Celebrating Purpose-Driven Small Businesses

The ‘Pause Life is shining a spotlight on a few of our favorite like-minded brands, small businesses built with heart, purpose, and a shared commitment to empowering women in midlife and beyond. 

These “Friends of The Pause Life” are creating products and communities that inspire balance, confidence, and well-being, from a cup of clean, organic coffee to a confidence-boosting outfit formula, a nourishing midlife snack, and a delicious way to support your bones. 

Bella Rosa Coffee Company: Family, Flavor and Beautiful Rituals

Founded by a family with deep roots in California’s café culture, Bella Rosa Coffee Company was born from a love of community, connection, and truly great, clean, rich, high-quality coffee. Named in honor of the founders’ beloved Nonna Rose, the company embodies beauty, family, and authenticity, values reflected in both their artfully designed packaging and their handcrafted roasts.

What sets Bella Rosa apart is their commitment to quality and purity. They are one of the few companies that use air roasting, a unique process that ensures consistency, lowers acidity, and produces a clean, smooth, and healthy cup of coffee. Every bean is certified organic, free of chemicals and pesticides, and sourced from the highest quality growers.

For coffee lovers who care about quality, health, and community, Bella Rosa Coffee offers more than just a beverage. It’s a beautiful ritual in every cup! Enjoy 10% off your purchase of Bella Rose Coffee with code MARYCLAIRE at checkout.

MenoWell: Fuel Like a #MenoBoss

Founded by Julie Gordon White, MenoWell was born from her own very personal midlife struggle. When stubborn “meno middle pounds” and sugar cravings hit, she went searching for a healthy, satisfying snack and found nothing that truly worked. Not being one to sit on the sidelines,she created what she needed: a nutritious, delicious bar designed specifically for women in menopause.

More than just a snack, MenoWell is a movement to help women #MenopauseLikeaBoss! Every bar is formulated with the MenoWell Menopause Transition Trifecta™: high fiber for gut and hormone health, organic maca for mood and energy, and plant protein for sustained strength and satisfaction. The result is a low-sugar, functional food that helps women manage cravings, support their bodies, and feel amazing through every stage of menopause. Take advantage of 10% off your MenoWell purchase with code MARYCLAIRE.

Outfit Formulas: Simplifying Style, One Outfit at a Time

Founded by Allison Lumbatis, Outfit Formulas is the “meal-planning for your closet” app that helps women take the stress out of getting dressed. After hearing from countless women, especially those in midlife, who felt fashion no longer spoke to them, Allison set out to create a simple, confidence-boosting system that makes style accessible to everyone.

Inspired by the idea that style can be learned, Outfit Formulas teaches women how to make the most of what’s already in their closets. Each month, members receive a new outfit calendar and shopping list, personalized through AI to fit their body type, climate, and lifestyle. Instead of promoting perfection or endless buying, the brand encourages women to “shop their closet” and get dressed with ease, creativity, and self-expression through practical, repeatable “formulas” that work for real life.

Alison’s gift to The ‘Pause Life community is a special discount on the Outfit Formulas app when purchased with this unique link. No coupon necessary!

Seen

Founded by friends Adrienne Bitar, PhD and Dr. Jennifer Han PharmD BCACP, Seen was born from both personal experience with osteoporosis and professional expertise. Adrienne watched her mother suffer multiple fractures over 30 years due to osteoporosis, while Jenny was diagnosed with a rare form of the condition after pregnancy. Combining their backgrounds, one as a clinical pharmacist and the other as a food studies lecturer at Cornell, they spent 18 months developing the first patented calcium chew made entirely from food. Their goal was to create a bone-health product that is easy to digest, delicious, and grounded in a food-first approach.

The company, called Seen, reflects their mission to recognize women as complete and complex individuals with unique nutritional needs that change across the lifespan. The chews are also designed for convenience, making it easier for women to meet their calcium needs even while traveling or on busy days. Their portable, easy-to-use chews allow women to prioritize bone health without disrupting their daily routines.

Save 10% on your purchase of Seen Calcium Chews with code MARYCLAIRE.

How These Small Business Owners Stay Grounded During the Holidays

At Bella Rosa Coffee Company, a four-day workweek allows for time to recharge, garden, tend bees, and gather with friends and family over a cup of coffee. 

Julie Gordon White, founder of MenoWell, grounds herself through daily rituals of gratitude, meditation, and short workouts, which helps her stay present for her team, her family, and the women she serves through her mission-driven business.

For Allison Lumbatis, founder of Outfit Formulas, staying grounded means embracing small moments of calm by spending time outdoors and practicing gratitude, while encouraging her team and community to slow down and savor the season

Seen founders, Adrienne and Jenny, lean on each other when life gets busy. As business partners and friends, they feel fortunate that they can always count on each other.

Why Supporting Small Businesses Matter

Supporting small businesses is about more than the products we buy, it’s about investing in people, their purpose, and their passion. The founders behind Bella Rosa Coffee, MenoWell, Outfit Formulas and Seen are not just creating goods; they’re building communities, solving real problems, and inspiring women to prioritize their well-being.