Nestled just outside Philadelphia, Jolene Hart, a dedicated health coach, author, and new Rise gardener, shares her inspiring journey. Beyond the greenery and fresh produce, Jolene's story is one of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of wellness through nature.
From Beauty Editor to Health Coach: Jolene's Path to Wellness
Jolene's roots trace back to New Jersey, but her journey has taken her to the vibrant outskirts of Philadelphia. Before becoming a health coach, Jolene was a magazine beauty editor, spending over a decade researching and writing about nutrition for skin and nontoxic personal care. "I decided to get my health coach certification to better inform my writing," she recalls. Along the way, she discovered that health coaching perfectly complemented her INFJ personality, especially since no one else was exploring the intersection of nutrition and skin health at that time.
Her personal struggles with cystic acne and eczema fueled her passion, leading her to establish her health coaching practice, Beauty Is Wellness, in 2010. "Nutrition for skin has been a passion of mine ever since, leading me to write three books on that topic," Jolene shares.
Connecting Through Social Media
For Jolene, social media has been a powerful tool to connect with her readers globally. "Social media allows me to share ideas and inspiration immediately," she explains. It's also a platform for collaborating with like-minded creators in beauty and health, making it an essential part of her journey.
How Does Nature Inform Jolene's Philosophy on Health?
Jolene believes in the profound lessons nature offers. "I think that the more we stay connected to the natural world, the healthier we are in mind, body, and spirit," she states. This philosophy inspired her latest creation, Earth + Body, a card deck and guidebook that explores 52 elements of nature and their lessons for our human experience. "It helps us all to be healthier, one lesson at a time," she adds.
A Memorable Beginning with Rise Gardens
One of Jolene's fondest memories with Rise Gardens is building her Rise Garden — a hydroponic system (a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-enriched water) that lets her tend to seedlings just steps from her kitchen — and nurturing her first batch of seedlings. "Because the garden is in my home and I walk by it a dozen times a day, I feel so connected to the growth of the plants," she shares. This indoor garden offers a unique connection different from her outdoor garden, which she might only check on once a day.
Rise Gardens has seamlessly integrated into Jolene's life, bringing more ease and flexibility into her kitchen. "I have fresh herbs and greens growing only a few steps from the stove that I can harvest at a moment's notice and put right into a recipe," she enthuses. Research shows that hydroponically grown produce can contain up to 50% more vitamins than store-bought equivalents, which aligns perfectly with Jolene's nutrition-first approach to skin health. This freshness and spontaneity in cooking have become an integral part of her culinary adventures.
What Does the Future of Gardening Look Like?
Jolene envisions a future where everyone can grow their own fresh vegetables, regardless of time, space, or climate constraints. "I think the future of gardening will help solve those issues by making it easier for anyone to grow food," she predicts. Hydroponic systems use up to 95% less water than traditional soil gardening, and indoor basil — one of Jolene's kitchen staples — typically reaches harvest maturity in just 21–28 days, making it an especially rewarding place to start. She believes Rise Gardens is positioned to lead this change, making hydroponic gardens a household staple. Gardeners can explore a wide variety of herbs, greens, and vegetables through the seed pod collection to customize their garden from the very first grow.
Advice for New Gardeners
Jolene's advice to new gardeners mirrors her guidance for new cooks: "Don't be afraid to experiment because you learn something new from everything you try!" She encourages embracing mistakes as valuable teachers, leading to greater wisdom and comfort in the gardening process.
Jolene's journey with Rise Gardens is not just about growing plants; it's about cultivating wellness, finding joy in nature, and discovering the endless possibilities that come with nurturing life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jolene Hart and how does she use Rise Gardens?
Jolene Hart is a health and beauty author who incorporates Rise Gardens into her wellness-focused lifestyle, growing fresh herbs and greens that support her approach to beauty from the inside out. Her journey highlights how indoor gardening connects daily nutrition to overall wellbeing. Stories like hers are part of the Rise Gardens community's broader mission of empowering people to grow their own food.
How does growing your own food connect to a wellness lifestyle?
Growing your own food creates a mindful relationship with what you eat, encouraging fresher, more nutrient-dense choices at every meal. The act of tending plants has also been shown to reduce stress and foster a sense of accomplishment. Rise Gardens members often report that the garden becomes a daily ritual that grounds their wellness routines.
What herbs and greens are best for a beauty-focused diet?
Herbs like basil, mint, and lemon balm, along with greens like kale, spinach, and microgreens, are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support skin, hair, and nail health. All of these grow beautifully in a Rise Gardens hydroponic system. Incorporating freshly harvested plants into daily meals and teas is a simple, powerful wellness practice.
How does the Rise Gardens community support members on their wellness journey?
Rise Gardens cultivates a community of growers who share recipes, growing tips, and personal stories through the app, blog, and social channels. Member spotlights like Jolene's journey inspire others to start or deepen their own growing practice. The community aspect transforms gardening from a solo activity into a shared movement toward healthier living.
