IN THIS ARTICLE
Throughout history, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the health and wellness industry. From pioneering nutritional science to advocating for holistic health solutions, their contributions have transformed the way we approach well-being. Today, female-founded brands like 8Greens continue this legacy, making nutrition more accessible and empowering people to take charge of their health.
The Early Influencers: Women in Nutrition & Wellness
Long before modern medicine, women were the primary caretakers of family health, passing down knowledge of herbs, nutrition, and healing remedies through generations. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, women began formalizing their impact, breaking barriers in medical and scientific fields to improve public health.
One of the most influential figures in nutrition was Dr. Elsie Widdowson, a pioneering dietitian who helped develop wartime rationing plans in the UK, ensuring balanced nutrition despite food shortages. Another trailblazer, Adele Davis, became one of America’s most well-known nutritionists in the mid-20th century, advocating for whole foods and vitamin supplementation before they became mainstream.
Women Revolutionizing Wellness
The wellness movement as we know it today was largely shaped by female leaders who emphasized preventive health, holistic healing, and natural nutrition. Figures like Ann Wigmore, who popularized wheatgrass and raw foods, and Jane Fonda, who made fitness accessible to millions through her workout programs, exemplify the diverse ways women have championed well-being.
Female entrepreneurs have also been at the forefront of supplement and wellness innovations. Brands like KORA Organics (founded by Miranda Kerr) and Sakara Life (co-founded by Danielle Duboise and Whitney Tingle) have brought clean, nutrient-dense options to the market, proving that wellness can be both effective and enjoyable.
8Greens: A Female-Founded Brand Making Nutrition Simple
One of the most inspiring modern examples of women leading in health and wellness is 8Greens, founded by Dawn Russell. Dawn’s journey began out of necessity—facing a health crisis that conventional medicine couldn’t solve, she traveled the world in search of answers. Through her exploration, she discovered the life-changing power of greens.
Her mission became clear: to make essential greens accessible to everyone, no matter how busy their lifestyle. From the first 264 prototypes (all tested by her incredibly patient husband!) to the final formulation, 8Greens was designed to simplify nutrition while educating people about the vital role greens play in daily health.
As Dawn explains:
“90% of Americans do not get their daily minimum requirement of greens. We can all do better.
With 8Greens, I am simply trying to get this number higher by educating people about the most important greens and helping add these greens to their diet in an easy, quick, tasty way. 8Greens is not a replacement to a healthy diet, but rather a booster, a green helper. So please, enjoy!
Have you had something green today?”
The Future of Women in Wellness
Women’s contributions to health and wellness are far from over. As more female entrepreneurs, scientists, and wellness advocates emerge, the industry continues to evolve, making healthier lifestyles more accessible to all. Whether through groundbreaking research, innovative products, or holistic wellness approaches, women will continue to shape the future of health.
8Greens stands as a testament to this legacy—proof that when women lead, they create solutions that improve lives. So, as we celebrate the women who paved the way, let’s also support the female-founded brands making a difference today.
Because when women lead in wellness, we all benefit.
Have you had something green today?
