Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Carla Russo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m Dr. Carla Russo, PhD., ND., MSc., RYT, Professor of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Board Certified Naturopath, hold a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, am a Registered Yoga Instructor, and hold a sub-specialty in Human Behavior. I am the owner and founder of Zen Wellness Academy in Dallas, TX, and host of The Zen Perspective Show with Dr. Carla.
I was born of Cuban Italian parents in California and am fluent in both Spanish and English. I have traveled around the world extensively and reside Texas where I live in the city of Dallas with my philanthropist husband Joe Russo, and our rescued pets Baylor (dog) and Jasmine (cat). I have been blessed with a very successful career track record valued in the millions in the health and wellness space… and devote my time and energy paying it forward every opportunity I’m able.
Intertwined into everything I do — I share both my personal and professional experience addressing the whole being, mind, body, and spirit; specializing in the field of transformation and consciousness for healthy lifestyle living, empowering profound personal and professional break-throughs for individuals and organizations throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, and United Kingdom (EU).
As an educator, transformational seminar leader, retreat facilitator, and keynote speaker rooted in Ayurveda teaching naturopathy, homeopathy, and organic nutrition, I marry my depth of wisdom and insight with passion, humor, and sensitivity to empower individuals in awakening to the brilliance of who they are ~ Bridging The Gap Between Impossible and Attainable ~ living life intentionally by individual design ~ naturally and organically!
Today, I am a proud investor/owner and the Executive Vice President of 3MTea. I am also the Director of the Health Sciences Advisory Board, as well as the Co-Founder of 3MTea’s Mindfulness Academy. (www.3MTea.com)
That said… I believe everyone has the ability to construct their life the way they want it. A successful person knows how to integrate and utilize all three aspects of the mind to live a successful and happy life. Although life is full of challenges—big or small, pleasurable or stressful—they all have solutions!
Professionally, my passion is serving as an educator and advocate for people whom genuinely want to have the greatest life and best health they can have and deserve ~ but need a little help and direction! Having once tipped the scales weighing in at 330 pounds over eighteen years ago ~ morbidly obese as a direct result of molestation at age 8, compounded by rape in high school at 15 ~ I know what it’s like to feel unworthy, trapped, lonely, and miserable.
Needless to say, I know what it is to be an outcast! I also know what it’s like to transform oneself from the inside out; positively affecting everything from one’s self-worth and confidence, to career, social life, relationships, and more.
As a young woman at 24, it took watching my mother die from obesity-related complications; as well as my own health and overall wellness deteriorating daily by hypertension and borderline diabetic ails ~~ for me TO GET IT …WAKE-UP… and GET WITH IT!
Ready for change, all six feet of me began with a step. Walking was my springboard and motivating force to get me eating a healthier diet. Those steps, along with portion control, my extensive personal research into natural healthy food choices, and a real lifestyle change helped me drop well over one hundred thirty-five pounds in less time than it takes to have a baby! Yes, I lost it all in just nine months… and have kept it off for over 18 years through my daily soulful practices for powerful and positive living, good nutrition, and an active lifestyle doing the things I enjoy; not living at the gym!
Here’s a powerful fact, there’s a HUGE difference between interest & commitment! When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permits; or because it’s a good opportunity. But when you’re committed to something, you accept/make no excuses, only results! Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s the determination & commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal ~ that will enable you to attain it! In other words, successful transformation is possible when you decide, commit, execute, and declare that quitting is not an option!
I know that we humans can do anything we set our minds to — with the correct information, the right support, the right tools, and most of all, a positive attitude!
Over the past 20+ years I’ve helped tens of thousands of men and women change their lives for the better; guiding and supporting their desire to become healthier from the inside out ~ emotionally, physically, and spiritually!
It was through my personal journey and many trials that I came to understand (and effectively learned to teach) that in order to become the person I’d always dreamt of being ~ I was going to have to do things I’d never done before. In as much, so it was back then, and so it continues to be so even now; for the journey of becoming the very best we can be is never-ending.
My clients have included physicians, lawyers, certified public accountants, nurses, teachers, corporate executives, banking, hotel management, pharmaceutical and educational industries, financial analysts, chambers of commerce human resource professionals and non-profit organizations, as well as athletes, administrative support staff, homemakers, and the toughest job of all, moms!
I am a published author and have been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
-Molested at 8
-Raped at 15
-Mother died in front of me at 25. My father passed away unexpectedly shortly thereafter.
-Contemplated suicide…
Smooth road? Not during that 17 year period!
BUT, but… but… once I made the decision to change… never looking back… it’s been amazing and still. YES!
Please tell us about Zen Wellness Academy.
I’m a serial entrepreneur… I own a tea company www.3MTea.com . I also own an integrative education academy for healthcare professionals www.ZenWellnessAcademy.com I recently purchased ranch property where I intend to set up self-funded animal rescue. I also hold a strong real estate portfolio.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
How much my parents and sister loved me… I had an amazing childhood up until it was shattered.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ZenPerspective.com
- Phone: 800-438-0830
- Email: email: contact me through my website www.ZenPerspective.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/DrCarlaRusso
- Facebook: Facebook.com/DrCarlaRusso
- Twitter: Twitter.com/DrCarlaRusso
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
