Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhea Maladkar.
Hi Rhea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
There are really two main parts to my story: my giving back journey and my wellness journey — and both have been deeply intertwined in shaping who I am today.
The Heart to Give
I’ve been passionate about giving back for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I’d bring extra pencils to school for classmates and make my mom buy cans for every food drive. I grew up incredibly privileged — private school, two doctor parents, never having to worry about basic necessities — and once I realized that wasn’t the reality for everyone, it deeply impacted me. Maybe it’s the Libra in me, but it just didn’t feel fair.
As I got older, my heart for service only grew. I volunteered all over my hometown of Huntsville, AL, but one place that truly changed me was Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center, where I worked with kids with special needs. We danced, did yoga, sang, and made art — and seeing their joy lit something up in me.
In college at the University of South Alabama, I served as Philanthropy Chair of my sorority and helped raise the most money we had seen in years from a single event. I created a virtual event in 2020, that is now being held in person as an annual event today. I was a social media intern for the Cristian Rivera Foundation, working toward a cure for a rare childhood brain tumor with a devastating 5% survival rate. I also served as a Community Engagement Ambassador, volunteering around Mobile weekly. In grad school at MTSU, I was president of our Society for Human Resource Management, where I also worked on class projects with a local nonprofit, Doors of Hope.
Now, I serve as Young Professionals Chair for Middle Tennessee SHRM and was part of the Young Leaders Council Spring 2025 cohort, which taught me what it truly means to be an impactful board member. But somewhere along the way, I realized I didn’t just want to support a nonprofit — I wanted to build one.
The Journey to Wellness
Unlike my background in giving, my wellness journey was far less natural. My mom — a back/neck doctor — always warned me about injury, so I grew up avoiding gyms and contact sports. I dabbled in tennis but never stuck with anything. My eating habits weren’t great either, and I slowly gained weight while holding onto so many limiting beliefs around fitness and health. It just didn’t feel like something meant for me.
Things started to shift during my last semester of undergrad, studying psychology. I took a behavior modification class and decided to challenge myself to work out every day. I tracked my progress with stickers on a calendar — something simple, but it worked. Around the same time, I got into mindfulness and meditation and read books like Atomic Habits and 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think. Slowly but surely, I started to reframe the way I saw wellness.
I also faced my fear of the gym by turning to my best friend — who’s now a PT — and asking her for help. She built me a workout and showed me how to use the machines. I started going every morning at 6 a.m., and I felt better in every way.
But after graduation, I lost gym access and fell out of routine. When I started grad school, the workload overwhelmed me, and I told myself I didn’t have time. Eventually, I found out MTSU offered free personal training, which helped me get back into a consistent groove. I started to meal prep and challenge the belief that I couldn’t eat the same thing twice (spoiler: I can, especially if it’s a taco bowl).
Then came another roadblock — life. I got into a relationship, gained happy weight, and fell off again. When we eventually broke up, I was at my heaviest. But it sparked a deeper healing journey: I dove into shadow work, rediscovered my purpose, and got serious about wellness again.
The Spark
All of this aligned during my time in Young Leaders Council, when I had what I now recognize as a message from God:
“If I’m struggling to access wellness — and I have resources — what about the people who don’t?”
The idea of Good Karma Wellness was born. It clicked immediately — wellness shouldn’t be a luxury. Everyone deserves access to Pilates, hot yoga, therapy, massages… not just those who can afford $200+/month memberships. At the same time, I realized that so many women, especially beginners, don’t feel safe or confident in traditional gym spaces. Community and comfort are missing in so many wellness offerings — and I wanted to change that.
On May 24, I posted my first Instagram with a tiny plan and a huge dream. It didn’t go viral. But I knew I was called to do this. I kept going — showing up online, creating resources, partnering with local fitness studios, and attending free and donation-based wellness events around Nashville. I’m now past 500 followers and am in the process of officially registering my nonprofit.
It’s not always easy. As a small and emerging nonprofit, working with brands or larger venues can be tough. But I’ve also been so moved by the kindness and openness of people in this city — people who’ve believed in me, collaborated with me, and shared my vision for accessible wellness. It’s a reminder that even if systems take time to change, individuals can move fast. I have a few collabs in the works and am SO excited to share!!
And somehow, I’m doing all this while working full-time in HR, serving on multiple boards, running multiple social accounts (with minimal prior experience), and still making time for my own workouts, meals, rest, and joy. I won’t pretend it’s perfect — but it’s mine. And I’m so, so grateful.
The Vision
I’ve loved goody bags since I was little — it was always my favorite part of a birthday party or school event. That excitement and joy they brought me is something I still carry today. So when I started dreaming up what I wanted Good Karma Wellness events to feel like, I knew I wanted to bring that same feeling.
I don’t want these events to feel like “just a workout.” I want them to feel like something people genuinely look forward to. Goody bags, DJs, community energy — why should only influencers get access to that level of experience? Everyone deserves to feel celebrated, seen, and supported on their wellness journey — no matter their income, status, or starting point.
This journey is just beginning. But I know I’m building something that’s already making a difference. And I can’t wait to see how big this dream can grow.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have definitely been some bumps in the road. For most of my life, I let other people’s opinions — whether real or imagined — define me. I was constantly shape-shifting into who I thought others wanted me to be, hiding the real me behind a mask.
This summer marked a major turning point. I finally overcame the fear of outside perception. I realized that the work I’m doing is meaningful and impactful — and that’s what matters most. Even if someone were to say something negative, it wouldn’t hold weight, because my mission is rooted in giving back and building community.
I was also nervous about being accepted by Nashville’s fitness and wellness scene. From the outside, it can feel a little intimidating. But I was so relieved — and honestly surprised — by how warm, supportive, and open everyone has been. The community has welcomed me and my big ideas with open arms, and that’s meant the world to me.
As a small, early-stage nonprofit, it can be tough to get the attention or partnership of established brands and businesses. There are still moments where I feel like I have to prove myself or my vision just to get a seat at the table. But at the same time, there have been incredible people in the Nashville community who’ve been so open, generous, and excited to collaborate — and I don’t take that for granted.
Right now, I’m in the process of officially registering my nonprofit, Good Karma Wellness, which has been a huge undertaking in itself. I’m also self-managing four social media accounts, with almost no formal experience — just a handful of influencer attempts in the past that never really stuck because I wasn’t passionate about the content. But this is different. I’m deeply passionate about making wellness more accessible, and that energy fuels me to show up online consistently and creatively.
Balancing everything has been a learning experience. I work full-time in corporate HR, serve as a board intern for The New Beginnings Center, and am a Young Professionals Chair for MTSHRM. I also prioritize my own wellness — working out, eating healthy, and making time to nurture new friendships. It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I wake up every day feeling grateful for this journey — for the people I’ve met, the impact I’m starting to see, and the belief that I’m finally stepping into my purpose.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work in corporate HR at a large healthcare organization, specializing in employee benefits and wellness. I manage programs that support the well-being of over 55,000 employees nationwide—from developing and distributing feedback surveys to planning large-scale wellness events. I’m known for my creativity, attention to detail, and ability to bring fresh energy into spaces that can often feel routine or transactional.
What sets me apart is how I blend strategic thinking with heart. I don’t just check boxes—I care about creating meaningful, human-centered experiences for employees. Whether I’m coordinating a virtual benefits fair or leading a company-wide wellness initiative, I always think about how people will feel interacting with what I build.
I also serve as the Chair of the Young Professionals Committee for Middle Tennessee SHRM and recently joined the board of The New Beginnings Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women transform their lives through fitness and nutrition. I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built—within my organization and the Nashville HR and wellness community. I bring my full self into my work, and I think that’s what allows me to stand out.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books
Harry Potter – a nostalgic favorite that always brings me joy
Atomic Habits by James Clear – an incredible resource for building consistent routines and making lasting change
101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest – eye-opening and thought-provoking
How to Manifest Your Dream Life – a motivating read that helped me realign with my goals and believe in possibility
Apps
Spotify (for everything from music to meditation)
Wellhub (formerly Gympass – helps me explore new fitness options)
Trainiac (for personalized workouts)
MyFitnessPal + Yuka (to stay mindful about what I’m putting in my body)
Strava + Apple Fitness (to track movement and progress)
Headspace (for mindfulness and mental clarity)
EveryDollar (for budgeting and staying financially grounded)
Instagram + TikTok (for sharing, community, and inspiration)
Podcasts
I’m not really into podcasts right now, but I’m always open to recommendations.
Blogs
Vogue Business – I love staying up to date on wellness, fashion, and entrepreneurship all in one place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: goodkarmawellnesstn
- Other: tiktok: goodkarmawellesstn
