Q&A with Claudia Brambila

Claudia Brambila
Exhala Wellness

Claudia Brambila

Exhala Wellness

What inspired you to start your business or pursue your current career path?

My journey began with a passion for helping others heal. With a background in military trauma nursing, I wanted to create a space where holistic and innovative wellness treatments could be combined under one roof. My initial vision for Exhala Wellness started with a focus on Structural Integration Massage, and as demand grew, I saw the demand for more medical aesthetic treatments, so I adapted. Today, we offer various services, from PRP Microneedling and Laser Hair Removal to Medical Areola Tattoo Reconstruction. The vision now encompasses a broader range of services with a bigger team to meet the growing needs of our clients. Over time, my vision evolved to build a comprehensive medspa that provides care, inclusivity, and transformation for everyone who walks through our doors.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge has been navigating the intersection of the beauty and wellness industries, often perceived as superficial, while bringing serious medical expertise to the table. As a first-generation American and combat veteran, earning credibility and respect in an industry that doesn’t always expect women—especially veterans—in leadership roles was tough. I overcame this by staying true to my values, focusing on results, and ensuring every service was of the highest standard. Clients are now more informed and value practitioners' medical credentials and holistic knowledge. Our industry becoming more inclusive and appreciative of diverse perspectives and skills. It’s inspiring to see more women-owned businesses gaining recognition and support.

Describe a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your leadership style.

A pivotal moment was when I expanded Exhala Wellness from a one-person operation to managing a team of eight. I realized that leadership wasn’t just about offering services—it was about nurturing a team, empowering them, and creating an environment where they could thrive. My leadership style is collaborative and service-oriented. I believe in empowering my team, giving them opportunities to grow, and fostering open communication. I lead by example and prioritize the well-being of both my team and my clients.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?

Balancing a business and personal life is challenging, but I’ve made it a priority to set clear boundaries and delegate responsibilities to my trusted team. I try to stay organized with a structured schedule and make time for self-care. My family and my husband are my strongest support system, helping me stay grounded. Having a solid support network—both professionally and personally—has been crucial, and one of the biggest life lessons that have come from this 

chapter in my life. I rely on my team at Exhala Wellness to handle day-to-day operations when needed, and my family has always been and continues to be a huge pillar of support.

What advice would you give young women aspiring to enter your field?

Stay true to your passion, and don’t be afraid to be the hardest worker in the room. Talent will never supersede consistency and persistence. Staying committed to your vision and being open to learning is so important as well. This industry requires both dedication and constant adaptation and the willingness to continuously keep learning is the key to success.

I wish someone had told me how important it is to trust my instincts and not be afraid to invest in myself and my skills. This is something I strongly emphasize with my team. The value of building a network early on and seeking mentorship cannot be understated.

How has mentorship played a role in your career as a mentee or mentor?

Mentorship has been vital throughout my journey. In the military, I had strong mentors who guided me through some of the toughest challenges, both in my personal life and in my professional life, as I continued to rise through the ranks and gain more responsibilities. I approach mentoring with a focus on empowerment. I believe in fostering independence while providing the tools and guidance necessary for growth in the form of guardrails. I encourage my team to take initiative and pursue continued education and self-development. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my teams’ self-confidence improves when they are empowered to solve problems independently and explore different solutions.

What strategies have you found most effective for building and maintaining professional networks?

Building authentic relationships and being genuinely interested in others’ success has been key to networking. Coming from a place of service is one of the most important aspects of my success when it comes to building relationships and networking in general.

Social media has made it easier to connect and maintain professional relationships as well. Platforms like Instagram allow us to showcase our work, connect with clients, and engage with professionals across the industry in real-time, broadening our reach far beyond local networks.It also allows us to build a different level of trust and connection with our clients, and they get to know our personalities and who we are as service providers.

In your experience, what key skills or qualities have contributed most to your success?

Resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic have been crucial. My experience in the military taught me the value of discipline, which has been a core factor in my success as a business owner and working in wellness has required adaptability and empathy to understand and meet each client’s unique needs. I continue to develop these skills through ongoing education, staying current with industry trends, and actively listening to my team and clients. There is never an end point to what and how much we can learn and master.

How do you stay innovative and adapt to changes in your industry?

I stay innovative by embracing change and exploring new advancements in technology and holistic treatments. As new research is developed and published, we integrate that into our treatment plans and make sure that we are always providing the most current and upto date care that we can.

When the demand for more natural and less invasive treatments rose, we introduced services like Endosphères Lymphatic Drainage and PRP Microneedling, which allowed us to meet evolving client needs. Staying open to feedback and investing in training keeps us ahead in an ever-changing field.

What initiatives or changes would you like to see to promote gender equality in the business world?

I’d like to see more initiatives that provide mentorship and financial support for women entrepreneurs. Equal representation at leadership levels is also essential. I contribute by actively hiring and mentoring women, advocating for professional development, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.