We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonnie Muler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Having a good work life balance is tricky, and something that continues to be a bit of a struggle, but it’s so important. One of the reasons why I decided to start my own business was so that I could create my own hours. Fortunately, I got busy quickly with lots of clients, but that meant not having a lot of time for myself. I really tried to see clients while my kids were at school, but in order to be successful I had to be flexible with my schedule. Additionally, working out has always been important to me so that has been the most difficult adjustment since so many clients want to come to me in the mornings. I don’t really like working out in the evening but fortunately what I do is a bit of a workout in itself! Lately I find that I need to say “no” to some things like walks or dinner with girlfriends, but my family and my business are my priority.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have always been passionate about living a (pretty) healthy lifestyle; I like to cook, workout, I stay up on that latest health trends, etc. A couple of years ago, the first few of my close girlfriends started turning 50. We have all complained to one another about the downside of getting older, especially how difficult it is to maintain a healthy weight. A friend of mine told me about machines that do ultrasonic cavitation and lymphatic massage using radio frequency to burst fat bubbles and drain them out. I researched some machines but wasn’t totally convinced that I could actually start my own business. I decided to hold an informal focus group with some friends to ask them what they thought. They cheered me on and encouraged me to go for it. I invested in the machine and went through extensive training. I figured worst case scenario, I would use the machine on myself! I rented a spa room telling the landlord that I would only need it one day a week. Soon I needed it 2 days and now I am up to working 3-4 days a week. The beginning was pretty easy but as I got busier my biggest challenge was the toll that doing the treatments was taking on my body. Now I have to remind myself to change arms when I am working and take a short break between clients. I also stretch a lot and see a chiropractor once a month for tune ups. The lesson there as been to not forget to take care of myself, as well as my clients. I have now been in business for 15 months and I am so proud of how much I have accomplished in such a short period of time. I have helped so many women through weight loss journeys, looking and feeling their best on vacations and for special events, and just plain happy in their own skin. Nothing makes me happier than when I get a text that says, “My jeans fit me again!” or “I can’t believe I am in a bikini in public!” To me, that’s the sound of success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I have visitors from out of town we have to go to the beach-duh! We would walk around Malibu, maybe get a surfing lesson, and have dinner at Taverna Tony for the ridiculously delicious dips and branzino and the fun ambiance. My kids and I love taking people to Universal Studios, especially the studio tour and the Harry Potter Ride. They also like going to The Getty and a Lakers or Kings game with out-of-towners. We live in Calabasas so we always visit our local favorite places: Calabasas Farmer’s Market, a latte at La La Land, a walk around the Lake, and dinner at The Mulholland for the petite filet and an American Beauty cocktail. Shopping at the Grove and the Melrose Trading Post are always fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Matt, has always been interested in starting his own business. He is a very successful sales rep at his company and has often told me that I would be great at sales as well. When I came to him with the idea of investing in a body sculpting machine to start my business he was nothing but encouraging and supportive. Of course he didn’t totally understand the concept of a machine being capable of making women slimmer, but he definitely gets it now!

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