This California Founder's Wellness Routine

Wildwonder stands out as a distinguished member of the California.com Recommended Business Program. This exclusive recognition is awarded to top-notch businesses in California, each celebrated for their exceptional reputation, captivating stories rooted in California, and their contributions to the wellbeing of their communities.

Rosa Li leads Wildwonder with innovation and passion from its base in San Francisco. As the founder and CEO, she has introduced a refreshing line of sparkling beverages dedicated to enhancing immune and gut health. These drinks draw inspiration from the herbal concoctions her grandmother prepared for her during her childhood, merging traditional herbal practices with contemporary flavors. Wildwonder is on a mission to offer deliciously healthy beverages that align with today’s taste preferences.

Li, with her profound knowledge in herbal wellness, recently shared insights into her personal health practices, her daily routines, and her advice for maintaining a healthy gut. This conversation provided a glimpse into the mind of an expert committed to promoting wellness through every sip of Wildwonder.

Rosa Li’s Wellness Routine

Q: How do you start your day? 

A: I start my day around 6:30 a.m. I’m trying to be more conscious of my screen time and media consumption these days, so I stay away from checking my phone or emails immediately after I wake up. This makes a huge difference in setting the right mood for the day because social media and emails can feel overwhelming. Having a calm morning and starting the day in the right mental state keep me focused and better prepare me to tackle the day’s challenges. 

Right after I wake up, I like to do 15 minutes of stretching and meditation. Then I always start my morning by hydrating. I like to drink a glass of lemon water for an extra dose of vitamin C.  I’m definitely a caffeine person, so after hydrating, I’ll make myself a cup of coffee or a matcha latte. Matcha is a Japanese green tea that offers seven times the antioxidants as regular tea. It also contains l-theanine, which is calming, so you get steady energy instead of the jitters and crash you get from coffee. But not all matcha is created equal. I recommend any ceremonial-grade matcha for drinking because it’s the highest quality matcha and it has a stronger umami taste. 

Starting my day with a hearty breakfast is a cornerstone of my daily wellness ritual, acting as a wake-up call and fueling my energy levels for a productive day ahead. On mornings when time is tight, a quick banana does the trick. However, when time allows, I indulge in a more elaborate morning meal.

Following my breakfast, I dedicate roughly 30 minutes to browsing through newsletters, keeping myself informed about global happenings and updates within my industry. This habit sets the stage for me to efficiently dive into my email correspondence.

Q: What does a normal workday look like?

A: Since we have a small and scrappy team, my day varies a lot. From making sales calls and checking on my customers to overseeing product development and building new partnerships, I’m always on the go. The one thing I tend to forget in the chaos of building a business is hydration. I don’t really enjoy plain water and always gravitate toward interesting flavors, so I always keep a half dozen bottles of Wildwonder in the fridge to keep me hydrated and my gut happy.  

Q: How do you like to wrap up your day? 

A: Looking forward to dinner is the highlight of my day, as I'm passionate about culinary adventures and cherish dining out with friends, discovering new eateries along the way. However, recent times have nudged me towards embracing home cooking, unveiling a surprisingly soothing hobby. My go-to is often a simple stir-fry, ensuring a wholesome mix of vegetables, protein, and grains. I've found delight in the "Ottolenghi SIMPLE" cookbook, renowned for its exceptional plant-forward dishes that don't skimp on flavor. Additionally, supporting local eateries by ordering takeout, particularly from unique ethnic spots, has become a part of my routine. These small businesses play a crucial role in fostering cultural connections, yet they've faced significant challenges lately.

To wind down in the evening, I immerse myself in the world of audiobooks or podcasts. Favorites like "How I Built This," "Unfinished Biz," "Acquired," "Taste Radio," and "Invest Like the Best" offer both entertainment and insights, rounding off my day perfectly.

Q: How has your routine changed in the last few months? 

A: Now that we’re all working from home, work and personal life are more intertwined, so it’s easy to get wrapped up in work. So, I’m mindful of finding my own “balance” and taking time for self-care. 

I firmly embrace the concept of "food as medicine," convinced that our dietary choices significantly influence our immune health and overall well-being. Growing up, my grandmother's herbal concoctions were a staple — an experience that was as much about building character as it was about health, given their unique aromas and flavors. This upbringing inspired the foundation of Wildwonder, a testament to my belief that health benefits don't have to come at the expense of taste. Striking a balance between the rich heritage of ancient herbal traditions and the appeal of contemporary flavors, I'm constantly exploring innovative ways to blend time-honored herbal wisdom with today's culinary practices.

With flu season coming up, it’s more important than ever to eat nutritious and beneficial foods. Turmeric and ginger are definitely staples for me. They’re some of the most nutrient-rich plants on the planet, plus they have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. I find ways to incorporate them into my diet every single day, and luckily, I think they’re delicious!

Q: What’s one tip you would give to a reader looking to support their immunity or gut health? 

A: Take care of your gut! Over 70 percent of our immune system is in our gut, and more research is proving that our gut makeup is intimately linked to our neuro-pathways. It’s often referred to as our “second brain” because our gut microbiome affects all aspects of our health, starting with our immunity and extending to our mood, weight, and brain function. The most important thing you can do to support your gut health is to eat a diverse diet that includes fiber-rich foods (prebiotic) and good gut bacteria (probiotics). Prebiotics are essentially food for our gut bacteria, so it’s important to consume both pre- and probiotics for the most benefits. Whole grains, green vegetables, alliums, and fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi are a great place to start. Oh, and make sure you incorporate some Wildwonder! 

About Wildwonder

Wildwonder is a beverage company with a full line of drinks formulated to support your gut microbiome. The company is on a mission to create wonders in everyday life and is committed to donating 5 percent of its profits to causes that empower women and marginalized communities.