Meet Allie Chandler of Grand Rapids, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Chandler.

Hi Allie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2013, I was teaching high school creative writing, living a life of burnout. I loved my students, but the pressure and stress of teaching, along with the low pay and long hours, drained me. So, in true impulsive fashion, I quit my job and took a life-changing trip to Europe. I wandered through the streets of Paris, ziplined in Switzerland, and marveled at the Tower of Pisa, but I wasn’t prepared for what happened next.

In Amsterdam, I got sick. Not just a cold, but an illness that left me bedridden and struggling to make sense of my body and mind. It started with strange neurological, digestive, and cardiac symptoms, leaving me lost in a fog and unable to find answers. I saw doctor after doctor, but no one could help. It was a lonely journey, trying to navigate a world where no one understood the battle I was facing.

Eventually, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and several co-infections, and for the next eight years, I was in the depths of detoxing, cleansing, and healing. This was my introduction to root cause medicine. I learned about coffee enemas, infrared saunas, castor oil packs, and parasite cleanses—things I had never heard of in conventional medicine. I realized that the traditional approaches weren’t working for me, and I needed something different.

Despite being bedridden and often unable to stand, I pushed through and went on to pursue graduate school in San Francisco, moving forward in life as best I could. It was in that process of healing and learning about root cause medicine that I discovered my passion for marketing in the wellness space. I had seen firsthand how many wellness practitioners struggle with marketing, overwhelmed by the complexities of growing their business while staying true to their mission. This led me to transition into the marketing world.

I worked with Dr. Jay Davidson, Microbe Formulas, CellCore BioSciences, and Microbiome Labs, helping build their brands from the ground up, overseeing content, events, and high-level marketing strategies. I had the privilege of leading incredible teams, launching new products, managing multi-million dollar campaigns, and creating impactful summits and educational content. But all the while, I knew I wasn’t just helping build these brands; I was living a version of my clients’ struggles—juggling my health, my career, and my purpose.

It became clear to me that there was a gap in the wellness space: practitioners, coaches, and wellness brands—especially those trying to disrupt the conventional medical system—were overwhelmed with running their businesses. They didn’t have the time or energy to juggle marketing, client acquisition, and growing their brand, all while staying true to their values. This is why I created Upsell Health.

Upsell Health is born out of my own journey of burnout, resilience, and healing. I understand the deep frustrations of feeling like you’re doing everything right but still falling short. I know the exhaustion of running a business on your own, without the support you need. I also know that there’s a better way—a way to grow your business with heart, authenticity, and intention.

I founded Upsell Health to help health practitioners and wellness brands grow and scale with ease. I provide holistic marketing strategies, rooted in authenticity, that attract clients, build trust, and create lasting success—all without the burnout.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My about section covered this but https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HiQy8sNVMKFXzwuz0dw57uQ1fepluG4W/view this is video too that’s 18 mins that talks about my whole story.

In 2013, I was teaching high school 12th grade Creative Writing and I was unhappy. I made 42,000 a year, worked 14 hours a day, and took grad classes for the short summers I had. I loved writing and the students, but hated the politics, pay, and stress. I’m super impulsive so I quit my job and backpacked through Europe with two girlfriends for the summer. We ate lobster in Cinque Terre, ziplined down the Swiss Alps, drank beer (well, I’m gluten free) at the Hoffbrauhouse in Germany, leaned with the tower of Pisa, shopped in Paris (croissant in hand), and so much more.

In Amsterdam, I got sick.

Not just a cold. I felt like I was drugged. I spent two nights nearly hallucinating, pacing back and forth in a tiny hostel while my two friends slept off their champagne, staring at myself in the mirror, wondering why my body felt so weird. I had pins and needles, felt like I was walking on a boat, was uncoordinated, sweating, and couldn’t stop shaking.

The next few days were a blur. I don’t remember Belgium at all. (Disclaimer: No drugs were involved). Days later, in Ireland, I collapsed in an airport bathroom and was revived by 5 Irish women trying to feed me granola bars and water. I didn’t know what was wrong. I cried, because I felt so weak and fatigued and just out of my body that I didn’t know how I was going to make it home.

Somehow, I did, and went straight to the ER. They gave me antibiotics and steroids, which made everything way worse. I was in and out of consciousness with symptoms that changed by the hour: neurological, digestive, respiratory (my lungs burned for the better part of a year whenever I breathed), cardiac. At one point I tracked 143 symptoms.

No one could figure me out. I went to every kind of doctor imaginable, got poked and prodded with needles, had my intake meetings basically memorized, and held a supplement graveyard that took up 4 cupboards in my kitchen.

It wasn’t working.

Meanwhile I had plans to move to San Francisco because I had been accepted to California College of the Arts for grad school, and I still went. I was scared, and I did it. I wrote poems, read my short stories in cages at the Cat Club, hiked Lands’ End on weekends before my heart got too bad, and tried to squeeze every ounce of this literary city out while I could. My health was up and down. But it got progressively worse.

Somehow I maintained a relationship with a PGA golf pro, and we got engaged, and married in 2015, when I graduated from grad school. I was worried about being able to stand long enough to walk down the aisle.

I got a job writing copy for Green Smoothie Girl, then found Dr. Jay Davidson on a summit who worked with Lyme patients. That’s not something I had tested before (probably the only thing), so I saved up my money and booked a call. My tests came back overwhelmingly positive for Lyme and co-infections: Babesia, Bartonella, and others. I was happy to have answers, but had two years of detoxing ahead of me.

I learned about coffee enemas, infrared saunas, castor oil packs, parasite cleansing, and all kinds of tools I’ve never heard about from conventional doctors. I learned about root cause medicine for the first time, and learned that a lot of doctors I had been seeing had just been treating symptoms. (To be clear, I don’t blame them, they were doing what they were taught, but I needed something else to heal). I was getting sicker and sicker.

When I found out Dr. Jay was having a retreat 6 hours from me, my husband encouraged me to go. I had become bedbound at 26, as every time I stood, my heart rate jumped from 55 to 150+ and stayed that way the entire time I stood (higher if I walked). Stairs and heat killed me. I struggled to make it to the mailbox and remember crying because I had to sit down so many times on the way. I couldn’t stand to cook a meal.

So doing a retreat that involved rooftop yoga and gentle movement and cooking together really seemed out of my comfort zone. But I went, and it was the best thing I ever did to heal.

I heard Dr. Jay talking about needing help with marketing, so I asked for an interview. He said okay, send me some things when you’re back home. I wanted it in person the next day. I spent the night prepping a 23-point site audit, marketing and content ideas, and thoughts about what could scale his practice to the next level.

He hired me on the spot, and I worked my way up from customer service and blogs to running his marketing, summits, and high ticket sales on the phone.

Later, he started Microbe Formulas and Cellcore BioSciences, and I was brought on to be a Brand Manager then Director of Content, where I built a team under me. We got to build the company from the ground up, from kits to product pages to an education platform. I’m so grateful for my time there. I moved on to work for Microbiome Labs as Director of Content, then Senior Director of Marketing and Events (over the Events team, Creative, Copy, Affiliates, and more), and then Head of Trade and Consumer marketing. I got to help plan and run events (like MBKS and A4M), create our marketing strategy top to bottom, rebrand the entire line, website, social, and categories, and launch 14 products. I created the #caughtbeingawesome channel, dove into culture (was nominated to be a culture team ambassador), got voted to be on the Extended Leadership Team with only 5 others, was on the acquisition transition team and led communication, managed the BetterBiome platform and consumer launch, and conceptualized and designed a BiomeHackers site. I brought FidoSpore to MWI health, grew our Amazon sales to 1.3 million a month in two years, managed the launch of our products on Cencora, and led the process of getting Microbiome Labs onto Viewpoint by Dennis Quaid.

Because I spent so many years working for healthcare practitioner supplement companies, my own business sort of created itself. Doctors were asking me to help with their marketing, so I transitioned into fulltime running Upsell Health, and here we are!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In short: I help practitioners, wellness brands, and supplement companies grow their practice online via content, automations, marketing, strategy, affiliates, summits, and more.

Hey, I’m Allie! I’m a free-spirited, open-minded, and loving soul who believes in the power of authenticity and kindness. I live for adventure, whether it’s kayaking on a serene lake, embarking on spontaneous road trips, or hosting themed dinner parties. I’m a lover of all things creative—whether that’s making clay earrings, cooking up Whole30 meals (and indulging in cheese boards), or getting lost in a good book. I’m passionate about personal growth and healing, and I thrive on learning new things, especially when it comes to neuroplasticity, mindfulness, and emotional healing. I’m deeply committed to inclusivity and believe that everyone’s journey deserves respect, empathy, and support. Whether I’m surrounded by my amazing community or enjoying solo adventures, I’m always striving to live a life full of joy, connection, and authenticity.

Do we Align? Here are some quick things about me: (can you just do these in checklist?)
-Enneagram 2w3, manigesting generator, ENTJ -Type-A, high-achiever -Have a beagle named Parker -Run a social group with 14,000 members (a non-profit) for fun -I can’t help but turn everything into marketing -I love kayaking, lake life, cooking Whole 30 foods (but also cheese boards), growing vegetables in Michigan in the spring and summer, Free People, fresh flowers, lifting (PPL split), Internal Family Systems and EMDR, neuroplasticity and the limbic system, infrared saunas and cold plunging, themed parties, kindness and inclusivity, iced vanilla lattes with almond milk, intermittent fasting, anything gold and glitter, making clay earrings, sunrises and sunsets, the Let Them theory, Home and Garden shows, spontaneous road trips to shipping container Airbnbs or houseboats, RV life, National Parks, taking pictures with film or polaroids, Peloton, gluten free eggs benedict, lemon candles, Greece, cruises, solo travel, Ingrid Michaelson and Mumford and Sons, late dinners on patios, manifestation, agate, taking too many personality tests, improv comedy, soup bars, volleyball, Brene Brown, fire tables, authenticity

At Upsell Health, we don’t just provide marketing solutions—we create customized strategies built on empathy, experience, and expertise. What sets us apart is not only our deep understanding of the wellness industry but also my personal journey through chronic illness. Having navigated my own path of healing and personal transformation, I know exactly how it feels to be overwhelmed, confused, and searching for the right answers. This allows me to speak directly to my clients’ pain points, understanding their struggles and connecting with them on a deeply human level—without resorting to traditional sales tactics. I am most of my clients’ ideal avatar, and I’ve lived through a decade of healing myself, so I have the content knowledge along with a Master’s in Writing from California College of the Arts.
Additionally, my experience leading events and marketing at Microbiome Labs and overseeing content strategy as the Head of Content at CellCore BioSciences and Microbe Formulas means I bring a unique, high-level approach to marketing in the health and wellness space. I’ve been behind large-scale marketing strategies, helping to grow brands, manage events, and create content that resonates with both practitioners and clients. This blend of experience in both corporate wellness and personal healing empowers me to craft strategies that are not only effective but also authentic, helping my clients grow their practices without compromising their values.
I help wellness brands and practitioners break free from traditional marketing methods by offering personalized, heart-centered strategies that attract the right clients and increase impact. It’s not about selling—it’s about connecting, sharing stories, and building relationships. We work together to grow your practice in a way that feels aligned, sustainable, and true to your mission.

Your 3 brand promises
What promises do you make to your clients? We call it a promise, because you have to feel very strong in your mind, body, and spirit that you can help them with these 3 things.

Attract the clients you’re meant to serve
We’ll help you clarify your message and create a strategy that speaks directly to the clients you are truly meant to work with, ensuring that your marketing resonates with your ideal audience.
Grow your practice sustainably
We provide you with the tools and systems to streamline your operations and grow your business in a way that is both manageable and aligned with your core values.
Align your marketing with your authentic self
We promise to help you craft a marketing strategy that is not only effective but also deeply authentic, staying true to your voice and values through our proprietary Practitioner Archetype framework. This way, you’ll attract clients who align with your mission, rather than feeling pressured to “sell” in ways that don’t feel right.

Transformational Story
What story do you tell to connect yourself with your ideal client?
I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the struggle. Several years ago, I was lost, exhausted, and overwhelmed. I had spent years chasing answers, navigating a health crisis that no one seemed to understand (later to find out it was Lyme (Borrelia, Babesia, Bartonella), heavy metals, and parasites). Despite trying countless treatments and therapies, I was still searching for that elusive solution. At the same time, I was juggling multiple roles in the wellness industry—working long hours, wearing a dozen hats, and feeling like I was doing everything right, but still falling short.
As a wellness professional, I felt the frustration of knowing that I had so much to offer, but couldn’t seem to reach the right people. I was passionate about healing, yet I felt invisible in a sea of noise. It wasn’t just the physical fatigue; it was the emotional toll of pouring so much into my work, only to feel like it wasn’t having the impact I knew it could.
That was when everything changed. I realized that the key wasn’t just about more treatments or more work—it was about alignment. It was about showing up fully as myself, knowing who I was meant to serve, and creating a business that truly reflected my values. This shift didn’t just heal my health—it transformed the way I approached business, marketing, and my relationship with my clients.
Through my journey, I gained not only the tools to heal my body but also a deep understanding of how to build a business that aligned with my purpose. That’s why I started Upsell Health—to help wellness professionals who feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or invisible, just like I did, find their way. I’m here to show you that it’s possible to have a thriving practice without sacrificing your well-being or authenticity.
I’ve been where you are, and now I’m here to guide you to where you want to be—balanced, aligned, and confidently attracting the clients you’re meant to serve.

At Upsell Health, we believe that healers deserve to thrive—financially, energetically, and impactfully. You built your practice to change lives, but scaling should feel nourishing, not exhausting. We help wellness practitioners and health brands grow with marketing that’s strategic yet soulful, data-driven yet deeply aligned with your mission. You don’t have to do it all alone. We take marketing off your plate so you can focus on what you do best—healing. Your work is powerful, and your business should support the life you want to live. Let’s build a thriving, sustainable practice that flows as effortlessly as the healing you provide.
The Upsell Health Manifesto
Healers Deserve to Thrive Financially
You built your practice to heal others, not to drown in marketing overwhelm. Growth should feel expansive, not exhausting. Your business should nourish you as much as it nourishes your clients. Scaling your impact and income is possible—without sacrificing your energy or integrity.
Strategy & Soul Can Coexist in Marketing
Marketing should never feel forced, salesy, or misaligned with your purpose. Flow-state marketing attracts clients effortlessly when it’s rooted in authenticity. The best wellness businesses blend data-driven strategies with energetically attuned messaging—because when your marketing feels right, success flows naturally.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
You shouldn’t have to wear every hat—practitioner, marketer, content creator, strategist. Upsell Health takes marketing off your plate so you can focus on what you do best. We help you streamline, automate, and scale—without burning out.
High-Level Healers Need High-Level Marketing
Your brand deserves the same level of expertise, precision, and care that you give to your patients. Marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about impact, legacy, and long-term sustainability. You’ve mastered the art of healing the body—now it’s time to master the art of growing your business.
Growth Should Feel Good
Scaling shouldn’t feel like a grind. It should feel effortless, nourishing, and aligned. When your marketing is in flow, your business expands naturally. Abundance comes when you operate from a place of purpose, not pressure.
Our Promise
✅ We Speak Your Language – We understand functional medicine, root cause healing, and holistic wellness because we’ve lived it.
✅ Marketing That Works as Well as Your Protocols – Data-backed strategies infused with soulful storytelling and conscious branding.
✅ Healing the World, One Thriving Practitioner at a Time – Your mission is bigger than you, and we’re here to help you reach more people effortlessly.
✅ No More Guesswork – We provide proven, done-for-you marketing strategies that attract aligned clients and patients.
✅ We Help You Scale Without Sacrificing Your Health or Time – No more working in your business 24/7—let’s build systems and strategies that let you step back while scaling up.
This is your time to expand—with ease, with flow, with purpose. Let’s build something extraordinary together.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Well I also run West MI Social club, which grew from 0-14,200 members in the last year. Our one-year anniversary is actually this week. www.facebook.com/groups/westmisocialclub.

I’m 37 and not married, and I returned to Grand Rapids from Monterey, California, where I lived for almost a decade. I thought moving back here, I’d be able to jump right back in to the social life I had before I left, but the truth is — people changed. They had partners, kids, new careers, hobbies, obligations. I was burned out on dating apps and wanted to switch my focus instead of finding a solid community and good friends. It seems like a lot of other people are looking for the same!

I created this group because I was deeply lonely. I was sick of the disposable nature of relationships and friendships I felt.

I didn’t feel like anyone in my life truly understood me. Even my family. I didn’t feel like anyone was taking the time to truly know me, what’s in my soul, how big my heart is, the depth and love I’m capable of.
I was sick of the swiping on dating apps, the shallow conversation, the way our brains are now wired to think there’s always something better out there — someone richer, hotter, younger, funnier.

I was talking to a guy who kept trying to make last minute plans, and I said: “Hey, it would feel really nice to me if we could plan a few days ahead. I’m pretty busy with a fulltime job and owning a marketing agency on top of it, plus trying to work out, meal prep, and see my friends. I’d love to see you, I just need more notice.”

He said: “I’m not booking 7 to 8 days out lol good luck” and that was it.

We were done talking.

I spent the next weekend alone. I went to Trader Joe’s, got coffee at Schuil, picked up clay and a paint by number at Hobby Lobby, and came home to silence.

I made a grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Put butterfly clips in my hair, snuggled with my beagle, Parker, and painted.

I cried.

I felt so lonely — and I didn’t understand how the hell to make friends as a 37-year-old. So I made a post on GR informed asking for advice.

This group came from that — from a deep and aching loneliness, from pain, from wondering if I’m going to be alone at my house every weekend, wondering why no one was reaching out because I know myself to be a really great and thoughtful friend.

But I decided to commit to having the best summer I could dream of. The most themed parties, BBQs, game nights, late walks on the beach with the glow of the stars on my face reminding me that even in unending darkness, there can still be some light.

This is your reminder that your relationship status doesn’t define you. Whether you’re single or married or something between or maybe you have no desire to be with anyone at all.

I hope you know you’re a full, complete, loved, complex person on your own. First and foremost.

And sometimes, when you’re doing the things you want to do, learning how to live a full life on your own, someone will come beside you, doing the same.

So today, if you’re coming home to a loving partner, something messy and complicated you feel stuck in, or quiet that feels so loud you want to close your ears, I hope you find time to prioritize you.

I’m glad you’re here. I’m honored to share this space with you.

The best part about the group is the subgroups that form. You can make the group anything you want. In particular, we have Sober-Friendly Meet Ups, Perimenopause Divas, a Men’s Mental Health support group, a Neurodiverse chat plus an On the Spectrum chat, events for shy and self-identified socially awkward folks, DINKs and SINKS (no kids), monthly dinners for Gen X women, introverts, queers and allies, and so many more. These are in addition to the hobby-related opportunities, which are just as abundant. There’s truly something for everyone, and if it doesn’t exists, we can create it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.upsellhealth.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebohemiannation
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/westmisocialclub
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/upsellhealth/
• Twitter: https://x.com/upsellmarketing
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@upsellhealthmarketing