In this episode, I speak with Cecilia Tse, Co-Founder and Chief Financial Operating Officer of hey freya. We discuss Cecilia’s ongoing quest to take women from burned out to blissed out, how hey freya identifies and serves a gap in the market, and the unique opportunity available in supplements made for women by women.

Cecilia’s story takes us from Australia to New York, to IVF offices, and to co-founder dates. While working her “successful” corporate job, Cecilia realized she and her team masked the challenges of their daily professional realities by drinking wine together. She became someone she never wanted to be—someone who would work through dinner on client calls when family traveled all the way from Australia to visit her in her studio apartment. On top of it all, she dealt with amenorrhea and never felt “heard” in the doctor’s office. Determined not to continue in this fizzled-out state, she pursued several health and wellness certifications including yoga teacher training. The stars aligned, and she became a well-being strategy leader at her job, eventually moving to California to help build a women’s health brand with a highly-qualified team of stars-aligned women co-founders, now known as hey freya. 

Cecilia offers a behind-the-scenes peek at running the business alongside her other co-founders, a tour through the hey freya supplement formulas, and what’s on tap for the next 12 months. As women, we’re marketed so many things of varying quality for so long that we’ve become experts at sniffing out inauthenticity until we get to the real deal—through hey freya’s genuine commitment to showing up authentically by putting their founders front and center, they have built an organic following within their first year. Inspiring women + smartly-formulated products = a business we all could learn from!

Thank you for listening! Attune to your heart...align your life. With Marisa LaValette.

Topics Covered:

• (2:56) We’re calling in stillness and evolution 🌀

PLUS:

🔥 Feeling burnt out? Most people are. (12:24)

💊 Cecilia’s tips for streamlining your supplement intake (51:58)

🦀 ♋️ Listen ‘til the end to find out the astrological sign of a women’s wellness company co-founder.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and keep up to date with new episode drops by subscribing to our newsletter at attuneandalign.com!

Resources Mentioned: 

• 50 Questions to Ask a Potential Co-Founder Exercise

Guest Info: 

• Follow hey freya on Instagram

Connect with Me: 

• Subscribe to our Newsletter

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: I’m so grateful for your support! Please consider rating and reviewing Attune + Align on Apple Podcasts. First, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for Attune + Align. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and rate with 5 stars—please write a brief review as well! I appreciate you. 

 💫 Sending love, light, and hugs from,

In this episode, I am speaking with my friend Allison Tibbs, the Nourished Life Wellness Coach. We discuss taking action today that our Future Selves will thank us for, blocking off time to do... absolutely nothing, and a potent ego check Allison worked through recently with grace. 

Allison shares her favorite mantras and self-care mindset shifts and teaches how to maintain essential boundaries during those tricky times when it feels like our own values are in competition. She reminds us to take breaks from efficiency by proactively scheduling in time for play and imperfection. Allison’s favorite hack for self-spaciousness is to block off time (in PURPLE 💜) on her calendar 🗓 to do… absolutely nothing. She warns us of the dangers of settling for crumbs—those scraps leftover for when we've taken care of everyone else before we take care of ourselves. 

Listen until the very end where Allison shares a super recent(!) potent ego check that brought her to her knees…and what she’s learning and wants us to take away as she re-envisions and re-creates her life on her own terms—in alignment with her own values. In our fourth year, we’re humbled and grateful to cultivate a safe and supportive atmosphere at Attune + Align Podcast where our guests show up wholeheartedly to share directly with vulnerability from their biggest life experiences, transitions, and learnings with us and with you.

Thanks for listening! Attune to your heart; align your life. With Marisa LaValette.

Topics Covered:

• (04:02) Audacious mantra: ✨ Dream big. Start small.   

PLUS

💜 Want more PURPLE in your life? At 37:14, Allison shares her tips for blocking out sacred time on your 🗓 calendar just for YOU.

💪 Hear how I urge my clients and my yoga students to rebel against limiting societal and cultural norms at 43:56. 

💃 Don’t miss one of Allison’s go-to personal mantras at 1:11:30!

💫 Listen to the very end to find out how Allison realized she can do Whatever. She. Wants.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and keep up to date with new episode drops by subscribing to our newsletter at marisalavalette.com!

Guest Info: 

• Follow Allison on Instagram 

Connect with Me: 

• Subscribe to our Newsletter

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: I’m so grateful for your support! Please consider rating and reviewing Attune + Align on Apple Podcasts. First, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for Attune + Align. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and rate with 5 stars—please write a brief review as well! I appreciate you. 

 💫 Sending love, light, and hugs from,

In this episode, I am speaking with my friend, Kim Burris, a licensed psychotherapist, author of The First 90 Days After Birth, and founder of The Holistic Counseling Center. Kim offers evidence-based treatment with a heart-centered approach that honors the mind, body, and spirit connection. We discuss Kim’s path toward transpersonal psychology and how Human Design, the Enneagram, the Yoga Sutras, and her perspective on polyvagal theory are woven into her practice for self-awareness and spiritual growth.

Thanks for listening! Attune to your heart, align your life. With Marisa LaValette. 

Topics Covered:

(2:30) Listen to hear how Kim’s mantra inspired the name of this episode 

(5:54) Kim shares about her first interest in transpersonal psychology at age 21

(15:05) Kim shares an overview of the difference between traditional psychology and transpersonal psychology 

(22:48) Listen as Kim describes the role yoga played in her spiritual awakening

(28:00) Kim’s rock polisher moment of seeking the divine in life’s experiences in big cities rather than retreating to a cave

(37:46) Hear how Kim uses Human Design, the Enneagram, and astrology with her clients 

(47:16) Kim shares her recommended reading booklist 

(50:21) Kim talks about her guided journal book, The First 90 Days After Birth

(58:44) Kim gives her perspective on New Year’s resolutions and shares directly from the template she uses with her accountability buddy 

PLUS:

Listen at (3:55) to hear the story of how the Universe crossed Kim and Marisa’s paths at yoga…where else?!  🧘‍♀️🧘‍♀️🧘‍♀️

Tune in at (10:32) to hear Kim describe why she designed her practice to feel like a retreat center. 

Listen at (11:53) when Kim shares why she also considers herself a therapist matchmaker!

Don’t miss Kim’s quick overview of polyvagal theory at (32:23)!

Listen in at (43:07) when Kim shares tips for attuning to the nervous system and finding ways to regulate it.

Tune in at (54:29) where Kim shares her perspective on the creating process and how TikTok helps her inner recovering perfectionist. 📱📱📱

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and keep up to date with new episode drops by subscribing to our newsletter at attuneandalign.com!

Resources Mentioned: 

• Listen to Episode 16 of Attune + Align with Marisa’s Enneagram coach, Ali Dunn!

Guest Info:

• Work with Kim

Connect with Me:

• Subscribe to our Newsletter

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

I’m so grateful for your support! Please consider rating and reviewing Attune + Align on Apple Podcasts. First, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for Attune + Align. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and rate with 5 stars—please write a brief review as well! I appreciate you. 

 💫 Sending love, light, and hugs from,

In this episode, I am speaking with my friend, Anna Sheehy, a new mom, avid gardener, food enthusiast, former restaurateur, and the founder of Wild Fennel, a boutique shop in downtown Novato filled with unique finds and heirloom quality pieces. Anna and I discuss her personal and professional journey toward running Wild Fennel, how dreams can (and do!) change, and advice for anyone interested in opening up a brick-and-mortar business. 

Anna shares how her pastry and baking background and past restaurant business led her to follow her dreams and become the owner of her own boutique. Then, Anna illustrates how Wild Fennel is a culmination of all the things she’s interested in: plants and flowers, cookware, sustainable products, and small businesses, and gives advice to anyone considering opening up their own space. Plus, Anna shares new projects she’s working on including a flower program, bakery and pastry pop-ups, and her upcoming hopeful manifestation, a trunk show!

Thanks for listening! Attune to your heart, align your life. With Marisa LaValette. 

Topics Covered:

(3:18) Anna and Marisa discuss living in the same neighborhood 

(7:45) Anna connects the dots between studying pastry and baking, opening up Mas Masa, and now being the owner of her boutique Wild Fennel 

(9:37) Anna explains what a "shrub" is

(11:19) Marisa shares a story featuring Christmas tree ornaments from Wild Fennel

(15:31) Anna shares what she learned from her previous business, Más Masa

(17:37) Anna explains that your dreams CAN change, and that’s okay!

(19:16) Hear what happened when Anna tried to plan every detail about her store Wild Fennel in advance... and what she ended up doing instead

(22:48) Anna explains the “aha” moment that showed her that her dream can change overnight

(24:36) What’s easier to open: a restaurant or a storefront?

(28:45) Anna explains why LOCATION is the most important decision you'll have to make for your brick-and-mortar business

(30:06) Anna details different vendors’ products at Wild Fennel 

(33:02) Anna shares the vision for her flower program 

(38:01) Anna describes the themed baking and pastry pop-ups she’s been hosting 

(43:56) Hear what SURPRISED Anna the most in the first year of owning her own retail boutique

PLUS:

Listen at 7:25 to hear Marisa fill up her house with Anna's decor from Wild Fennel.

Listen at 27:45 to hear Anna's perspective on trusting your instincts and listening to your gut.

For all the plant ladies out there — listen at 36:17 to hear all about Anna's favorite indoor plants and sustainable planter options. 🪴🪴🪴

Tune in at 48:11 when Marisa asks Anna how she has such good taste!

Stay ‘til the end of the episode at 51:30 to find out what little-known fact about Anna surprises people most.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and keep up to date with new episode drops by subscribing to our newsletter at attuneandalign.com!

Guest Info:

• Wild Fennel’s Website

Connect with Me:

• Subscribe to our Newsletter

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: I’m so grateful for your support! Please consider rating and reviewing Attune + Align on Apple Podcasts. First, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for Attune + Align. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and rate with 5 stars—please write a brief review as well! I appreciate you. 

 💫 Sending love, light, and hugs from,

In this episode, I am speaking with my friend, Nimisha Gandhi, a functional medicine nutritionist, Ayurvedic Counselor, Yoga Nidra and meditation teacher, and former tech founder. Nimisha and I discuss holistic nutrition, functional medicine, and Ayurveda, along with her perspectives on hormonal health including perimenopause and seed cycling. 

Nimisha shares an overview of the three Ayurvedic doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and clarifies the difference between your Vikruti and Prakruti. Then, Nimisha shares different ways to learn about your doshas, whether in person, online, or in a 1:1 setting. Plus, Nimisha shares a functional medicine perspective on hormonal health and details how her attunement to the mind-body-spirit connection is both an intuitive, and research-backed calling that she now shares with others, directly from the soul. 

Thanks for listening! Attune to your heart + align your life. With Marisa LaValette. 

Topics Covered:

(4:27) Big moments in Nimisha’s life that inspired an intuitive awakening 

(9:08) Nimisha’s journey into functional medicine and how it blends with her previous work

(17:35) What is Ayurveda?

(20:56) The 5 Great Elements, the Pancha Mahabhuta

(21:55) Nimisha introduces the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

(26:34) Nimisha explains your Prakruti vs. Vikruti

(27:44) Doshas also represent phases of life: Childhood, Midlife, Old Age

(30:27) How your dosha can inspire life choices relating to home and career

(32:15) Different ways to discover your dosha, including pulse reading, online tests, and 1:1 work with a practitioner

(39:03) Nimisha shares why “all disease begins in the gut”

(41:34) Nimisha describes Ayurvedic seasonal approaches and makes midsummer recommendations for Pitta-predominant Marisa 

(47:15) The Ayurvedic perspective of "like increases like" and "opposites balance each other"

(51:17) A story about Nimisha’s grandmother, cumin, and watermelon 

(55:35) Why Nimisha calls seed cycling “the gateway drug to improving your overall hormonal health"

(57:58) Nimisha notes the possibility of perimenopause symptoms beginning for some women as early as age 35

PLUS:

Be sure to tune in at 15:54 for an overview of holistic vs. functional nutrition. 

Tune in at 37:36 to learn why a Vata imbalance can feel like “Running really fast but not going anywhere.” 🏃💨

Listen at 1:02:43 to hear Marisa’s symptoms— Is it burnout? Or is it perimenopause?

Stay till the end of the episode at 1:08:31 to hear Nimisha answer some rapid fire questions from Marisa. 🔥🔥🔥

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and keep up to date with new episode drops by subscribing to our newsletter at marisalavalette.com!

Resources Mentioned:

• Take the Dosha Quiz

Guest Info:

• Nimisha’s Website

Connect with Me:

• Subscribe to our Newsletter

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: I’m so grateful for your support! Please consider rating and reviewing Attune + Align on Apple Podcasts. First, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for Attune + Align. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and rate with 5 stars—please write a brief review as well! I appreciate you. 

 💫 Sending love, light, and hugs from,

Cracking the Code to Confidence and Self-Discovery with Enneagram Powerhouse Ali Dunn

In this episode, I am speaking with my friend, Ali Dunn, a Bay Area certified Enneagram practitioner, speaker, and leadership coach for ambitious female professionals and entrepreneurs. We discuss Ali’s professional path from sales to business coaching and how the Enneagram is a tool for communication barriers, relationships, identifying your purpose, and a way to empower self-trust. 

Ali illustrates how the Enneagram is a tool for communication barriers, relationships, identifying your purpose, and a way to empower self-trust. Then, Ali dives into each of the nine Enneagram types, (including my own!), their subtypes and wings, and how they show up in our daily life. Plus, Ali shares how the Enneagram helped her attune to her life’s purpose, and invites anyone listening to challenge society’s status quo and focus on living a life authentic to you.

Thanks for listening! Attune to your heart, align your life. With Marisa LaValette. 

Topics Covered:

(4:08) Ali’s life transition from sales to launching her own business

(10:42) How the Enneagram is a tool for self discovery

(15:44) A detailed explanation of each Enneagram type

(31:46) Using the Enneagram to build a successful team 

(33:29) Ali’s thoughts on my Enneagram test results 

(41:47) What Enneagram types, subtypes, and wings can teach you 

(50:46) Ali’s top recommendations for affordable online Enneagram tests 

(57:28) How burnout manifests within the Enneagram types

(1:01:11) Why Ali believes women's awareness of their own Enneagram type can empower them to more effectively challenge societal expectations

PLUS:

Listen at 24:25 to find out Ali's Secret Sauce as an Enneagram type 7

Be sure to tune in at 45:05 to find out why Ali gives Marisa a triple-gold star ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tune in at 43:52 to find out why Marisa told her husband to book an Airbnb as part of her Enneagram type homework.

Listen at 32:06 to hear Ali's Enneagram-informed Personal Philosophy on self-awareness. 

Listen at 57:48 to hear Ali's definition of BURNOUT, why women are "always going, always going, always going," and how it manifests in her work with her clients.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and keep up to date with new episode drops by subscribing to our newsletter at marisalavalette.com!

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Truity enneagram test

Guest Info:

• Ali’s Instagram

Connect with Me:

• Subscribe to our Newsletter

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: I’m so grateful for your support! Please consider rating and reviewing Attune + Align on Apple Podcasts. First, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for Attune + Align. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and rate with 5 stars—please write a brief review as well! I appreciate you. 

 💫 Sending love, light, and hugs from,

Meet Lauren Friis. She's a small business owner of a new store in downtown Mill Valley, CA, called Surf And Sand. Before owning a retail boutique centered around coastal living and sustainability, Lauren worked in the tech, nonprofit, and design industries for over 16 years. She is a California coastal girl at heart, having grown up in San Diego on the beach. Lauren is a proud mother to her 7-year- old son and is newly married. It’s the journeys in her life that have brought her to where she is today.

Listen to hear:

6:00 how she navigated getting engaged, opening a new store, and planning a wedding all at the same time

25:50 the #1 customer testimonial she gets most often

26:00 3 tips for sustainable consumerism

32:00 how there's no play-by-play book for opening a retail space 

34:30 why she recommends opting out of the rat race and opting into joy

35:15 how she balances life's "buckets"

36:50 how she's invested 110% into her business

39:40 how divorce and being a single mom can be "scary as hell" ...and why she wishes more women would talk about it

Meet Dr. Leada Malek, DPT. She launched her online physical therapy practice from her living room in March 2020, and she's AthletaWell's Guide for physical therapy. Tune in to hear about her holistic approach to patient care, her belief that women can hype each other up to recover just as hard as we work, and how her past experience with hustle culture informs her work today.

Listen to hear:

"Do it NOW! Do it NOW! Do it NOW!"...is what I normally would have said at any other start to Aries season. But not this year. Listen to hear about my experience with Aries season burnout.

Hear from my neighbor about who should (and who shouldn't) be on call 24/7. (she's a Fire Marshall, so she should know!)

Hear from my friend Cahill (Orion Photographie) in France who helps me cool off half a world away.

Learn basic Ayurvedic techniques for cooling the extreme heat in your life.

If it sounds like we're diving into all things fluids (bodily, ingestible, and creative)…that's about right! It's Pisces season after all. Pisces season is the last WATER sign (and sign for that matter) of the astrological year. Pisces is all about getting your creative juices FLOWING!