Holistically Heal-Thyself with Jess Pfeffer, Featuring Mimi Daraa

Today I connected with Lia Picard, a lifestyle journalist based in Atlanta. She writes about food, travel, and design for a variety of publications including the New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Atlanta magazine, and more. This year, she launched Bagel Bagel, the podcast for rec tennis players (no strategy, just stories). When Lia's not writing or podcasting, she's exploring Atlanta's restaurants, spending time with her daughter and husband, or playing tennis. It was so fun to get to know her better, and learn about so many of our similarities!InstagramBagel Bagel

Today I connected with Mika Newton, Founder of Zenmi, a wellness practice devoted to the healing power of rest and sound.Her path began in the corporate world, but life kept nudging her toward what felt more true-helping others slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with their inner voice.And we are so lucky it did, Mika is a talented sound healer who is passionate about sharing it to the Atlanta community and beyond. "Healing isn't always neat or easy-it's layered, raw, and deeply personal." IG @zenmisoundWebsite: https://www.zenmisound.com/

Today I connected with Hailey Curtis Baitinger, the Founder and CEO of DesignBee Agency, a social media marketing and content creation company based in Atlanta that specializes in serving local businesses. What started as a survival-mode side hustle in December 2020—right after getting laid off from her corporate graphic design job—has evolved into a thriving agency that helps brands bridge the gap between their online presence and real-world experience. Hailey was inspired by her IG page she created for her dog, what a beautiful metaphor for life.. to take care of yourself the way you take care of your pets or others. Instagram:Hailey - https://www.instagram.com/haileybaitingerDesignBee - https://www.instagram.com/designbee.agency/Noodle - https://www.instagram.com/noodlethestandardpoodle/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haileybaitingerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haileybaitinger/

Today I connected with Jamila Crawford Pécou, an acclaimed vegan chef, stylist, and travelista. Her passion for curating aesthetically pleasing experiences led her to brand herself as a “LIFESTYLIST.” Whether it’s carefully curated travel experiences, preparing delectable vegan faire, or styling her next photoshoot, Jamila’s attention to detail is impeccable."Food Fashion and Flyness" is her motto, she shares one of her go to recipes. Website: https://www.earthcandyarts.com/Ig Earthcandyarts

Today I connected with Keith Pepper, the owner and publisher of Rough Draft Atlanta, which is the leading hyperlocalmedia organization in metro Atlanta.An Atlanta native with deep roots in the community, Keith acquired Rough Draft (Springs Publishing) a community newspaper publisher, in December 2020 and has transformed it into a digital-first media company that reaches almost one million readers a month across print, web, email, and social media.Keith continues to grow printed media even in a time when a lot of us are digital only.. and he definitely knows ATL better than anyone I know! IG roughdraftatlLinkedin / keithpepper

Today I connected with Nichole Dandrea-Russert MS, RDNShe is a plant-based dietitian, author, and yoga instructor helping women reconnect with their wellness ecosystem through evidence-based, compassionate guidance. As the founder of PurelyPlanted.com, Nichole shares science-backed, real-life strategies to nourish the body, uplift the mind, and protect the planet.Nichole lives in Atlanta with her husband, Ricky, and their rescue pup, Mariposa — where you’ll often find her soaking up time in nature, tending her garden, or exploring plant-based dishes around town.Ig: Purely_planted

Today I connected with Lauren Dike, a nervous system and somatic healing expert who helps individuals and organizations break free from chronic stress, burnout, and ingrained patterns that limit growth.As the founder of Harmonna Inclusive Wellbeing, she partners with leaders, teams, and high-impact individuals—particularly Black women and women of color—to create sustainable change through evidence-based, body-first practices.Drawing from her background in neuroscience-based mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and organizational culture consulting, Lauren has designed transformative programs for companies like Lululemon, Black Girls Code, and The Honey Pot Company. Her approach integrates movement, breathwork, and experiential learning to help clients shift from awareness to real, embodied change.Our collab, SETTLE + Support is December 7th, 2025

Today I connected with Clarence Taylor, stage name XPJ Seven. I met and worked with Clarence a few years back at Dirty South Yoga Fest.He's originally from Belleville Alabama. His yoga journey started after he injured his back playing basketball and he looked for alternative ways to heal it- he found yoga via Essence magazine. After trying a yoga pose he dabbled sporadically and then in 1998 he completed a yoga teacher training. Initially he wasn't interested in the spiritual aspect of the practice it was purely physical. He continued to study, practice and teach and then realized the syncretistic nature of the spiritual, mental and physical of yoga. If you live in ATL, you have probably seen him on his bike on the beltline or at local coffee shops practicing/ writing for open mics.

Today I connected with Mimi Daraa the founder of Maison Palo Santo, a wellness brand rooted in sustainability, sensory healing, and authenticity. She is an author, speaker, retreat leader, and creator of the Palo Santo Sacred Journey — a transformative experience blending breath, movement, and ritual. With over a decade of experience working with Palo Santo, Mimi pairs artisan products with intentional practices to help others breathe, reset, and create sacred space. She hopes to plant just as many seeds of inspiration as she does Palo Santo trees in Ecuador, guiding others to connect to their inner peace, creative power, and purpose.I love collaborating with Mimi for the last 6 years, and so admire her dedication and constant evolution.

Today I connected with Nya Daley of Soulga. We chatted on her journey of becoming an entrepreneur in the wellness industry and the importance of having space for racialized people. Nya is a Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Atlanta-based social worker, community builder, yoga facilitator (E-RYT 200, RYT 500), and equity, diversity, and belongingness (EDB) educator.With over 16 years of experience in the social service sector, Nya has dedicated her career to supporting equity-deserving communities through yoga, mindfulness practices, and community-centered events and training. She is the founder of Soulga Yoga and Wellness, a collective that nurtures the growth and thriving of racialized wellness entrepreneurs.Website