Today we’d like to introduce you to Michella Brudner.
Michella, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been an event planner: the one to host family and friends or organize parties and gatherings. I started producing the Natural Living Expo in 2007 because there was no other event that showcased the holistic health and natural wellness community in New England. I was 21 years old and I set out to create an event to accomplish this. I hoped it would take root and organically grow — and it has, more than I could have ever imagined! At the first year’s expo we had about 65 vendors and 500 people attend and through the past 12 years, we have continued to grow; having 275 vendors and over 10,000 people attend the 2017 Natural Living Expo this past November in Marlborough, MA. People travel hours to attend the event because there truly is nothing else like it on the east coast today.
My mother, Carol Bedrosian, is the founder and publisher of Spirit of Change Magazine, New England’s largest holistic resource, in print since 1987. So I grew up in the holistic health world and knew the services, people and products that are essential to good health. Unfortunately, these businesses are so often hidden from the majority of the population. My first goal with the Natural Living Expo was to bridge that gap and make alternative health information accessible to everyone. Seeing my mother as an entrepreneur who set her own schedule and made her family a priority; my second goal was to create a career that offered me that same luxury for my own family one day. I have accomplished both goals, as I currently work from home producing the event with my 3 and 1 year old daughters. I am able to do this with the help of a team of 45 people during the weekend of the expo and three part-time staff all year long.
Has it been a smooth road?
Over the last 12 years, the event has grown organically because we focus on showcasing quality health information, products and services. I personally review all businesses who apply to exhibit, speakers who apply to present and sponsors who support the event to ensure they meet our expectations. From 2007 to 2012 the event grew in its original venue, located in Sturbridge, MA held during the last weekend of September. It was picturesque, accessible and affordable. But we encountered growing pains when the venue became far too small for the thousands of people who wanted to attend and exhibit at the Natural Living Expo. We struggled with choosing a new venue. While we knew we could support a much larger convention center setting, we knew this would mean costs would rise significantly — making the event less accessible for small business owners to exhibit and for attendees who enjoyed the very affordable $15 weekend admission and free parking.
In 2013 we decided on the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA as the new event venue; which allowed more space for exhibits, workshops and people, while still keeping the costs in line, parking free and location central in New England, easily accessible off route 495. We moved the event to the second weekend in November and have continued to grow and expand in Marlborough each year since. In 2015 we added the “Healthy Foods Tent” giving attendees more dining options and seating space to enjoy a healthy meal at the event. This year, we have even added a live music stage to the Healthy Foods Tent!
For any seasonal business, like a once-a-year expo, there are intense busy months and slower months. For the Natural Living Expo, the beginning of the year, when all the vendors are signing up, and then the fall as we approach the event weekend, are the busiest. I’ve always reserved the fall as my “expo season” — the show is my focus. On September 2, 2014 however, my first daughter Bella was born, showing me that I could manage taking care of a newborn and producing an event simultaneously. While I had advance warning of this and completed as much as I could before her arrival, I felt like super-woman after producing another successful show in 2014, with a newborn pretty much attached to me.
Three years later, after the birth of my second daughter Zoe, and after months of serious health symptoms, I underwent emergency brain surgery on September 4, 2017 to remove a large 6.5cm meningioma — a benign brain tumor. Recovering from a serious brain surgery is a tumultuous and painful process. It requires extensive time and rest. Recovering with a 3 year old and 3 month old to care for, and a trade show to produce 10-weeks after surgery requires the help of an army — which I had. My husband, family, friends, neighbors and friends-of-friends stepped up during my recovery to help me heal and produce yet another successful Natural Living Expo on November 11-12, 2017. It was our 12th annual event and I seriously contemplated making it the final one, but after much personal reflection, I knew I could not give up my original baby — the Natural Living Expo — which I had dreamed up and nurtured for the last 12 years.
As I am planning the 13th annual event for November 10-11, 2018 — I am even more inspired to present quality health information, products and services to my audience because last year I learned first-hand how precious your health really is. Each year I print an inspirational saying on the event wristbands and in 2015 my wristband message was “health is wealth”. At the time I choose that saying, I had no idea of the ordeal that was to unfold in my own life to affirm this. Without our health, we are limited, if not dead. Value health, care for it and protect it! Many of the ideas and products offered at the Natural Living Expo are alternative and complementary ways to do improve health and happiness.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Natural Living Expo – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Natural Living Expo is New England’s largest alternative health event. You can experience the world of natural health & wellness in one weekend! Learn about body-mind-spirit wellness, healthy living and alternative healing techniques. Explore, shop and try the latest holistic health & wellness products. Meet holistic health practitioners. Experience healing bodywork sessions, receive an intuitive reading and explore all the holistic community in New England has to offer. Shop at local artisan and fair-trade product booths — great unique holiday gift ideas!
Try natural products from over 85 brands at the natural products free sample bar. Taste delicious raw, vegan, vegetarian and locally-sourced meal options in the expo’s Healthy Food Court (breakfast, lunch and dinner options) and enjoy live music in our new jazz cafe!
The expo’s $15 weekend admission includes: Admission to the exhibit hall, plus access to over 90 workshops & demonstrations including the new Qigong Experience.
Arrive early: The first 200 people each day receive a free Kripalu gift bag! The 2018 Natural Living Expo opens at 9am on Saturday, November 10 and at 10am on Sunday, November 11. The event is held at the Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
New England is a wonderful, vibrant community full of people who are aware of their health, the environment and overall wellness. Because the area has so many conscious consumers, the Natural Living Expo has been able to flourish due to the overall interest or curiosity that the population has in the topics we offer at the event.
Pricing:
- 2018 Natural Living Expo
Saturday, November 10: 9am-6pm and Sunday, November 11: 10am-5pm
Location: Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Rd West, Marlborough, MA
$15 Weekend Admission, Save $3 when you purchase tickets in advance online
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NaturalExpo.org
- Phone: (508) 278-9640 x 2
- Email: michella@naturalexpo.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturalexpo/
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
