Blum comes from an entrepreneurial family / Photo: JESSIE BLUM / HEARTCORE
What’s your background?
I grew up in Germany, in a family of creatives, doctors and entrepreneurs. My father is an award-winning wine-maker, restaurateur and hotel owner and from an early age I was captivated by it. That’s where my love for hospitality was born.
With innately creative parents, I felt inspired to study graphic design, but while I enjoyed the buzz of my career in advertising, the work never fulfilled me.
In my late 20s, I swapped my apartment for a backpack, seeking the meaning of life abroad. For a year, I travelled the world – Australia, Asia and Africa – and ended up in LA pursuing a new career in fitness.
I loved the feeling of helping others feel better and doing something meaningful and worked with people from all walks of life, including A-list celebrities.
LA is where the idea for Heartcore was born. Drawing on my professional experience in fitness, hospitality and design. It’s the sum of everything I’m passionate about.
How has your view of yourself changed over time?
Building and running this company has taught me so much about life and what I’m made of.
Up to my late 20s, I never envisioned starting and leading a wellbeing company – let alone doing it in a foreign country, but I guess you should ‘never say never’.
There were moments I had to navigate the company through storms, but they say it’s the darkest moments that shape us the most. The first was in 2016 due to financial mismanagement and the second has been the pandemic. Both were wildly humbling yet equally empowering. They made me stronger, more confident and better at running and building the business.
What’s your endgame?
My dream is to build a legacy with Heartcore. This is my life’s work – representing everything I stand for and that’s important to me.
My goal is to inspire, empower and support as many people as possible all over the world through the power of positive movement, while extending the brand into new markets.
My big dream is to eventually build a collection of integrated wellness destinations in naturally beautiful locations.
What’s your personal self care routine?
My daily commitment is movement – for my mind as much as my body. Whether that’s a Heartcore class, hot yoga when in LA, a jog or walk in the park – it helps me stay balanced, focused and energised.
I treat myself to a biohack with infrared sauna, RLT and Cryo two or three times a week and over the years, I’ve learned that I function best on eight hours of sleep. And I love starting my day just before the sun comes up.
Who do you admire in the industry and why?
Mel Zuckerman, founder of Canyon Ranch. He trailblazed the integrative wellness space with his beautiful approach to helping people rebalance mind, body and spirit. He was an amazing leader and visionary, building one of the most iconic wellness brands in the world.
What are you aiming to learn next?
I’m fascinated by the power of the mind and approaches to healing trauma and resolving chronic pain.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.
