does not want to call an Uber/Lyft to take said fiddle fig leaf tree home and break all the branches in the process e) couldn’t for the life of her keep up with plant maintenance in the past Welltended comes in to solve all of my plant mom status problems in one day. Worried about being a bad plant parent? Welltended offers on – demand support for ALL of your plant problems. Just send them a photo of what’s going on (text, calls, emails…they take them all!) and they’ll get back to with solutions. They’ll even send reminders to water your plants! As mentioned, the plants are delivered in the Chicago area right to your doorstep. There’s also options for it to come already planted in the planter (so you don’t need to buy a separate 10lb bag of soil for one plant…again, #plantprobs). The selection and quality is by far one of the best I’ve seen in the city so far. Carolyn’s background is in plants so she’s truly a plant lady – find her at @welltended on Instagram and go support your local boss lady. I’m convinced there’s nothing she can’t do! Find a list of available plants here – snag them fast, they’re in high demand!
Name: Carolyn Snider
Hometown: Originally: Los Angeles / Currently: Lincoln Park in Chicago
Business/ Occupation: Founder of Welltended
Tell us about yourself.
In college, I became fascinated with learning about the planet: how to identify trees & plant life, differences in climates and ecosystems, and how to mitigate human impact. I spent five years as an environmental consultant, and then moved to Chicago three years ago for business school. While in school, I founded my company Welltended. We help our customers find the best plants for their space, re-plant in beautiful containers, and teach them about plant care. In such a hectic, tech-heavy world, I believe that plant life helps to ground us as humans, and it’s my goal to educate about all the benefits that indoor plants can offer.
Favorite part of your job? I love building something from the bottom up. Also, it’s been incredible to meet other founders, team members, and advisors along the way.
What’s your personal philosophy on a healthy lifestyle? Moderation & treat yourself (including to lots of plants!). I think that ‘moderation’ applies to more than just food. I try to stay in touch with how I’m feeling physically and mentally… if I’m working like crazy and I’m exhausted, it’s important to remind myself that moderation is key there too.
Making nutrition happen for the…
MIND.
Morning routine, or evening routine?
I’m always trying to improve the morning routine. Currently, I wake up, shower, coffee, and then check emails. I’m working to wake up earlier to leave time for some reading and calm before heading to work. I hate rushing through the morning and flying out the door.
One thing you are grateful for today:
The opportunity to build a business that I care deeply about.
How do you recharge after a long day?
Tea or glass of wine and a good book. In the winter/fall, it’s on the couch with a fire; in the summer/spring, it’s on the patio under the trees.
Last song played on your Spotify?
“Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
BODY.
Top 3 food essentials that you can’t live without (or, 3 items ALWAYS on your grocery list):
Eggs, Goat cheese (really, any cheese), Coffee
The BEST meal you’ve ever had (or favorite meal, ever):
I’m from LA originally, and the meal I miss most is the cheese/charcuterie and small plates at Zinque in Venice.
Open your fridge. What are the two things you see?
La Croix & homemade cookie dough (see, treat yourself!)
Favorite way(s) to move/ sweat / workout?
Soul Cycle + Core Power, and several walks a day (weather permitting) with my pup
SOUL.
What makes you the most confident?
I feel most confident when I push myself out of my comfort zone and it pays off.
Where do you find the best inspiration?
I get a ton of inspiration from other female entrepreneurs. People like Emily Weiss and Katrina Lake are great role models, and seeing their example helps to push me to go after what I want.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” I’m a classic perfectionist. As I’ve built Welltended, I’ve learned that my perfectionism stems from caring deeply about the quality of the product and my customers’ experiences, but that’s not always best for productivity.
Success to you is…
loving what you’re doing & creating something that people love.
CHICAGO.
Favorite spot(s) in Chicago…
Sawada Coffee. Lincoln Park Conservatory. Ada Street.
Your perfect Chicago day is …
Wake up, cup of coffee, long walk with my pup, stroll through the Lincoln Park conservatory, Soul Cycle with friends, and then dinner and drinks with my husband at Ada Street.
