Q+A with Erin Bender

Q: From bringing our campaigns to life and creating content to making, styling, and photographing our recipes, you're behind so much of what our community sees from The Fullest. What inspires you creatively, and what's been one of your favorite things to create for the brand?

Inspiration finds me everywhere, and it’s always changing. From nature and art studios to architecture and design, I’m constantly drawn to different things. Lately, I’ve loved wandering through antique stores and admiring the paintings, figurines, and little treasures I find. It’s so interesting to see how styles and aesthetics have evolved throughout the decades. Even something as simple as browsing the grocery store shelves and noticing the branding and packaging can spark inspiration.

One of my favorite things to create for The Fullest is our weekly recipes. I love the entire process, from developing the recipe to styling and taking photos of it. It’s a creative outlet that gives me a chance to step away from my laptop and work with my hands, which I really enjoy.

Q: At The Fullest, we believe wellness is about so much more than nutrition and movement. It's about how you live and your response to what life brings your way. What are a few daily rituals that help you feel like your best self?

Truthfully, I’m not always the best at sticking to the same rituals, and I like switching things up quite a bit. There are a few, though, that I come back to consistently because they help me feel grounded.

My morning supplement routine is one of them. I take my supplements after breakfast as a way to start the day with intention. Journaling is another ritual that’s really important to me. I use that time to reflect, practice gratitude, and write down my prayers. It helps me stay connected to my goals and hopeful about what’s ahead.

And, of course, walks with my dog, Dolly, are a favorite. Even on days when I don’t feel like going, getting outside and exploring a new park or trail always gives me the reset I need.

Q: You grew up in a big family in Indiana, surrounded by changing seasons, and now call sunny Orange County home with your husband and golden retriever puppy, Dolly. What do you miss most about your Midwestern roots, and what have you come to love about life in California?

Of course, I miss my family the most, but I also miss the slower pace of life in the Midwest. There’s something special about gathering around a bonfire, getting cozy with a book while it snows outside, and having those simple moments that make a place feel like home. I also miss experiencing all four seasons and how each one brings its own sense of nostalgia.

Living in California for a little over four years has shaped my adult life in so many ways. I love the sunshine, the beach, and the ability to spend so much time outdoors, but what I love most is the community I’ve found here. The friendships I’ve made feel like family, and that’s made California feel like home in its own way.

Q: Has working at The Fullest shifted your perspective on wellness, happiness, or living intentionally? What's something you've learned that has stayed with you?

Absolutely! I considered myself a fairly health-conscious person before joining The Fullest, but working with Nikki and learning more about the brand’s philosophy has expanded my perspective so much. I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for the connection between what we eat, how we live, and how we feel, as well as the importance of supporting the body as a whole.

One thing that has really stayed with me is how much our everyday choices matter. Food, our environment, and the habits we build can all play a role in how we feel. I’ve become much more interested in taking a proactive, natural approach to wellness and looking at the bigger picture rather than focusing only on individual symptoms. It’s taught me to be more intentional about how I care for myself and to appreciate the power of small, consistent choices over time.