Introduction
In a fast-paced, digital world where stress is almost inevitable and self-care often takes a backseat, few have done as much to bring mindfulness into the modern spotlight as Ellie Burrows Gluck. A former Hollywood industry insider turned wellness entrepreneur, Ellie is now a leading voice in the mindfulness movement. As the co-founder and CEO of MNDFL, a meditation and mindfulness company based in New York City, Ellie has transformed how people approach meditation, making it more accessible, inclusive, and mainstream.
Ellie’s journey from the entertainment world to meditation and mindfulness may seem unconventional, but it reflects a broader shift in the way society is beginning to value mental and emotional well-being. Through MNDFL, Ellie has created a space where people can seek solace, balance, and connection in an increasingly chaotic world.
Early Life and Career in Hollywood
Ellie Burrows Gluck was born into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Her father, James Burrows, is one of the most accomplished television directors of all time, with numerous hit shows under his belt. Growing up in Los Angeles, Ellie was immersed in the world of creativity and film. However, despite the allure of Hollywood and the privileges associated with it, Ellie’s early career path took her through a more conventional route in the entertainment industry.
After graduating magna cum laude from Northwestern University, where she studied film and television, Ellie moved to New York City and launched her career in Hollywood. She worked in various roles — from producing and financing films to talent management — and gained invaluable experience in a cutthroat industry. Despite finding success, Ellie soon felt a profound sense of dissatisfaction. Though she was climbing the career ladder, the work itself felt unfulfilling.
Her restlessness was further heightened by a series of personal events, including a health scare that prompted her to reevaluate her lifestyle choices. This reflection would mark a turning point in Ellie’s life — one that led her down the path of mindfulness.
Ellie Burrows Gluck A Shift Towards Mindfulness
In 2008, Ellie began exploring mindfulness and meditation, initially seeking relief from the stress of her demanding career. Her interest in the practice was not born from a spiritual or religious desire, but rather as a tool to cope with the overwhelming pace of her life. She discovered that meditation offered her something her high-powered career could not: peace, clarity, and inner calm.
At first, Ellie struggled with making meditation a consistent part of her daily routine. Like many people, she found it difficult to make time for meditation amidst her busy schedule. However, this challenge gave Ellie a vision — one that would ultimately lead to the creation of MNDFL. She realized that meditation, like fitness, needed to be normalized and made easier for people to incorporate into their daily lives. This insight would be the foundation of MNDFL’s business model — offering accessible meditation classes in a group setting, much like going to a fitness studio.
Ellie Burrows Gluck Founding MNDFL: A New Kind of Meditation Studio
In 2014, Ellie co-founded MNDFL with meditation teacher Lodro Rinzler, with the mission to make meditation and mindfulness accessible to everyone. The idea behind MNDFL was simple yet revolutionary: offer a comfortable, modern space where people could drop in for a meditation session without the commitment or long-term structure typically associated with traditional meditation retreats or spiritual practices.
MNDFL was designed to feel like a community space, not a religious or spiritual institution. The studio itself featured soft lighting, warm decor, and calming colors — a stark contrast to the austere, monastic spaces often associated with meditation. It became a space where people could practice mindfulness without judgment, and with the support of like-minded individuals.
Ellie’s vision was to create a space where people could come together and meditate, whether they were complete beginners or seasoned practitioners. The core offering of MNDFL was the drop-in meditation class, where attendees could simply show up for a session without a long-term commitment. This approach helped remove the barriers to entry that many people face when trying to start a meditation practice.
Through MNDFL, Ellie and her team also created a range of offerings, from corporate mindfulness programs to online meditation classes, and even meditation teacher training programs. This holistic approach helped solidify MNDFL as a leader in the modern mindfulness movement.
Ellie Burrows Gluck Leadership and Philosophy
Ellie Burrows Gluck is not only a leader of a successful business but also a thought leader in the wellness space. Her leadership philosophy blends emotional intelligence with practical business acumen, creating a culture at MNDFL that prioritizes well-being while also being deeply committed to high-quality service and innovation.
Ellie believes that mindfulness is not just about quieting the mind but about learning to respond to the challenges and stresses of life with greater awareness. Her approach to meditation encourages people to focus on the present moment and acknowledge their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice of non-judgmental awareness, she believes, is key to improving mental and emotional health.
Ellie’s leadership is grounded in empathy, which she believes is a core component of successful mindfulness practice. She often shares her own personal struggles with stress, burnout, and finding balance, which makes her a relatable figure for those looking to incorporate mindfulness into their own lives.
The Impact of MNDFL and the Mindfulness Movement
Under Ellie’s leadership, MNDFL has had a significant impact on the mindfulness movement, both locally and globally. The company’s success demonstrates a shift in how meditation is viewed in mainstream culture. Once seen as a niche practice for spiritual seekers, meditation is now widely accepted as a tool for managing stress, increasing focus, and improving overall well-being.
Ellie’s approach has also helped expand the reach of mindfulness beyond traditional wellness circles. MNDFL’s corporate mindfulness programs have been adopted by major companies, such as Google, Starbucks, and Salesforce, to support the mental health and well-being of their employees. This broad acceptance of mindfulness in the workplace has paved the way for a more compassionate and holistic approach to corporate culture.
The influence of MNDFL extends beyond just meditation classes. Ellie and her team have worked to bring mindfulness into schools, hospitals, and underserved communities through their MNDFL Ed program, which aims to teach mindfulness to children, educators, and social workers. This initiative reflects Ellie’s commitment to making mindfulness accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
The Future of Mindfulness and Ellie’s Legacy
As MNDFL continues to grow and evolve, Ellie Burrows Gluck’s influence on the mindfulness movement is undeniable. Through her work, she has helped shape the conversation around mental wellness and emotional intelligence, placing mindfulness at the forefront of self-care and personal development.
Looking ahead, Ellie’s vision for mindfulness remains focused on accessibility and community. She continues to advocate for mindfulness to be integrated into everyday life, offering practical tools that people can use to improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Ellie’s legacy is not just one of building a successful business but also of changing how society views mental health. She has helped to normalize the practice of mindfulness, proving that it is not a luxury reserved for the spiritually inclined but an essential tool for everyone navigating the demands of modern life.
Through MNDFL and her ongoing work, Ellie Burrows Gluck is leaving a lasting impact on how people approach self-care, work-life balance, and emotional well-being — ultimately contributing to a world where mindfulness is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Conclusion
Ellie Burrows Gluck’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation in today’s world. Her journey from Hollywood to mindfulness entrepreneur highlights the importance of finding purpose and balance in one’s life. Through MNDFL, she has not only built a business but has also created a movement that is reshaping how we think about mental wellness in the 21st century. In a world that is always “on,” Ellie’s vision of mindfulness offers us a much-needed reprieve and a reminder to slow down and be present.