At Beverly Hills Magazine, we have the privilege of speaking with some of the most inspiring and influential minds in various industries. Today, we are honored to welcome Jana Short, a renowned mindset coach, bestselling author, and the visionary behind Best Holistic Life Magazine. Her mission is to transform lives through storytelling, health, and wellness, helping individuals find hope and healing. In this exclusive interview, Jana shares her incredible journey—from overcoming a life-threatening illness to becoming a global leader in holistic wellness. She also reveals her secrets to success, the power of mindset, and how she built a thriving platform that reaches millions.
LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST EPISODE HERE
Beverly Hills Magazine: Hi Jana! It’s such an honor to be with you today.
Jana Short: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Let’s dive right in. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the industry?
Jana Short: I actually started as an interior designer in Los Angeles, and I was very successful in that field for many years. However, my life took a drastic turn when I became seriously ill. Doctors told me I had only a few months to live and sent me home on hospice care. That was 13 years ago.
Desperate for answers, I turned to the internet, typing in words to find holistic alternatives. My husband is a veterinarian, my ex-husband is an internist, and my two daughters were in med school—yet no one had solutions for me. That online search opened doors to a whole new world of holistic health. I began learning about stress management, the importance of sleep, and moving my body even when in pain. Most importantly, I learned to appreciate what truly mattered in life—it wasn’t my Bentley or designer possessions, but the gift of each new day.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s such a powerful perspective. Health truly is our greatest wealth. You have been recognized as a global influencer in health and wellness. What motivated you to create Best Holistic Life Magazine?
Jana Short: After my health transformation, I wanted to understand more about holistic wellness, so I went back to school in my fifties. During this time, I was also coaching high-profile clients. Eventually, I realized I was trading time for money, which pulled me away from the joy I found in family and personal time. So, when my clients asked me to create a newsletter, I had an idea.
With my interior design background, I took 30 articles from my clients, formatted them beautifully on Canva, and sent out a digital magazine. The response was overwhelming—35,000 people subscribed to the very first issue! Today, we have nearly 2 million subscribers, and Best Holistic Life Magazine continues to release new issues every month.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s phenomenal! Clearly, people are seeking holistic wellness solutions. What challenges did you face when establishing yourself in the wellness industry, and how did you overcome them?
Jana Short: One of the biggest challenges was technology. I didn’t grow up with computers, and I didn’t get my first cell phone until I was in my thirties. Suddenly, I had to learn how to build a website, integrate CRMs, analyze data, and stay up-to-date with digital trends. Even now, just before our interview, I had technical difficulties with my microphone!
Technology is always evolving, and now, AI is the next frontier. I see it as a tool, just like television was when it first arrived. People feared it would ruin society, but we adapted. AI isn’t going anywhere, so I’m learning how to use it responsibly to enhance the way I share information.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s a great mindset! As a bestselling author, what was your first book about, and what message did you hope to share?
Jana Short: My first book was Oh My Health, There’s Hope. I also have a Podcast with the same name. It was my personal story of hope and healing. Writing it was an emotional experience—I poured my heart into it and cried through much of it. But when I finished, I realized I had only one strong chapter!
So, I decided to invite others to share their stories, creating a collection of hope-filled narratives. Since then, I’ve authored multiple books, including The Secrets Women Keep, which explores unspoken truths, and The Yet Factor, which focuses on the power of mindset. I teach my grandchildren to add “yet” to their struggles—for example, “I haven’t passed the math test… yet.” This small shift changes everything!
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s such a powerful mindset shift! Speaking of transformation, you’ve worked with countless entrepreneurs and health experts. In your opinion, what defines success?
Jana Short: For me, success isn’t about numbers—it’s about real human connections. Every morning, I wake up to hundreds of LinkedIn messages, and most of them are sales pitches. They don’t take the time to connect first, to understand my business or engage in meaningful conversation.
True success comes from building authentic relationships. Whether it’s personal or professional, the value is in the connections we make, the impact we have, and the legacy we leave behind.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s such an insightful answer. Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to someone looking to create a meaningful, purpose-driven life?
Jana Short: First, find what brings you joy and align your work with it. Second, prioritize your health—physically, mentally, and emotionally. And finally, be present in your life. Every day is a gift, and the memories we create with loved ones are what truly matter.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Beautifully said. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and wisdom with us, Jana. Your story is truly inspiring!
Jana Short: Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you.
Jana Short’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and human connection. From facing life’s greatest challenges to creating a global movement in holistic wellness, she has inspired countless individuals to embrace a healthier, more meaningful life. Her insights on success, personal growth, and authentic relationships remind us that true fulfillment comes from passion, perseverance, and the impact we have on others. We are grateful for the wisdom she has shared today, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to transform lives. Thank you, Jana, for an enlightening and inspiring conversation!