Get Well With: Ana G. Herrera

Ana G. Herrera suffered from stage IV Endometriosis and went through excruciating PMS pain, infertility and five surgeries, the last one ending in a full hysterectomy and a colon resection, which led to surgical menopause. Her painful experience led her to help others struggling with hormonal imbalances. Ana started Hormone University to educate, support, and empower women to achieve better hormone health and lead a happy life. So, let's meet Ana.

Meet The Founder 

What are your non-negotiable daily wellness rituals?

Being a founder and CEO is hard. I try my best to manage my mental wellbeing, but sometimes I fail miserably. It’s a conscious effort, and it’s important. Here’s what I have implemented to help me:

I prioritize and organize every morning: I prioritize goals based on urgency and importance and use Asana for productivity. Sometimes it’s difficult with meeting schedules, and breaking down my day into manageable chunks can make it easier to transition between meetings and goals.

I practice time management: I use a technique called Pomodoro, and it’s a life saver to work in focused bursts.

I practice breath work and tapping: when stressed or overwhelmed I take a few moments to pause, breathe deeply and practice tapping - I personally use The Tapping Solution, they have great tapping options depending on how much time you have and what you need to focus on (anxiety, productivity…)

I eat well: this is a non-negotiable. I love playing around with salads and I love creating colorful ones, mixing them with seeds & nuts, and adding seasonal fruits. 

I suffer from anxiety and Magnesium gets excreted when I have feelings of anxiety, so I use our Magnesium lotion all day long.

Creating your own business can be a 24/7 job. What are some ways that you make time for yourself? Do you have a favorite ritual or workout routine?

Every Sunday I spend a couple of hours identifying and prioritizing tasks based on urgency, importance / moving the business needle. This helps me start my week with a clear intention on what needs to be accomplished. 

To make time for myself, I set clear boundaries and designate specific hours for work, self-care and workouts. I add a DND (Do Not Disturb) in my calendar, so others know not to book meetings then. 

Yes! Strength training is best for me. I also love Pilates – it helps so much when sitting all day in front of a laptop! I love dancing too – sometimes I just put on my favorite music and dance to it. It’s so therapeutic!‍

Any advice for founders seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while going full steam ahead on building their company? How do you find that balance?

I tell them to get a coach if they can. This has been the best investment – it has allowed me to work on myself and my business to become the best leader I possibly can. 

As for a healthy lifestyle, it will really depend on where you are building your company. If it’s just you, it will be very different than when you have a team. In general terms, I would say:

1. Prioritize self-care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Schedule time for exercise, sleep, and relaxation activities. Taking care of yourself will ultimately enhance your productivity and well-being!
2. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Designate specific hours for work and honor your personal time for family, hobbies, and relaxation. Avoid the temptation to be constantly available!
3. Delegate and outsource: Get a Virtual Assistant if it’s in the early stages. There are tons of companies providing VRs at good rates. 
4. Build a support network: Surround yourself with a network of mentors, fellow founders, and like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, support, and empathy. Engage in networking events to connect with others. 
5. Practice effective time management: Prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and utilize my favorite time management technique, Pomodoro Technique. 
6. Maintain perspective and celebrate wins: Remember to celebrate milestones and successes along the way!

Do you have a morning and evening routine? What do they look like?  

AM: Meditation, breathing exercises (love Wim Hof on Youtube 11mins)

Strength training 2x wk

Walking - daily or every other day

Talking to a close friend 2x week

If I am going through stressful moments, I take a pause and do Tapping for at least 5 minutes. 

PM: I apply Glow products – our Super Rich Magnesium lotions helps me with stress and relaxes my muscles. Tummy Butter is a saver for hormonal balance. I use it on my tummy, inner arms and thighs. My best ritual! 

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Glow & The Women’s Health Industry 

How did you become interested in the women's health industry, and what is the way you wanted to change it?

My interest in the women's health industry stemmed from my personal journey with stage IV endometriosis – I went through 5 surgeries and difficult ramifications. Dealing with this condition firsthand opened my eyes to the challenges that women face when it comes to hormonal health and the limited support available. 

Witnessing the impact of hormonal imbalances on my own life and the lives of countless other women, I truly felt compelled to make a difference. I wanted to change the narrative surrounding women's hormonal health and provide comprehensive support and resources to help women navigate their own journeys.

My vision was to create a more inclusive and empowering space where women could access accurate information, find effective and safe solutions, and connect with a supportive community. I aimed to break the stigma associated with hormonal health issues and foster an environment of understanding and compassion.

By combining my personal experience, research, and collaboration with experts, I sought to develop innovative products and services that address the unique needs of women in their hormonal health journey. My ultimate goal was to empower women to take control of their health, gain a deeper understanding of their bodies, and find effective solutions for managing hormonal imbalances.

What’s something that surprised you about hormone health that you’d like other people to know? 

The profound influence hormones have on our overall well-being beyond reproduction function! Hormones play a crucial role in regulating not just our reproductive system but also our mood, cognition, metabolism, sleep, and even our immune function. The interplay between hormones and our health is fascinating…maintaining hormonal balance is crucial for optimal physical and mental well-being.

What’s one of the greatest achievements you've seen thus far with Glow Botanica and Hormone University? 

One of the greatest achievements we have seen thus far with Glow Botanica and Hormone University is the tremendous positive impact we have had on the lives of individuals who have used our products and engaged with our educational resources. It is incredibly gratifying to receive countless five-star reviews from customers who have experienced improvements in their hormonal health and overall well-being. It makes all the hard work worth it – every single day.

Additionally, we are immensely proud to have assembled a distinguished scientific board. Their expertise and guidance have been instrumental in ensuring that our products and educational content are backed by scientific research and deliver tangible results.

The support and endorsement of influential individuals like Michelle Monaghan and Hannah Bronfman have also been significant milestones for us. Their belief in our mission and their willingness to advocate for educational initiatives have helped us reach a wider audience and reinforce the importance of prioritizing hormonal health.

The health & wellness industry is constantly evolving. What do you see next for Glow Botanica and Hormone University?

In the ever-evolving health and wellness industry, the future holds exciting prospects for Glow Botanica and Hormone University! 

For Glow Botanica, we are committed to continuous innovation and expanding our product line. Our focus is on developing new, cutting-edge offerings that harness the power of nature and science to support hormonal health and overall well-being. Additionally, we are excited to bring the benefits of our products to new markets in Europe

Hormone University, on the other hand, has recently made a significant advancement with the introduction of our Seal of Approval certification. This certification is a testament to our commitment to consumer safety and ensuring that the products we endorse are free from Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). By certifying products, we aim to empower individuals to make informed choices and access goods that support their hormonal health. This certification has the potential to make a profound impact on the industry by raising awareness about the potential risks associated with EDCs and promoting safer alternatives.

For most women figuring out their hormonal issues can be challenging. For those of us who don't know where to begin, what would you suggest? 

For those who are unsure where to begin when it comes to figuring out their hormonal issues, I believe that wellness starts with knowledge. Educating yourself about hormonal health can empower you to make informed decisions!

I am biased, but I highly recommend heading to Hormone University to learn about the topics you wish to know more about – it’s designed to guide individuals on their journey to understanding and addressing their hormonal issues. These resources cover a wide range of topics, including hormone balancing, hormone testing, menstrual health, fertility, menopause, and more. 

Remember, everyone's hormonal health journey is unique, and it may take time to uncover the specific factors affecting your well-being. Patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to learning are essential. By continuously educating yourself, you can take steps towards reclaiming your hormonal balance and overall wellness.