When Iliriana started dealing with chronic bloating, painful periods, acne, and migraines in her early twenties, she did what most people do, she went to the doctor. But even after seeing several professionals, the answer was always the same: “Everything’s normal.” As a personal trainer in great physical shape, she knew something didn’t add up.
That’s when she started asking her own questions.
What was in the food she was eating? The supplements she was taking? The everyday products she was using?
She started researching. And what she found changed her life.
“I realized many products contain ingredients linked to the symptoms I was feeling.”
After swapping out everything, food, personal care, cleaning products, she felt a major difference. But finding clean, trustworthy products in one place was a struggle. Shopping around took hours. Nothing felt simple or consistent.
So she created it herself.
A Wellness Brand Built from Real Experience
Iliriana co-founded Live Healthillie with her husband to solve the problem she faced: making clean, low-tox living easier and more accessible.
But running your own business, especially one built from scratch, is no small task.
“The hardest part is wearing so many hats. My husband and I co-founded the brand and we play so many different roles, many of which we knew nothing about. We’ve had to learn a lot and make lots of mistakes to figure things out.”
That willingness to learn through experience, and share openly, has shaped the brand’s mission. Iliriana doesn’t just curate products. She explains why they matter. She talks from personal experience. She makes wellness feel less overwhelming and more doable.
“Being the face behind the brand is definitely a big differentiator for us. I can speak to the products from experience and give education behind everything.”
Rooted in Culture, Driven by Family
Iliriana credits her Albanian heritage with the discipline and drive that helped her build this business.
“My dad came to this country for a better life and better job opportunities, and my mom was always bettering her education and working any job she needed to in order to get through schooling.”
Their sacrifices inspired her to work hard, stay focused, and chase her goals, even if it meant taking risks.
“They’ve given me the motivation and drive to pursue my dreams and believe if I work hard I can achieve what I want.”
Staying Focused, Staying Honest
When asked what advice she has for other Albanian-American entrepreneurs, Iliriana keeps it real:
“Keep your eye on the goal and don’t get side-tracked by cultural expectations or timelines. I was blessed with parents that always encouraged me to chase my dreams.”
That mindset has helped her push through tough days, stay consistent, and keep the bigger picture in mind.
Creating from a Place of Need
As more people become aware of harmful ingredients in everyday products, Live Healthillie has continued to grow. One of their proudest moments was launching their own wellness product: Minerals and Chill.
“It’s always adapting. Thankfully it has adapted to our favor when it comes to people seeking out clean products and prioritizing their health. And with this, we were able to finally create our own product ‘Minerals and Chill’ by seeing a need in the market.”
The product was born from real demand, and built to support better health.
Looking Ahead
Live Healthillie is still a small team, but the vision is big. IIlirianahopes to keep expanding the product line and continue supporting others through education and access.
“Long-term goals are to just keep growing the brand, expand our personal product line, and continue to educate and help our community.”
And while they don’t yet have official partnerships in place, giving back is part of the plan.
“We’re still small so as of now we don’t have anything in place, but we would like to work with charity groups in the future.”
The Reality of Being a Business Owner
Building a business changes you, especially one built from your own personal story.
“It’s a lot of pressure to perform, be consistent, show up even if things aren’t going the way you want. It changes every aspect of your life and how you view other business owners and businesses.”
It’s growth, vulnerability, patience, and persistence, all at once.
Culture as Foundation, Not a Label
Although Live Healthillie isn’t branded as an Albanian-focused company, Iliriana’s culture is a deep part of who she is and how she works.
“Because I’m in the wellness space, my business isn’t contingent on being Albanian or any other nationality. It’s definitely something I bring up as an Albanian-woman-owned business, but it’s not how I based my business either.”
“It’s important to always acknowledge and remember your roots, where you came from, and help your community. Many of our parents came from nothing, so seeing one of our own succeed outside of our community is always a great reminder of how much we can grow and spread our wings far. Now I can be a resource to other aspiring Albanian entrepreneurs.”
Follow the Movement
Live Healthillie is a space to find better products, better information, and a better way to take care of yourself. Everything you’ll find is curated with care, backed by personal experience, and shared with the hope of making someone else’s wellness journey a little easier.
Visit the shop: https://livehealthillie.com
Follow Iliriana’s journey: @livehealthillie
“Keep your eye on the goal.”
Explore the local community in our guide to Albanians in Florida.
Author: Val Demiri
Valbona is an editor and writer at ALB Connection, where she covers the people, businesses, and culture shaping the Albanian diaspora. A journalism graduate of the University of Iowa, her work spans community profiles, success stories, and features on Albanian life across the US, Europe, and beyond. She is drawn to stories that celebrate Albanian achievement and keep the community connected across borders.
