Building a community or creating a lasting impact in the realm of wellness isn’t something that happens overnight. Just like training for a marathon requires consistent effort, patience, and resilience, so does the journey of making a difference. There will be times when progress seems slow or challenges feel insurmountable, but the key is to keep pushing forward with the understanding that lasting change takes time. As Noelle always says, “Every step, no matter how small, contributes to the larger vision.”
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Noelle Creamer and Cassandra “Cassie” Carpenter, co-founders of BrightlyThrive.
BrightlyThrive is a trailblazing direct-to-consumer community platform that empowers individuals facing autoimmune conditions to connect, learn, and thrive together. Co-founder Noelle Creamer is an entrepreneur, Board Certified Health & Wellness expert, and registered yoga teacher. Co-founder Cassandra “Cassie” Carpenter is a Certified Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Mind Body Eating Coach, AIP Coach, RESTART instructor and Certified Stretching Coach.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
(Noelle)
Sure! Let’s take it back to 2018 where it all began. On the surface, everything was great. I was running my own business and enjoying life. But things took an unexpected turn when out of the blue I began to experience some unusual symptoms. Things got worse over the course of about two months until one day, I found myself on the bathroom floor, disoriented, unable to hear, unable to balance myself and shrouded in fear. It was the kind of rock-bottom moment that changes you.
A series of hospital and doctor visits followed, leading to the diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA). This autoimmune disease is no joke; it destroys the small blood vessels of vital organs like sinuses, kidneys, and lungs. But here’s the silver lining: I was diagnosed early. You’d be surprised, but most autoimmune diseases play hide-and-seek for an average of 4.5 years before they’re diagnosed! So, I began treatment right away, which included a combination of steroids and multiple chemotherapy infusions.
That period was, understandably, a time of introspection. I was lonely, I was frustrated, and I was overwhelmed. I had so many questions. Why did this happen to me? What could I do about it? This curiosity led me to get into the research. I decided to go back to school and earn a number of health and wellness certifications, including becoming Board Certified in Health & Wellness. Everything I learned, I applied to my own situation. I was obsessed with cracking the code on my own body’s rebellion. Everything sort of morphed into a bigger mission. I realized I had a calling: to light the way for others in similar situations with autoimmune.
I launched my own coaching practice and started consulting with some leading brands in the wellness industry. And then, destiny played its part. Enter Cassie. Our paths crossed, and we quickly realized we had this shared vision. We saw the potential for something bigger. We imagined a supportive community and ecosystem all tailored for individuals facing autoimmune challenges. And so, BrightlyThrive was born.
(Cassie)
At the age of 29, I found myself at a crossroads, facing a health challenge that would redefine my path. Surrounded by the trappings of what I thought was a “healthy” lifestyle, I navigated on a diet of whole grain cereals, diet sodas, and low-fat dairy, coupled with a fervent dedication to exercise. Little did I know, my body had other plans.
From a young age, digestive woes, skin issues, and debilitating migraines had been my steadfast companions. It was, I believed, just the hand I’d been dealt. As the years unfolded, I buried myself in my career, trying to drown out the mounting health concerns. Yet, in 2010, the clamor of my symptoms grew too insistent to ignore.
Solid food became an impossibility, and I found myself tethered to a cycle of relentless vomiting, up to six times a day. In a pivotal moment, I decided to confide in my family doctor, who referred me to a GI specialist. A barrage of tests, scans, and invasive procedures ensued, along with vials upon vials of blood work. The diagnosis: idiosymptomatic gastroparesis, an eloquent label for “your stomach is paralyzed, but we don’t know why.”
The subsequent years were a blur of medications, some sourced from abroad due to their lack of FDA approval in the U.S. With each new prescription came a parade of unwelcome side effects, leading to a disheartening cycle of symptom management.
Frustration spurred me to seek alternative solutions. Delving into research, I uncovered promising paths toward alleviating my long-standing struggles. Much like Noelle, I was compelled to share my newfound insights. This journey led me back to academia, where I trained as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and earned additional certifications to satisfy my thirst for knowledge. Then in 2020, serendipity intervened, introducing me to Noelle.
United by a shared mission, we embarked on a venture to revolutionize autoimmune support. The result: BrightlyThrive, The Autoimmunity Community. Our vision was to offer autoimmune thrivers the resources we yearned for at the outset of our own journeys.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
(Noelle)
In the early days of my wellness career, I was so fresh with ambition and passion! I remember hosting a wellness workshop at a local company in Phoenix where I live. The attendance was lower than I had hoped, and for a moment, I felt pretty sad and defeated. However, among the attendees was a young woman named Maya, who seemed pretty interested in what I had to say.
Afterwards, she approached me and with tears in her eyes, shared her struggle with an autoimmune disorder and how my workshop resonated with her deeply. What I initially perceived as a ‘failed event’ because of low turnout had, in fact, made a profound difference in Maya.
The main takeaways from this story?
Quality Over Quantity: Making a difference in one life can sometimes outweigh reaching many who aren’t as impacted.
Stay True to Your Mission: Even when things don’t go as planned, if you’re genuinely passionate about what you do, it will shine through and resonate with those who need it most.
(Cassie)
Back in the early days of my autoimmune journey, I jumped into the deep end when it came to nutrition. Cutting out inflammatory foods, refining my diet — it felt like a natural step. And it did make a noticeable difference. But there was this persistent background of low-grade symptoms that diet alone couldn’t quite shake.
That’s when I started broadening my perspective. It dawned on me that true well-being isn’t just about what’s on your plate. It’s about the whole picture — job satisfaction, finding balance in work and life, managing stress, keeping active, and even nurturing my spirituality. As I started integrating these aspects, I noticed a ripple effect across various areas of my life, including my health.
This shift in approach became the cornerstone of how I guided my private clients. And it’s exactly what Noelle and I infused into the ethos of BrightlyThrive. We’re all about looking at the bigger picture — mind, body, and spirit. It’s a practical, relatable approach that sets us apart in the wellness landscape.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
(Noelle)
Early on in my wellness career, I was driven by an undeniable passion to help others. But this passion came with a major blind spot! I believed I had to shoulder everything on my own. I wanted to be the ultimate guide, the sole solution, thinking this would provide the best value to those clients I was trying to help. However, the more I tried to juggle, the more I realized that health and wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, nor is it a journey one can master alone.
This realization was a pivotal moment for me. From it, the concept of BrightlyThrive, The Autoimmunity Community™, was starting to take shape. I recognized the immense value of collaborative expertise. Now, we proudly have an amazing team of ThriveGuides™, each bringing their unique expertise and experiences from various dimensions of wellness — physical, emotional, and spiritual. This diverse team ensures that our members get a total holistic and well-rounded approach to healing. Looking back, I learned a valuable lesson: true holistic wellness comes from collaboration, and in unity, there is strength.
(Cassie)
As I began my practice, I too was eager to assist clients with a wide range of conditions. The genuine desire to alleviate their suffering fueled my thirst for knowledge. However, in my pursuit to help everyone, I found myself stretched thin. It became evident that I couldn’t be an expert in every ailment, and there were cases beyond my scope that I had to refer elsewhere. While necessary, it was a humbling realization.
In time, I came to a more balanced understanding. I recognized that my true expertise lay in autoimmunity, a field I intimately understood. This personal experience allowed me to provide not only empathetic support, but also evidence-based recommendations to those seeking my help.
This journey taught me two valuable lessons. First, the importance of setting boundaries. It was clear that being everything to everyone was an unattainable goal. Second, the power of specialization. Focusing on autoimmunity allowed me to offer more targeted and impactful assistance to those in need. These revelations ultimately led to the birth of BrightlyThrive, a platform where Noelle and I could extend this impact further. We often refer to this phenomenon as our “ripple effect” — the profound transformation of one individual’s life reverberating through their community.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
When we talk about health and wellness, our focus at BrightlyThrive is far-reaching, and our approach is holistic. We believe that wellness isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about understanding the intricate relationship between mind, body, and spirit. By focusing on autoimmunity, we’re delving deep into a field that’s often overlooked, yet profoundly affects millions globally. By intertwining education with community support, we’re not only aiding in healing but also championing prevention and empowerment.
Simply put, BrightlyThrive is here to redefine how the world approaches autoimmunity, creating a ripple of change that we hope will echo through the broader health and wellness landscape!
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
1. Nature Walks:
Whenever life feels overwhelming or urban living gets too loud, Noelle puts on her hiking shoes and heads outdoors in Arizona. She’s often heard saying, “Nature is the best healer,” and it’s easy to see why. There’s something magical about the breathtaking hues of a desert sunset, casting a golden glow and bringing an unparalleled sense of peace and connection to nature.
Even dedicating just 10 minutes to a nature walk acts like a soft reset for the soul. It’s not just about the physical activity; it’s about syncing one’s rhythm with that of the natural world. Walking grounds us, reminding us of life’s simple pleasures and offering a refreshing escape from our daily routines.
2. Mindful Eating:
The act of eating is so routine that we often do it on autopilot! To shake things up, we once introduced the ‘Mindful Meal Challenge’ within our community. The rules were simple: eat with intention and be present. The response was nothing short of transformative! Participants noted feeling more satiated, relishing their meals more, and even making healthier food choices. It was a testament to the idea that when you truly connect with what’s on your plate, understanding its journey and relishing every bite, it nourishes not just the body, but also the soul.
3. Digital Detox:
In a world of endless notifications, Cassie once decided to take a bold step — a 72-hour digital detox. Three days without screens might sound daunting, but the outcomes were eye-opening. Away from the constant barrage of information and notifications, Cassie found a wellspring of creativity bubbling up. Sleep improved, stress levels dropped, and the world felt more tangible. It was a stark reminder that while technology is a tool for connection, disconnecting once in a while can be equally enriching.
4. Journaling:
There’s a certain magic to the act of translating thoughts into words on paper. It’s like having an intimate conversation with oneself. Whether it’s documenting dreams, voicing frustrations, or simply capturing fleeting moments, journaling offers a sanctuary for the mind. It’s more than just chronicling events; it’s a process of introspection, of making sense of our thoughts and emotions. Over time, these journals become treasured keepsakes, a window into our evolving selves.
5. Community Engagement:
We can’t say it enough; the power of a shared journey cannot be overstated. At BrightlyThrive, we’ve seen firsthand how engaging with a community of like-minded individuals accelerates the healing process. It’s one thing to walk a path alone, but when you have fellow travelers cheering you on, sharing their insights, and offering a helping hand, the journey becomes richer. Collective wisdom, mutual support, and the simple joy of belonging make community engagement a pillar of holistic well-being.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
If we were to pinpoint a movement to ignite the most wellness in people, I’d say we’re already laying its foundation with BrightlyThrive! Our driving purpose is “reimagining autoimmunity together.” We envision a world where health symptoms or diseases aren’t perceived as mere ailments but as guiding lights illuminating the path to a life of purpose and meaning.
Instead of dreading symptoms, we encourage members to interpret them as the body’s own language — a message indicating something deeper. It’s about urging people to tap into their inherent intuition, to embrace curiosity and unravel the root cause of their ailments. It isn’t just about what’s manifesting physically now but tracing it back to an individual’s unique life narrative. There’s a rich tapestry of experiences, from one’s childhood to the very essence of their being, even reaching back to the moments spent in their mother’s womb.
Our mission is to revolutionize the way people perceive healing. It’s about empowering them with the understanding that they’re their own most profound healer, the most insightful doctor. By harnessing this understanding, not only can they potentially reverse autoimmune conditions, but they also pave the way for a lifestyle that’s in harmony with healing, with wellness, and with their most authentic selves.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
1. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Building a community or creating a lasting impact in the realm of wellness isn’t something that happens overnight. Just like training for a marathon requires consistent effort, patience, and resilience, so does the journey of making a difference. There will be times when progress seems slow or challenges feel insurmountable, but the key is to keep pushing forward with the understanding that lasting change takes time. As Noelle always says, “Every step, no matter how small, contributes to the larger vision.”
2. Your vulnerability will be your strength.
In the wellness industry, especially in areas as personal as autoimmunity, authenticity is invaluable. By sharing personal stories, struggles, and uncertainties, we not only relate more deeply to our community, but we also create a safe space for others to open up. Cassie often recalls how sharing her family’s traditional remedies, with all their beautiful imperfections, drew people closer. Embracing vulnerability fosters trust and forms the foundation of a genuine connection.
3. Every individual you help will teach you something.
In the process of aiding others, there’s a reciprocal exchange of wisdom. Whether it’s a unique perspective on dealing with a symptom, a previously unknown remedy, or a profound life lesson learned from living with autoimmunity, every individual brings something new to the table.
4. Always keep learning; the world of wellness is ever evolving.
Wellness is a dynamic field. New research emerges, ancient remedies are rediscovered, and fresh perspectives come to light. For BrightlyThrive to be a beacon of hope and knowledge, staying updated is essential. Cassie often jokes about her ever-growing collection of wellness books, but it’s this thirst for knowledge that ensures our community always has the best resources at hand.
5. Community will be both your anchor and your wings.
Anchors provide stability and grounding, ensuring that we remain connected to our guiding principles and big purpose. On challenging days, it’s the BrightlyThrive community that reminds us why we began this journey. Conversely, the community is also our wings — inspiring us to dream bigger, reach higher, and touch more lives. It’s a beautiful synergy: while BrightlyThrive empowers our members, our members, in turn, elevate BrightlyThrive.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental and emotional health holds a special place in our hearts, both personally and in our interactions with our members and team. And when it comes to autoimmunity, Cassie and I believe that physical ailments aren’t just symptoms on a medical chart; they carry the weight of stories, experiences, and emotions. We have seen, time and again, the profound intertwining of emotional landscapes with physical well-being.
At its core, every disease isn’t just a physical manifestation; it’s an echo of unresolved emotions, traumas, and experiences. Just think about it: How often have we heard of stress-induced ailments? Or conditions exacerbated by emotional turmoil? This isn’t mere coincidence. There’s a profound connection between our mind’s unrest and our body’s distress. At BrightlyThrive, we’ve made it our mission to spotlight this interconnection.
Embracing emotional health isn’t adjunct to healing; it’s foundational. It’s about recognizing the emotional undercurrents that course through us, often silently, leaving imprints on our physical health. We refuse to compartmentalize emotional states from physical well-being. Instead, we champion the belief that emotions aren’t just fleeting feelings. They’re tangible experiences, leaving imprints on our body, often as pronounced as any physical ailment.
Drawing inspiration from our teacher and mentor, Joe Dispenza, we resonate with the profound wisdom that “The body expresses what the mind suppresses.” It’s a mantra that guides our approach at BrightlyThrive. We cultivate an environment where our members can journey inwards, examining their emotions.
And the beauty of this introspective journey? It’s not done in solitude. At BrightlyThrive, members are surrounded by support — a community of empathetic souls who prioritize holistic health. Here, in this private, virtual sanctuary, emotions are talked about without fear of judgment, creating ripples of healing that resonate both mentally and physically.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
We’d love for readers to visit our website at www.BrightlyThrive.com and give us a follow on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok @brightlythrive
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
