Dara Distel
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Strategic brand and marketing leader with 10+ years of experience building wellness-focused consumer brands, leading marketing initiatives, driving customer engagement, and executing growth strategies across ecommerce and digital channels. Experienced managing brand positioning, campaign execution, customer insights, product launches, and cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced startup and entrepreneurial environments. Strong background in DTC wellness, consumer behavior, customer retention, and brand growth, with hands-on experience leading initiatives across ecommerce, product marketing, launch execution, and customer experience. Proven ability to translate consumer insights into strategic marketing initiatives that support engagement, loyalty, and long-term brand growth. Strategic brand and marketing leader with extensive experience in building wellness-focused consumer brands. Expertise in driving customer engagement and executing growth strategies across ecommerce and digital channels, supported by data-driven insights and cross-functional collaboration. Proven success in managing brand positioning, campaign execution, and product launches to enhance customer experience.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder & Head of Growth Strategy
Bestie Wellness Company
01.2024 - Current
- Co-founded and scaled a direct-to-consumer wellness brand focused on midlife women’s health, energy support, and consumer wellness products.
- Lead brand strategy, marketing initiatives, product positioning, and customer engagement across ecommerce and digital channels.
- Manage campaign development and execution supporting product launches, customer retention, and ongoing brand growth.
- Analyze customer feedback, market trends, consumer behavior, and engagement metrics to identify growth opportunities and improve customer experience.
- Oversee brand communications, messaging strategy, and customer-facing marketing initiatives across social media, ecommerce, and email marketing.
- Partner cross-functionally with manufacturing, operations, fulfillment, and external vendors to support product readiness and business initiatives.
- Coordinate multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced startup environment requiring adaptability, prioritization, and strong organizational leadership.
Senior Marketing Leader & Independent Business Owner
Beachbody (BODi)
01.2010 - 01.2024
- Grew and managed high-performing wellness business, achieving approximately $700K in annual personal revenue through effective marketing and customer strategies.
- Led customer acquisition, retention, and engagement initiatives through digital marketing, relationship building, and community-focused communication strategies.
- Developed and executed marketing campaigns and educational content, strengthening brand messaging to drive customer growth and enhance long-term engagement.
- Built and led a large-scale wellness-focused business centered on customer engagement, brand growth, marketing strategy, and community leadership.
- Built scalable systems and workflows to support operational efficiency, customer experience, and team communication.
- Analyzed customer engagement trends, business performance metrics, and consumer behavior insights to support strategic growth decisions.
- Maintained long-term customer relationships through personalized communication, leadership, and customer-focused support.
- Operated independently in a highly self-directed environment requiring initiative, adaptability, organization, and execution across multiple priorities.
- Collaborated with teams and leadership networks to advance business development, provide mentorship, and drive organizational growth initiatives.
Education
Master of Arts - Criminology
Arizona State University
Glendale, AZ05-2008
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Sociology
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ05-2003
Skills
- Go-to-Market Execution
- Brand Marketing Strategy
- Campaign Development & Execution
- Product Positioning & Messaging
- DTC Ecommerce & Consumer Experience
- Brand Growth & Customer Retention
- Customer Insights & Market Trends
- Performance & KPI Analysis
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Marketing Communications
- Consumer Wellness & CPG
Websites
Timeline
Co-Founder & Head of Growth Strategy
Bestie Wellness Company
01.2024 - Current
Senior Marketing Leader & Independent Business Owner
Beachbody (BODi)
01.2010 - 01.2024
Master of Arts - Criminology
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Sociology
University of Arizona