Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrianna Whalen.
Hi Adrianna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Long Beach, California. My mom and dad created an idealistic childhood for my siblings and I. My favorite memories were of being packed into the family RV with my two older siblings and waking up on different beaches where my dad would be competing in surf contests while us groms ran wild in the sand. Since surfing has been part of my story from the very beginning, so has a deep passion for nature, animals, and taking care of the environment. I am grateful that those passions were instilled in me from a young age, as they have guided me throughout my life.
After graduating from CSULB, I was unsure about which career path to pursue. I tried to turn my love of education into a teaching career, but I found that the public school system wasn’t for me. I continued to serve tables while exploring career options. Eventually, I felt stagnant in Long Beach and decided it was time for a change. My sister had recently moved back to North County San Diego, where she grew up, and I felt called to make a new start for myself here. Although the sales job that would be the catalyst to my moving to the area wasn’t a good fit for me (turns out I wasn’t built to spend 8 hours a day inside, behind a computer screen), by that time I had met the man who is now my husband, and I was set on finding my path down here.
I returned to the restaurant industry and education, working at local restaurants and a non-profit dedicated to nature education. I had found a balance between making ends meet and work that I was passionate about. But that would all change once the pandemic hit and I could no longer perform either type of work. I found myself back in the confused and hopeless place I had spent my first post-college years in. It was then that I learned about the clean water industry, and everything changed.
As someone who grew up with a strong connection to water and a deep respect for the Earth, I felt an instant pull to get involved. I discovered Enagic, a now 51-year-old company that manufactures Japanese medical-grade water ionizers. Not only was I amazed by the health and sustainability benefits of the water, but I was also deeply inspired by the business model. This company had devised a way to allow people to make a tangible impact by helping others improve their wellness beginning at the foundation, reduce plastic waste, and regain control over their income. During a time when most of the world was concerned with one or more of these aspects in their own lives, sharing this opportunity was inspiring.
What started as a personal investment in clean water and a way to boost my health became the launchpad for a purpose-driven career in the wellness and sustainability space. Through building my own franchise with Enagic, I now get to educate, empower, and mentor others on their own path of improved physical, mental, and financial health, all while creating a greater ripple effect on the health of the planet.
I’m incredibly grateful to my husband, family, and friends for supporting me, especially in the beginning, when things felt uncertain and it was scary to take that first step. They saw how deeply I cared about making a positive impact through water, and they’ve continued to nurture that passion in every way they can.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a smooth road. Being an entrepreneur requires a ton of self-reflection and self-growth. There have been many times when I have doubted myself, my capabilities, and my ability to become successful. But in all of that, I reminded myself that at the heart of what I do is creating a positive impact. My main goals are to help people, help the planet, and be a source of positivity in this world.
I don’t believe that everything good in life has to come through struggle. But often the things we desire do require effort and commitment. For me, it comes down to how badly I want the vision I’ve created for my life, and how unwilling I am to accept the alternative. I refuse to settle for a life half-lived. So I choose the kind of work that keeps me connected to my values and my joy. Yes, it takes effort. But it’s nothing compared to the weight of showing up every day to a 9-5 that drains my spirit.
At the end of the day, you have to pick your hard. And I’ll always choose the one that leads to fulfillment and alignment.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Formed by Water?
Formed by Water is a wellness-focused business rooted in the belief that clean, functional water is foundational to health and eco-friendly living. By blending education, advocacy, and community, my mission is to help individuals transform their relationship with water.
I provide access to high-quality water filtration and ionization systems that support wellness at the cellular level, reduce household toxins, and reduce the need for single-use plastics. I also mentor others who are looking to create their own values-driven water businesses, offering tools, training, and personal guidance every step of the way.
More than just a product-based business, Formed by Water is a movement that encourages people to reclaim their health, protect the planet, and find purpose in their work.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few ways to connect with me and the work that I do through Formed by Water. If you’re looking to improve your home or business’s water quality, I offer education and personalized support in choosing the right water filtration or ionization system for your needs. If you’re passionate about health and sustainability, I also mentor people who want to start their own water businesses.
For local collaborations, I love partnering with like-minded businesses, wellness spaces, and event hosts to bring more awareness to clean water access and holistic health. And if you want to support from afar, sharing my work, referring a friend, or engaging with me on social media goes a long way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://formedbywater.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriannawhalen/
- Other: https://adriannawhalen.yourbodyiswater.info/
Image Credits
Shiloe Sky Photo @shiloesky
