Influential Woman · Wellness and Health Coaching
Stacey Schuhardt
Founder, The Root of Wellness and The Happy Seed Co
Davidsonville, MD 21035
Her Story
About Stacey
Stacey Schuhardt is a wellness entrepreneur, certified Ikigai Life Coach, and founder of The Happy Seed Company and its corporate wellness division, The Root of Wellness. After building a successful career spanning more than four decades in hospitality, hotel technology, and corporate leadership, Stacey transformed her own experience with workplace burnout into a mission of helping others achieve healthier, more purposeful lives. Her professional journey—from leadership roles in the hospitality industry to directing consulting teams at Oracle—gave her firsthand insight into the pressures of high-performance corporate environments and inspired her to create innovative solutions that address burnout at both the individual and organizational levels.
Drawing on her background in behavioral analysis, leadership, and wellness coaching, Stacey specializes in helping professionals regulate their nervous systems, recover from chronic stress, and reconnect with their sense of purpose through the principles of Ikigai, the Japanese philosophy of finding meaning in life. Through executive coaching, immersive retreats, workshops, and corporate wellness strategies, she partners with HR leaders, executives, and organizations to build healthier workplace cultures that foster resilience, engagement, and sustainable performance. At The Happy Seed Company, she has also created a tranquil wellness destination featuring meditation gardens, holistic wellness services, and collaborative spaces where individuals can reflect, heal, and grow.
Beyond her coaching practice, Stacey is a passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs, community building, and mental health awareness. She has cultivated a thriving network that supports more than 35 women-owned businesses through coaching, education, networking opportunities, and wellness experiences designed to encourage both personal and professional growth. A longtime martial artist and wellness enthusiast, she believes authentic success is measured not by constant productivity but by balance, meaningful relationships, and inner peace. Guided by authenticity, compassion, and purpose, Stacey continues to empower individuals and organizations to overcome burnout, embrace well-being, and create lives centered on fulfillment—one happy seed at a time.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stacey
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to discover who I truly am and pursue what I’m passionate about. Studying and becoming certified in ikigai transformed my life and inspired me to coach others in finding their own purpose.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: just do it. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. We need more women in this field, and every journey begins with taking that first step.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the expectation to be available 24/7, which often leads to poor work-life balance and burnout. At the same time, this creates an opportunity to build spaces that promote inner peace, healing, and overall well-being.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is the value I hold most deeply in both my work and personal life. My experience in the corporate world taught me the importance of staying true to myself, which ultimately led me to pursue more meaningful and authentic work.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.