Dr. Michele created Healthy Fashionista in 2010 while in naturopathic medical school to develop a distinct voice at the intersection of health and lifestyle. At the time, natural medicine lacked modern positioning, often leaning heavily into a “granola” identity. She approached it differently, blending fashion with health and delivering practical, evidence-based education in a way that felt relevant, elevated, and accessible to women.
The platform naturally expanded into partnerships with supplement companies, clean beauty brands, and natural clothing lines, along with radio features and a long-term contributing role with Better Nutrition Magazine.
Today, brands like Erewhon and Goop define this space, but when she began, this integration of wellness, fashion, and modern lifestyle was still taking form, and she was among the early voices shaping it.
The very first editorial blog post in 2011 on Artichokes & Liver Health wearing a Missoni Dress.
The importance of eating seasonal foods photo shoot in 2012
Bastyr gardens writing about the healing power of lavender circa 2012.
In Ojai, California writing about Medicinal uses for Chamomile in 2014
Hydrotherapy in the Snoqualmie River and Nature Cure Therapy, 2012.
Medicinal uses of kelp & seaweeds, 2013
Then came Branding Rx…
Recognizing a gap in naturopathic medicine, and the rapid rise of digital platforms; Dr. Michele Burklund created one of the first online branding courses for naturopathic doctors in 2012. She taught physicians how to build a modern presence, from websites and social media to defining a niche and communicating their work clearly, supported by weekly webinars with industry experts.
At the time, showing up online was often seen as ego-driven. Dr. Burklund challenged that, encouraging doctors to step forward and be visible with the goal of bringing naturopathic medicine into the mainstream.
She filmed the course herself late at night, imperfect in lighting and sound, but filled with thoughtful, practical content that resonated deeply and delivered real results. Nearly 2,000 practitioners completed the course before Dr. Burklund closed it in 2016, having effectively saturated the market.
The latest venture… Rhea Teachings
Most recently, filmed on the Greek islands with a full production team, Dr. Michele Burklund developed Rhea Teachings, an elevated virtual experience for perimenopausal women, created alongside Dr. Kristi Harter.
Redefining Grief Through Clinical Medicine
After becoming a widow at 38, Dr. Michele Burklund shaped a clinical focus that is uniquely her own, functional grief medicine for women moving through profound loss.
Her work centers on the physiological and emotional shifts that occur in the body during one of life’s most defining experiences.
She shares this work with audiences worldwide, speaking both in person and virtually across global platforms.
