The Wellness Revolutionaries: 30 Entrepreneurs Who Transformed Health and Wellbeing in the 2010s

1. Payal Kadakia (ClassPass) Revolutionized fitness by making it accessible and affordable with ClassPass, a subscription service offering access to a vast network of fitness classes and studios. Kadakia’s platform democratized exercise, allowing people to explore diverse workouts and discover what truly motivates them.
2. Ryan Holmes (Hootsuite) Recognizing the impact of social media on mental health, Holmes and his team at Hootsuite developed tools to help individuals and businesses manage their online presence and mitigate the negative effects of constant connectivity.
3. Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry (Method): This dynamic duo challenged the toxic cleaning product industry with Method, a company that creates plant-based, eco-friendly cleaning supplies that are both effective and aesthetically pleasing.
4. Michelle Phan (IPSY) Phan leveraged her success as a YouTube beauty influencer to launch IPSY, a personalized beauty subscription service. IPSY empowers individuals to discover new products and express their unique style through makeup and skincare.
5. Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna (Birchbox)Beauchamp and Barna disrupted the beauty industry with Birchbox, a subscription service that delivers curated samples of beauty products to customers’ doorsteps. This model revolutionized how people discover and try new products.
6. Jessica Alba (The Honest Company) Alba founded The Honest Company, which offers safe, non-toxic baby and household products. Her commitment to transparency and sustainability resonated with consumers and fueled the demand for cleaner, more natural products.
7. Andy Puddicombe (Headspace) Puddicombe, a former Buddhist monk, brought mindfulness meditation to the masses with Headspace, a guided meditation app. Headspace made meditation accessible and approachable, helping millions reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
8. Neil Parikh and Dave Gilboa (Warby Parker)Parikh and Gilboa disrupted the eyewear industry with Warby Parker, an online retailer offering affordable, stylish glasses. Their “buy one, give one” program also provided eyewear to people in need, demonstrating the power of social impact.
9. Gabe Newell (Valve Corporation)Newell’s company, Valve, revolutionized the gaming industry with its Steam platform, a digital distribution service for video games. Steam democratized game distribution, making it easier for independent developers to reach a global audience.
10. Anne Wojcicki (23andMe) Wojcicki co-founded 23andMe, a personal genomics company that offers direct-to-consumer genetic testing. 23andMe empowered individuals to learn more about their ancestry, health risks, and genetic traits, sparking a revolution in personalized medicine.
11. Joey Zwillinger and Tim Brown (Allbirds) Zwillinger and Brown founded Allbirds, a footwear company known for its comfortable, sustainable shoes made from natural materials. Allbirds’ success demonstrates the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious products.
12. Jason Goldberg (FabFitFun) Goldberg founded FabFitFun, a seasonal subscription box filled with full-sized beauty, fashion, fitness, and wellness products. FabFitFun’s curated selection and focus on self-care resonated with a wide audience.
13. Michael Dubin (Dollar Shave Club) Dubin’s Dollar Shave Club disrupted the razor industry with its subscription model, offering high-quality razors at affordable prices delivered to customers’ doors.
14. Tristan Walker (Walker & Company Brands) Walker founded Walker & Company Brands, a company focused on creating health and beauty products for people of color. His mission to address the unmet needs of diverse consumers has earned him widespread recognition.
15. Jen Rubio and Stephanie Korey (Away): Rubio and Korey founded Away, a luggage brand that combines style and functionality with affordable prices. Away’s direct-to-consumer model and focus on the modern traveler have made it a favorite among millennials.
16. Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields (Rodan + Fields) Dermatologists Rodan and Fields launched Rodan + Fields, a skincare company that utilizes multi-step regimens and a network of independent consultants. Their approach to skincare and social selling has made the company a billion-dollar success.
17. Dr. Mehmet Oz (The Dr. Oz Show)While controversial, Dr. Oz’s television show brought health and wellness topics to the mainstream. His platform allowed him to educate millions about healthy living, though his advice has sometimes been met with criticism.
18. Alicia Silverstone (The Kind Life) Silverstone, a long-time advocate for plant-based living, founded The Kind Life, a website and community dedicated to promoting a vegan lifestyle. Her work has helped raise awareness about the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets.
19. Arianna Huffington (Thrive Global) Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, launched Thrive Global, a company focused on well-being and productivity. Her advocacy for work-life balance and mental health has resonated with millions.
20. Naval Ravikant (AngelList) Ravikant co-founded AngelList, a platform that connects startups with angel investors. AngelList has democratized startup funding and made it easier for early-stage companies to secure capital.
21. Sophia Amoruso (Nasty Gal and Girlboss) Amoruso founded Nasty Gal, an online fashion retailer that quickly gained a cult following. She later launched Girlboss, a media company focused on empowering women in business and life.
22. Gwyneth Paltrow (Goop) Paltrow’s lifestyle brand, Goop, has become a controversial yet influential force in the wellness space. While some of Goop’s products and advice have been met with skepticism, Paltrow’s focus on self-care and alternative therapies has resonated with a large audience.
23. Kayla Itsines (Sweat) Itsines’ fitness program, Sweat, gained a massive following thanks to its effective workouts and supportive online community. Itsines has empowered millions of women to achieve their fitness goals.
24. Joe De Sena (Spartan Race) De Sena created the Spartan Race, an obstacle course race that has become a global phenomenon. Spartan Race challenges participants both physically and mentally, promoting a holistic approach to fitness.
25. Mark Hyman (The UltraWellness Center) Hyman, a functional medicine physician, founded The UltraWellness Center, a clinic that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of chronic disease. His work has helped to shift the focus of healthcare from treating symptoms to preventing and reversing disease.
26. Dave Asprey (Bulletproof) Asprey popularized the Bulletproof Diet, a high-fat, low-carb approach to eating that claims to improve cognitive function and energy levels. While controversial, the Bulletproof Diet has gained a devoted following.
27. Tim Ferriss (The 4-Hour Workweek) Ferriss’ book, “The 4-Hour Workweek,” challenged traditional notions of work and inspired a movement of digital nomads and lifestyle entrepreneurs. His focus on productivity, automation, and outsourcing has resonated with millions seeking greater freedom and flexibility in their lives.
28. Marie Forleo (B-School) Forleo’s online business school, B-School, has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. Her focus on mindset, strategy, and marketing has helped aspiring business owners achieve their goals.
29. Lewis Howes (The School of Greatness) Howes’ podcast, The School of Greatness, features interviews with successful entrepreneurs, athletes, and thought leaders. His podcast has inspired millions to pursue their passions and achieve greatness in their lives.
30. Tony Robbins (Unleash the Power Within)Robbins’ seminars and coaching programs have helped millions of people overcome challenges and achieve personal and professional success. His focus on mindset, motivation, and self-improvement has made him one of the most influential figures in the personal development industry.

What Can You Learn From Them?

1. Tap into Emerging Trends These entrepreneurs recognized the growing demand for wellness solutions and capitalized on it by creating innovative products and services that meet the needs of modern consumers.
2. Prioritize Social ImpactMany of these entrepreneurs built their businesses with a mission to make a positive impact on people’s health and well-being. Their commitment to social responsibility not only resonated with consumers but also helped to drive their success.
3. Embrace Technology These entrepreneurs leveraged technology to make their products and services more accessible, convenient, and personalized. They used social media, mobile apps, and other digital tools to connect with customers and build communities.
4. Focus on Education and Empowerment They recognized that education is a key component of health and wellness. Many of these entrepreneurs created content, programs, and platforms to educate and empower individuals to take control of their health.
5. Build Community Each of these entrepreneurs built strong communities around their brands, fostering a sense of belonging among their customers and turning them into advocates for their products and services.