In this episode of Composed Living, host Elsa Elbert interviews Cher Olivos, a wellness advocate and women's hormone health expert behind BeBalanced Natural Hormone Weight Loss in Southern California. Cher shares her journey from her extensive career in the medical industry to facing a postpartum health crisis, which led her to discover the importance of hormone balance in wellness. The discussion covers the impact of hormones on weight gain, especially for women over 35, and how stress, gut health, and lifestyle choices play crucial roles. Elsa shares her personal transformation experience through the BeBalanced program, highlighting significant improvements in sleep, energy levels, and overall health. The episode underscores the importance of education on hormones, the benefits of holistic approaches, and the long-term impact of balanced wellness routines.

00:00 Introduction to Composed Living

00:04 Meet Cher Olivos: Wellness Advocate

00:20 Cher's Postpartum Health Crisis

01:21 Discovering Be Balanced

03:10 The Impact of Hormones on Weight

04:05 Elsa's Personal Journey with Be Balanced

08:55 Understanding Hormonal Imbalance

12:23 Managing Stress and Cortisol

17:20 Challenges and Successes in Wellness

23:03 Balancing Hormones and Gut Health

24:11 The Multi-Prong Approach to Wellness

25:26 Impact on Family and Lifestyle Changes

27:48 Personal Success Stories and Reflections

30:19 Maintaining Progress and Long-Term Goals

33:42 Family Support and Accountability

40:19 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

More about Cher:

Cher Olivos is a passionate wellness advocate, women’s hormone health expert, and the driving force behind BeBalanced Natural Hormone Weight Loss in Southern California. With nearly two decades in the medical industry—working closely with physicians, boards, and healthcare executives—she built her career in compliance, operations, and clinical improvement. But it was her own postpartum health crisis that led her to reexamine everything she thought she knew about wellness.

After the birth of her first child, Cher was blindsided by a wave of persistent symptoms: extreme fatigue, anxiety, stubborn weight gain, and brain fog so intense it disrupted her daily life. Despite access to both conventional and alternative care, no provider offered a solution—only the same dismissive refrain: “It’s just part of being a new mom.” That response lit a fire in her. Determined to find answers, Cher dug deep—and uncovered the life-changing link between hormonal imbalance and the common yet often-overlooked symptoms affecting women.

Her personal breakthrough came when she completed the BeBalanced program herself. In just one month, she lost 17 pounds and experienced dramatic improvements in her sleep, skin, mood, and energy. That transformation was more than physical—it was emotional and mental, too. For the first time since becoming a mother, she felt like herself again. The experience was so profound, she brought BeBalanced to Los Angeles to help other women find the answers and relief they deserve.

Through BeBalanced LA, Cher is proving that wellness isn’t about quick fixes or guesswork—it’s about informed, compassionate care. Her mission is simple but powerful: to help women reconnect with their bodies, reclaim their energy, and feel whole again. “We’ve been taught to accept the struggle,” she says. “But what if feeling amazing wasn’t the exception—what if it could be your new normal?” And with every client success story, she’s proving that it absolutely can.

https://bebalancedcenters.com/location/woodland-hills/

Instagram: @bebalanced_with_cher

Unlocking the Magic of Travel with Lauren Quirk

In this episode of Composed Living with Elsa Elbert, Elsa welcomes Lauren Quirk, founder of Travel with Character, a company that designs luxury family vacations. Lauren discusses her journey from the entertainment industry to starting a travel agency that focuses on providing personalized and concierge-level service for families. They delve into the nuances of travel planning, emphasizing the benefits of using a travel advisor to avoid the complexities and stress of DIY bookings. Lauren shares insightful anecdotes about her clients, including trips that commemorate significant life milestones and the collaborative nature of the travel advisory community. The conversation also covers how travel advisors can tailor experiences to individual preferences, making every trip unique and memorable. This informative discussion highlights the value of personalized travel planning and the seamless experiences that an experienced travel advisory team can provide.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:43 Meeting Lauren Quirk and Her Journey

01:43 Understanding Travel with Character

03:55 The Role of a Travel Advisor

05:22 Planning a Milestone Family Trip

12:00 Creating Memorable Travel Experiences

14:09 Lauren's Background and Business Growth

15:58 Challenges and Team Dynamics

22:06 The Importance of Firsthand Travel Experience

25:34 The Importance of Personalized Travel Services

26:30 Collaborative Support in the Travel Industry

30:02 The Role of Travel Advisors in Theme Park Planning

36:12 Exploring the Benefits of Cruises

39:56 Customizing Travel Experiences

45:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

More about Lauren Quirk:

Lauren Quirk is the Founder of Travel With Character®, a backstage production team for designing luxury family vacations. Over the past six years she has assembled a small team of creative women who guide today's discerning travelers who value personalized and attentive service over DIY booking methods.

Quirk is a Travel Weekly Gold Magellan award recipient and a finalist in TravelAge West's Trendsetter Awards, celebrating her social media content. Her unique marketing signature includes creating comedic musical pieces related to travel, engaging audiences and inviting them into a world of exploration and enjoyment. She translates this creativity and storytelling into her travel business, crafting unique experiences for every client, helping them to embrace their own "main character energy."

Links:

www.travelwithcharacter.com

Instagram.com/travelwithcharacter

https://www.tiktok.com/@travelwithcharacter

https://www.facebook.com/travelwithcharacter

In this episode of 'Composed Living with Elsa Elbert,' Elsa chats with Nicole Swartz, the owner of Sprout Law. They discuss their long-lasting friendship, meeting through a women's entrepreneurial group, and Nicole’s specialty in trademarks. Nicole shares her journey from experiencing a trademark mishap with her skincare business to becoming a trademark attorney focused on helping women entrepreneurs. The conversation covers the importance of trademarking, personal anecdotes, home renovations, the intricacies of human design, and upcoming projects. They also discuss the engaging and supportive environment in Elsa’s workshops at Composed Living. The episode is peppered with personal stories, making it both informative and entertaining.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction

00:18 Catching Up and Workshops

04:55 Fun vs. Leisure

07:18 Sprout Law Origin Story

11:15 Trademark Importance

17:12 Philosophical Musings

32:48 Manifestation and Pets

39:18 Nostalgia and Business Talk

39:24 Legal Services and Offerings

42:03 The Value of Trademark and Brand Identity

43:58 Growing the Business and Team Dynamics

44:56 Personal Anecdotes and Family Stories

55:26 Home Renovation Experiences

56:57 Interior Design and Sustainability

01:05:23 Adoption Journey and Future Plans

01:15:08 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Nicole Swartz is a trademark attorney and founder. In 2015, she started a beauty brand that was sold in hundreds of retailers around the world. But there was one BIG problem: She didn’t trademark her brand. One day, she woke up to a cease + desist letter in her inbox. Someone trademarked her brand name and now they owned it. She had to rebrand everything in 30 days. A total nightmare! Nicole became a trademark attorney to help other female founders own their brands. Today, she runs one of the top 3 trademark law firms in the U.S. She's filed over 1,200 trademarks with a 99.8% success rate.

Link to book a call: www.sproutlaw.com/consultation

In this episode of Composed Living with Elsa Elbert, host Elsa welcomes Nicky Pitman, the Director of Shemesh Farms, and Karen Friedman, the Associate Director of Development and Sales, to discuss their remarkable work at Shemesh Farms. They delve into the origins and mission of Shemesh Farms, a program of Shalom Institute dedicated to providing community, meaningful employment, and social enterprise opportunities for adults with diverse abilities. The conversation highlights the farm's efforts in sustainability, their inclusive community impact, and the unique processes behind their organic products. The episode also touches on their upcoming event, Pumpkin Smash, which invites the community to engage in various service-oriented activities and learn more about their work. Elsa and her guests underscore the importance of community support, the benefits of their monthly donor program, The Hive, and the transformative power of creating inclusive spaces for all individuals.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions

01:12 Nicky Pitman: The Mission of Shem Farms

01:57 Karen Friedman: Expanding the Reach

03:01 The Impact of Volunteers and Community

04:01 Elsa's Personal Connection and Community Engagement

05:31 Understanding Shem Farms: The Nitty-Gritty

05:51 Inclusivity and Sustainability at Shem Farms

08:12 The Healing Power of Community

15:50 The Farming Process and Product Creation

20:12 The Popularity of Shem Farms' Products

22:22 The Story Behind the Products

24:50 The Joy and Purpose of Business Ownership

25:57 Community Collaboration and Support

28:26 The Hive: Monthly Donor Community

32:07 Pumpkin Smash Event Details

41:05 Hydroponics and Community Resilience

47:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

To learn about Shemesh Farms and how you can get involved, visit: https://shemeshfarms.com/

Karen Friedman, Associate Director of Sales & Development at Shemesh Farms

With more than a decade of experience in Jewish nonprofit development, Karen pairs strategic insight with heartfelt commitment to drive fundraising, sales growth, donor engagement, corporate partnerships, and grant development for Shemesh Farms.

But beyond the business side, Karen’s greatest joy comes from spending time with our Farm Fellows—watching them grow in skills, confidence, and community. For her, that’s where the true magic of Shemesh happens.

Drawing on her background in education and team leadership, Karen excels at turning ambitious visions into actionable plans and fostering a collaborative, purpose-filled environment.

Outside the farm, Karen enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her husband Adam, their sons Julian and Liam, and their dogs Moose and Humphrey. She believes most challenges in life can be solved with a deep breath, a count to ten, and a really good cup of coffee.

Nicky Pitman, Director of Shemesh Farms :

A proud L.A. native and former JCA camper, counselor, and JCC staff member, she returned to the Shalom Institute in 2022 after more than three decades away. She earned her Master’s degree in Contemplative Education, which deepened her commitment to mindfulness, connection, and intentional teaching—values she now brings to her role as Director of Shemesh Farms. At Shemesh Farms, Nicky weaves together her eclectic background in theatre, education, social justice, creativity, and community outreach to help the farm grow and thrive. She oversees educational programming for Farm Fellows, strengthens partnerships that connect diverse communities, and ensures the farm is a place of purpose and inclusion. A certified yoga instructor, she’s always ready to roll out a mat for a quick session, believing deeply in the power of presence, balance, and joy. Every day, Nicky feels grateful to lead a dedicated staff, work alongside incredible Farm Fellows, and collaborate with volunteers and community partners to cultivate something larger than themselves—a farm that grows both herbs and humanity.

In this episode of 'Composed Living with Elsa Elbert,' host Elsa interviews Kate Kimmel and Freddie Swanson, co-founders of the Topanga Farmers Market. The conversation covers their inspirations, beginning the market in 2024, building a community-centric space, and promoting sustainability. They share stories of overcoming challenges, focusing on fresh local produce, low-waste initiatives, and supporting farmers and food makers. The interview also discusses their partnership with World Central Kitchen, delivering produce boxes to seniors impacted by local fires. They touch on the importance of in-person connections and innovative solutions for long-term community health and sustainability.

00:00 Welcome to Composed Living with Elsa Elbert

00:04 Meet the Powerhouse Co-Founders of Topanga Farmers Market

00:33 Kate Kimmel's Journey to Community Building

01:29 Freddie Swanson's Advocacy and Impact

03:09 The Birth of a New Farmers Market

04:41 Challenges and Triumphs in Reviving the Market

07:38 The Importance of In-Person Connections

13:59 Sustainability and Low Waste Initiatives

23:25 Supporting Small Businesses and Building Community

26:22 Community Gathering at the Farmer's Market

26:52 Innovative Community Services

28:09 Nonprofit Initiatives and Sustainable Practices

30:42 The Impact of the Palisades Fire

31:32 World Central Kitchen Partnership

33:44 Challenges and Volunteer Support

38:40 Fundraising and Sponsorship

45:58 Concluding Thoughts and Future Collaboration

hello@topangafarmersmarket.com

In this episode of Composed Living with Elsa Elbert, host Elsa Elbert welcomes Natasha Carroll Ferrary, an estate planning, probate, and trust administration attorney based in Los Angeles. They discuss the importance of planning for incapacity and death to alleviate the burden on grieving families. Natasha explains the roles of a trust administration attorney, the functions of probate court, and the essential documents everyone should have, including financial and healthcare powers of attorney. They explore why proper estate planning is crucial, the differences between wills and trusts, and common pitfalls of online legal document providers. Natasha offers practical advice on avoiding probate court and ensuring that one's wishes are honored after death. The conversation highlights the emotional and financial peace of mind that comes from thorough estate planning.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:08 Meet Natasha Carroll Ferrary

01:03 The Importance of Estate Planning

04:16 Understanding Probate Court

09:45 Avoiding Probate with Trusts

10:33 Personal Experiences with Estate Planning

18:31 The Role of Attorneys in Estate Planning

25:23 Navigating Difficult Conversations

26:00 Eliminating Barriers to Estate Planning

29:21 The Importance of Power of Attorney

31:06 Understanding Trusts and Probate

37:15 Reviewing and Updating Your Estate Plan

45:41 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

To connect with Natasha, visit https://www.ncflawla.com

More about Natasha Carroll-Ferrary:

Natasha L. Carroll-Ferrary is an estate planning, probate, and trust administration attorney based in Los Angeles, California – and serving most of California. She is passionate about helping families think through some of the most complicated issues relating to incapacity and death, and helping people navigate the legal system while grieving.

Natasha grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, went to the University of California, Berkeley (Go Bears!) for undergrad, and New York Law School for law school. During law school she did volunteer work for the Innocence Project, a cause that she continues to support.

After graduating law school, Natasha worked as a federal law clerk to the Honorable Robert C. Chambers of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of West Virginia. She became a licensed California attorney in 2008, starting her career as a litigation attorney. In 2018, Natasha transitioned to estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She opened the Los Angeles office of a Northern California-based law firm. In 2022, she launched her own practice, NCF Law: www.NCFLawLA.com.

In addition to practicing law, Natasha spends her free time reading, tap dancing, and hanging out with her husband, Adam, and two kids, Jason and Ryan.

In this episode of Composed Living with Elsa Elbert, Elsa hosts Kim Maiden, founder of Maiden Community, and Tracee Krell, in charge of operations. The discussion covers the origins of the Maiden Community, founded amid the COVID-19 pandemic to support local businesses and foster community. Kim and Tracee share personal stories and the evolution of their friendship, explaining how their partnership helped structure and grow the community. They highlight various initiatives, collaborations, and the role of social media in their success. The conversation also touches on future aspirations and the importance of maintaining a supportive, selective community atmosphere. The episode underscores the impact of community, the value of networking, and the spirit of collaboration in overcoming challenges.

00:00 Welcome to Composed Living with Elsa Elbert

00:29 Meet Kim and Tracee: The Faces Behind Maiden Community

02:06 The Origin Story of Maiden Community

02:53 Building a Supportive Network During COVID

03:40 The Power of Social Media and Community Support

04:56 From Burrito Customer to Business Partner

06:50 The Growth and Structure of Maiden Community

10:03 Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Community-Based Business

13:44 The Importance of Selectivity and Trust in Community Building

19:33 Events and Collaborations: Strengthening Community Bonds

25:09 The Financial Realities of Community-Based Businesses

29:55 The Heart of Elsa's Space

30:39 Finding the Perfect Space

32:21 The Importance of Taking Risks

33:24 Balancing Structure and Spontaneity

35:33 Future Plans for Maiden

37:22 Animal Tracks and Community Events

44:55 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Risks

53:38 Parenting and Teenage Milestones

58:41 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

To connect with the Maiden Community, visit their website: https://www.maidencommunity.com/

In this episode of Composed Living with Elsa Elbert, Elsa welcomes Brandy Searcy, a pharmaceutical research scientist, and founder of Reclaim Wellness and Rain Organica. Brandy shares her journey from dealing with childhood illnesses and acne to creating clean skincare products and advocating for women's health. She also discusses her experiences with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, metabolic dysregulation, and the importance of nervous system regulation. Elsa and Brandy delve into the interplay between stress, inflammation, and hormones, emphasizing the significance of intuitive, science-rooted approaches to wellness. Together, they explore the transformative power of turning routines into rituals and the benefits of holistic health practices like Spinal Flow.

00:00 Introduction to Composed Living with Elsa Elbert

00:13 Meet Brandy Searcy: A Journey of Wellness

02:34 Brandy's Personal Health Struggles and Discoveries

06:21 The Birth of Rain Organica

08:08 Unraveling Hormonal Mysteries

16:26 The Importance of Nervous System Regulation

24:22 Elsa's Personal Health Journey

31:00 The Power of Natural Healing

33:04 Spinal Flow and Nervous System Regulation

42:30 Conclusion and Ways to Connect with Brandy

To connect with Brandy, visit https://rainorganica.com/

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