Michelle Larivee (Wthn)
Overview
Michelle Larivee is the Co-founder and CEO of WTHN, a wellness brand rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since founding WTHN in 2019, Larivee has transformed her passion for holistic health into a successful business that combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other traditional healing techniques with a modern, accessible approach. Her journey from a career in finance to pioneering a contemporary wellness brand is marked by personal transformation and a commitment to making alternative health care accessible to the mainstream. WTHN has received significant attention for its innovative approach and has expanded its footprint with new locations and product offerings.
Recent Developments
In the past few years, Michelle Larivee has focused on expanding WTHN both in physical locations and product offerings.
- January 2024: WTHN raised $5 million in Series A funding led by L Catterton to fuel its omnichannel expansion, allowing the brand to scale its brick-and-mortar presence in New York and beyond.
- 2024: The brand opened a new studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, increasing its studio presence alongside its Flatiron location in New York City.
- 2023-2024: Weathering the pandemic-induced challenges, WTHN pivoted towards enhancing its online product offerings, including a bestselling acupressure mat and herbal supplements, aiming to make wellness resources more accessible.
- Ongoing Partnerships: Collaborations with high-profile platforms like Poosh and Goop have bolstered WTHN's reach, while new partnerships with Grove Collaborative and Erewhon aim to widen distribution channels.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michelle Larivee |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Co-Founder & CEO of WTHN |
| Known For | Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wellness Industry, WTHN |
| Education | BSFS from Georgetown University, MBA from Wharton School |
Early Life and Education
Michelle Larivee grew up with a passion for helping others and was initially interested in pursuing a career in medicine. She attended Georgetown University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service. Larivee later pursued an MBA in Global Strategic Management and a Master's in International Studies from the Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania. Her educational experiences in international business and her exposure to various cultures laid the foundation for her interest in global health practices, eventually leading to her co-founding WTHN.
Career and Notable Achievements
- Investment Banking: Larivee began her career in finance at Merrill Lynch, structuring significant deals in healthcare finance.
- International Finance Corporation: Worked as an Investment Analyst in structuring investments across global markets.
- World Economic Forum: As a Project Manager, focused on initiatives involving emerging markets.
- WTHN (2019-Present): Transitioned to the wellness industry by co-founding WTHN, a brand offering holistic health solutions based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Under her leadership, WTHN has become a pioneering force in making alternative health care accessible and mainstream.
- Recognitions: Larivee has been featured in publications such as Forbes and New York Times for her contributions to the wellness industry.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Michelle Larivee is focused on expanding WTHN's presence and making traditional wellness practices more accessible. With a significant recently secured funding, her goal is to further integrate WTHN into daily wellness routines across the country, through studio openings and an increase in retail partnerships. WTHN's success is attributed to its blend of traditional techniques with a modern approach, making holistic wellness accessible to a broader audience.