Redefining Resilience Through Positive Psychology – Exclusive Interview With Zaira Armendariz

Zaira Armendariz is a passionate advocate for mental health and well-being. She earned her master's degree in Positive Psychology from Arizona State University and certifications in Resilience Coaching and Personal Training. She also is the host of her own wellness podcast called Complex, Like Wine.

Zaira's journey into the realm of mental health and wellness was deeply influenced by her own encounters with adversity. It was through these challenges that she discovered her passion for empowering others to navigate their journey of healing and finding their inner strength. Zaira is deeply committed to helping others proactively manage their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being through positive psychology strategies.

Zaira Armendariz, Certified Resilience Coach and Personal Trainer

Introduce yourself.

I was born in Mexico City and raised in Southern California. From an early age, I discovered a love for storytelling, a passion that led me to pursue film directing during my undergraduate studies. I’ve always been fascinated by the way stories allow us to explore complex emotions and human experiences, connecting us in profound ways. During my time in film, I completed and produced several projects, with my most recent, Under My Skin, receiving awards such as Best Student Female Director and Best Thriller Short.

Then, like many of us, the pandemic significantly altered the course of my life. Graduating in the midst of a global crisis, I found myself at a crossroads, asking deep questions about what truly gives my life purpose and meaning. The uncertainty of that period prompted me to look inward, leading me to start therapy and commit to my own mental health. This self-discovery journey inspired me to create a mental health and wellness podcast called Complex, Like Wine. The podcast became a platform where I could combine my love for storytelling with my new dedication to mental wellness, featuring inspiring guests who share their personal journeys and insights on resilience, well-being, and growth.

Through these conversations, I found my passion expanding from storytelling to a genuine calling to support others in their wellness journeys. This led me to pursue a master’s degree in Positive Psychology at Arizona State University, where I developed an academic foundation in resilience, well-being, and the science of human flourishing. I also earned certifications in Resiliency Coaching and Personal Training and am currently working toward additional certifications in Wellness and Nutrition. Each certification has helped me deepen my understanding of holistic wellness, giving me tools to help others build healthier coping mechanisms and lifestyle habits that support their mental, emotional, and physical health.

Beyond my work, I’m passionate about pushing my own boundaries and growing through new experiences. I enjoy hiking, participating in challenging obstacle races like Tough Mudder and Spartan, and spending quality time with friends over good food and meaningful conversations. These moments recharge me, reminding me that wellness is not just about physical health but also about finding joy and connection in life. Through Resilient Alchemy, I hope to share this holistic approach with others, creating a space where they feel seen, heard, and supported on their unique journeys to resilience and well-being.

What inspired you to create Resilient Alchemy, and what is the core mission behind your business?

Resilient Alchemy was inspired by my personal journey of transforming hardship into growth. My early experiences with adversity, anxiety, and depression shaped my understanding of resilience, but they also highlighted the need for healthier ways to cope and self-regulate.

Growing up with a narcissistic mother, I often felt isolated and lacked the tools to set boundaries, express my emotions, and advocate for my well-being. I internalized resilience in a way that helped me survive but didn’t always support my mental and emotional health in a sustainable way.

Starting therapy was a turning point. It helped me recognize and nurture my inner child and gave me the tools to begin healing and setting a new path. This journey of self-discovery revealed the power of resilience and wellness, sparking a passion that led me to create Resilient Alchemy. I realized that many people, like myself, need accessible and practical resources to build resilience and protect their mental health. My studies in positive psychology further deepened my understanding of preventive interventions, where resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks but also about building a foundation for well-being that makes life’s challenges more manageable.

Resilient Alchemy was founded to provide a space for others to feel seen, heard, and empowered on their journeys. The core mission is to make resilience accessible, offering concrete tools and practices that support individuals in building healthy coping mechanisms and habits. Through Resilient Alchemy, I hope to encourage others to not only overcome obstacles but also to proactively nurture their well-being so they can thrive in every area of their lives.

A large part of this mission is to equip clients with the skills to manage life’s ups and downs with greater self-compassion, self-awareness, and resilience. By combining the science of positive psychology with personalized coaching, I provide a roadmap for clients to develop emotional agility, practice effective boundary-setting, and connect deeply with their personal values and strengths. Resilient Alchemy, along with my wellness podcast Complex, Like Wine, are more than wellness platforms; they are a supportive community and resources that help individuals unlock their potential, find balance, and lead more fulfilling lives.

What differentiates Resilient Alchemy from other wellness or personal development platforms?

Resilient Alchemy stands apart through its integrative approach to wellness, rooted in positive psychology and resilience. Unlike many traditional wellness programs that often focus on a single dimension of health, I view well-being as a balanced interaction of physical, mental, emotional, and social components. My diverse education and certifications in Positive Psychology, Resilience Coaching, and Personal Training enable me to create a comprehensive, whole-person framework that addresses each client’s unique needs and goals.

I also bring a fresh, relatable perspective as a young professional woman in wellness, aiming to connect with the rising generation on a meaningful level. My background allows me to appreciate the challenges facing today’s youth, from navigating mental health challenges to building healthy habits in a fast-paced, digital world. This insight informs every session as I help clients explore practical strategies for boundary-setting, emotional regulation, and personal empowerment.

Another key differentiator of Resilient Alchemy is the emphasis on preventive interventions. I believe resilience is not only about overcoming adversity but also about building the tools and practices that help prevent burnout, emotional distress, and unhealthy coping patterns. Through evidence-based techniques from positive psychology, I work with clients to cultivate proactive habits and build resilience that lasts, enabling them to approach life’s challenges with greater confidence and self-awareness.

Additionally, my experience in fitness and wellness education enables me to tailor physical training and nutritional guidance that complements emotional and psychological growth. By combining physical wellness with mental resilience, clients gain a well-rounded toolkit for holistic health. I strive to make each coaching session impactful, offering both encouragement and accountability to ensure that my clients feel empowered to take steady, achievable steps toward their goals.

At Resilient Alchemy, my mission is to create an inclusive space where individuals feel understood, supported, and equipped to take charge of their well-being. I aim to be more than just a coach; I’m a guide for anyone ready to redefine resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and build a fulfilling, balanced life.

What does resilience actually mean?

Resilience is often described as the ability to "bounce back" after adversity, but in reality, it’s about moving forward and evolving through life’s challenges. True resilience isn’t a static trait; it’s a set of skills and practices that help us adapt, grow, and even thrive in the face of obstacles. I like to think of resilience as similar to a battery: just as our devices need regular recharging to function well, we also need strategies to restore our mental and emotional energy. Resilience is about knowing how to recharge, recognizing when we’re depleted, and having the tools to build back up in a sustainable way.

This approach shifts resilience from being a reactive process, something we use when we’re faced with hardship, to a proactive mindset. By regularly recharging through healthy coping mechanisms, setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and cultivating positive habits, we can better manage everyday stressors. Resilience, then, becomes not just a response to difficult times but a continuous process and way of being through self-care and self-development that prepares us to face life’s challenges with greater strength and adaptability. It’s about growing and taking steps forward rather than simply bouncing back to where we were.

You can book coaching with me to build your own resilient alchemy here.

You can connect with me on Instagram here and visit my coaching website and podcast.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more info!

Read more from Zaira Armendariz