By: Gesche Haas – the founder & CEO of Dreamers & Doers, a highly curated community and PR Hype Machine™ for extraordinary women entrepreneurs.
In a wellness landscape filled with complex routines and ever-evolving trends, the most impactful tools are often the simplest. They are the ones that meet people exactly where they are.
For Laura Donovan, that realization came through an unexpected discovery.
Solstice was born from Laura’s personal wellness journey and her search for tools that could support her physically, mentally, and emotionally. When she discovered ear seeds, the shift was immediate. She noticed a meaningful change not only in her body, but in her mental well-being. It felt both subtle and profound.
After exploring a wide range of modalities and working with practitioners across both Eastern and Western traditions, she was surprised she had not encountered ear seeding sooner, especially given its nearly 2,000-year history. As she deepened her understanding of auricular therapy, it became clear this was a practice meant to be shared.
With the support of her family, Laura earned her certification in auricular therapy and invested her savings into building Solstice Ear Seeds.
Launched in August 2025, Solstice reimagines an ancient practice for modern life. It makes ear seeding more approachable, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated into everyday self-care. Through thoughtful design and education, the brand empowers individuals to take an active role in their own well-being.
Read on to discover how Laura turned a personal wellness discovery into a purpose-driven brand.
What is the underlying mission of your business? How does your work make a difference in people’s lives?
Solstice is about making self-care more accessible, intuitive, and meaningful. Our mission is to reconnect people with their own sense of balance physically, emotionally, and energetically through a ritual that’s rooted in tradition but designed for modern life.
So many of us are overwhelmed, stretched thin, or disconnected from our bodies. What I love about ear seeding is that it offers something small, beautiful, and incredibly grounding without requiring a big time investment, expensive treatments, or perfection. It meets people exactly where they are. If Solstice can help someone feel a little calmer, a little more supported, or a little more in tune with themselves, I consider that a big win.
What core values guide your business? How do these principles reflect your personal values, and how do they influence your leadership?
Everything at Solstice is rooted in the belief that wellness should feel encouraging, instead of overwhelming. I created this brand to give people tools and knowledge to care for themselves in small but meaningful ways. I value that sense of confidence, and it shapes how I lead, even in the early stages. I believe in building with trust, creating space for autonomy, and encouraging others to connect with their own intuition, whether it’s our future customers, collaborators, or community.
Community is equally essential. I know how isolating both wellness and entrepreneurship can feel, and my hope is to build Solstice as a brand that offers real connection at every level. Whether it’s through our practitioner partnerships or the content we share, I want people to feel supported, seen, and part of something meaningful.
Education is central. I don’t believe in gatekeeping wellness. When people understand how and why something works, it becomes that much more powerful. That belief is already shaping how we build the app, how we talk about ear seeds, and how I lead with clarity, transparency, and the intention to make this practice accessible.
How do you balance the demands of entrepreneurship with your physical and emotional health? What specific tools or practices have you integrated into your daily routine to maintain mental well-being?
Movement has become one of my most essential tools for managing stress, protecting my mental health, and staying grounded. On the days I prioritize exercise, whether it’s hiking, Pilates, a Peloton ride, or simply walking my dog, I feel a noticeable shift. My mood lifts, my thoughts get clearer, and I’m able to navigate challenges with more calm and clarity.
As a founder, there’s always another fire to put out or task to check off, but movement anchors me. It’s my reset button. I’ve learned that clarity doesn’t come from pushing harder; it comes from creating space to breathe, move, and recalibrate. I used to see that time for myself as selfish. Now, I understand it’s essential. When I care for myself, everyone around me benefits too.
What advice would you give to other women wanting to start or grow businesses in an intentional way?
Get yourself a tribe. The road isn’t linear; it’s full of dips, curves, and unexpected detours, but it becomes so much more doable (and way more joyful!) when you’re surrounded by people who truly have your back. Find the ones who will celebrate every win with you, help you clear obstacles, and brainstorm through the hard moments. The ones who listen when that’s all you need and remind you why you started when you forget.
Being a solopreneur can be overwhelming, and having a community to lean on has been absolutely critical to my ability to keep going.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ear seeds and auricular acupressure are complementary wellness practices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new wellness routine.
