kai conversations with... ilana friedman, founder & ceo of TUSOL wellness

we are overjoyed to bring you this week’s kai conversation with our malibu neighbor and fellow female small business owner, ilana friendman, the founder + ceo of TUSOL wellness! ilana created a unique, amazing collection of research-backed, organic functional smoothies and superfood lattes that support weight loss, energy, metabolism, and gut health. the formulations are rooted in scientific research and flavors backed by a 3 michelin star chef; and they are designed to work in synergy to boost immunity, promote weight loss, stimulate collagen, increase energy and leave you with glowing skin. 

with a product line that is so remarkable, it is not surprising that ilana has a very impressive background story, which brought her to the founding of TUSOL: earlier in her career, she spent many years committed to improving access to and education around the importance of nutrition in schools, and then founded a non-profit in LA and NY bringing at-risk teens to local farms, farmers markets and kitchens to teach them about local, healthy food and how to incorporate it into their lives for optimal health. following this, ilana spent years in the napa valley at the french laundry and meadowood resort with a focus on the symbiotic relationships between the restaurants, the farms, and the culinary experience. with a strong desire to return to the health and wellness industry, she returned to LA in 2018 where she founded TUSOL as a means to support more people along their health journeys with access to the cleanest, most nutrient-dense, effective wellness products. i love this beautiful backstory, and how the stars aligned to create this incredible wellness brand!  

congrats to ilana on all of her success, and we highly encourage you to check out TUSOL and follow them on instagram!  please enjoy the conversation with ilana below, and stay tuned for an exciting giveaway announcement!

xo,
gaye.

how are you taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this time? are there certain things that are proving to be sources of motivation/inspiration? if so, please feel free to share.

in order for me to stay balanced, positive, and keep a clear mind i don’t start my workday until i’ve done an energizing exercise and at least 20 minutes of meditation. 
 
 
what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
 
believe in yourself and trust in the process.
 
 
what’s your beauty secret? or must have beauty product?
 
drinking tons of water (i like to drop magnesium into it) and eating clean food is by far the easiest way to feel and look your best. i also drink our tusol smoothies daily since they’re packed with superfoods that support your skin and metabolism, and keep you hydrated.
 

what color nail polish are you wearing right now?
 
red.
 
 
what do you love most about where you live? any secret spots you love to go to?
 
i love living in malibu because we’re so close to both the beach and the mountains. we’re surrounded by stunning hiking trails and quiet beaches so you can always escape in nature if you need to reset.
 
 
morning person or night owl?
 
total morning person.
 
 
ideal way to relax/unwind?
 
beach walks, yoga, reading and hiking.
 

what book are you reading currently?
 
modern man in search of a soul – carl jung.
 
 
what’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?
 

travelled alone for weeks through southeast asia and japan.

thank you, ilana!