Friends of RUNGA: Lexi Atkins

“Coming from my own health challenges, being able to transform those struggles into helping others is a feeling I'm honored to continually experience. It brings great meaning to my life, especially knowing that the times when I felt unwell and sought answers now have more purpose.”

How did you first become interested in health & wellness?

I first became interested in health and wellness through my mother, who served as the initial catalyst for my wellness journey. Growing up in the Midwest, I was accustomed to a very standard American diet, but my mother was also experimenting with her own journey. She introduced chlorophyll into our water, made kombucha, used goat milk, picked aloe from the plant to eat, and juiced fruits and vegetables. While these may not be the epitome of health, they were quite different from the norm in our smaller town. Her initial journey into health and wellness is what got me interesting in alternative healing. 

What motivated you to pursue your health & wellness business?

What initially motivated me to pursue wellness was my own health journey and a desire for truly clean, organic products I could trust. I was constantly questioning what was in the things I used and noticed a lack of transparency and integrity in many wellness offerings. That’s what sparked the creation of my brand—something I originally built to fill that gap for myself and my community.

These days, I’m no longer running the business in a traditional sense. Since entering a full-time Doctoral program in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, my time and energy have shifted toward learning and clinical training. I still source high-quality herbs and blends for family and close friends under the same brand umbrella, but my main focus is school and deepening my understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

I’ve always loved blending design, purpose, and healing—and while my brand has evolved, that core creative spark is still very much alive in how I approach my studies, my rituals, and the way I share this work.

How does what you do in the world today impact your own happiness and fulfillment?

The fulfillment I experience when I see others taking care of themselves in a holistic way, feeling better from an ailment, or discovering their true selves through anything I’ve recommended or offered to them is one of the greatest gifts I could ask for. Coming from my own health challenges, being able to transform those struggles into helping others is a feeling I'm honored to continually experience. It brings great meaning to my life, especially knowing that the times when I felt unwell and sought answers now have more purpose.

How do you cultivate community in your life?

I have built a wonderful network by connecting with like-minded individuals who are also on a journey to wellness and self-discovery. Once I started to branch out and put myself out there, I realized there are so many people on the same path of remembering. RUNGA has been one of the biggest catalysts for me in building this network. Through RUNGA retreats, I have gained lifelong friends and continue to do so with the beautiful connections it offers.

What’s something you are enjoying right now? Is there a book you can’t stop reading, or a podcast you regularly turn to?

These days, most of my reading is centered around school—but one book I find myself returning to is ‘The Courage to Be Happy’ which draws from Adlerian psychology. It’s a powerful read for shifting perspective and reconnecting with a sense of purpose.

As for podcasts, I love The Diary of a CEO. I really appreciate Steven Bartlett’s take on things and how he produces such thoughtful, educational content.

Follow along with Lexi on Instagram & her website.