Who we are
Our stories shape us — but it’s how we reconnect with ourselves that transforms us.
Hi, I’m Marina - Nutritionist, Science and Wellbeing Educator, herbal tea blender, and co-founder of 80:20 Living, a South Australian-based business offering gut health and wellness retreats for women and men who want to feel grounded, energised, and free - without needing to be ‘perfect’.
I grew up in a small town in Bosnia, where life was rooted in nature, family, and homemade food. Some of my fondest memories are from foraging herbs and flowers with my grandmother to dry for tea or make cordial - guided by tradition & culture. My Mum worked at a wellness centre, and our home was filled with wholesome, seasonal meals. We grew our own veggies, preserved food for winter, visited the farmers’ market weekly, sharing produce with neighbours. Food wasn’t restricted - it was about community, care, and celebration. That way of life sparked a curiosity in me about the link between what we eat and how we feel. But it was during my teens, after a severe case of iron-deficiency anaemia that left me hospitalised and unable to walk unaided, where my wellness journey truly began. Despite years of seeing health professionals, the root causes were never addressed - only patched with iron tablets.
This experience shaped my path for years to come. First leading me to study pharmacy in Germany, where I was introduced to herbal blending, homeopathy, and holistic medicine. My passion deepened into Nutrition and Wellbeing, driven by a desire to explore how food, herbs, and the gut-brain connection can support true healing - from both a scientific and integrative lens.
After moving to Australia in 2000, I became a qualified Nutritionist, high school Science and Nutrition teacher, and Wellbeing Leader. Like many mums, I neglected my own health while studying full-time at university, juggling part-time work, and raising two young kids. My stress skyrocketed, my energy plummeted, and I experienced another episode of iron deficiency alongside mild depression - a wake-up call that reminded me to pause, reflect, and reconnect with myself.
That’s when I discovered the importance of not just food, but also reducing stress through practices like mindfulness, journaling, tapping (EFT), meditation, reflection, and Latin dancing. I didn’t follow strict plans - I returned to what I knew: that nourishment should be joyful, not punishing. I don’t believe in cutting out food groups unless there’s a medical reason. Our bodies need balance - just like our lives.
And that’s how 80:20 Living was born - a lifestyle rooted in both structure and spontaneity, discipline and indulgence. It’s about eating well, living well, and finding joy in the little things - from coastal hikes to dancing and chats over herbal tea.
I’ve always aimed to create space where people can simply exhale. A place that feels safe, welcoming, and unhurried -where there’s no need to perform or have it all together. Whether I’m working with students, friends, or retreat guests, something shifts when we slow down together. We reconnect. We remember what matters. That quiet holding space without pressure or judgement - is at the heart of what 80:20 Living is about. It’s not just about feeling better; it’s about coming home to yourself.
Today, I blend science, tradition, lived experience, and cultural wisdom to guide others through immersive wellness retreats in beautiful Australian locations. These retreats focus on food, movement, nature, and self-care - designed to nourish your gut, mind, and soul.
It’s a joy and privilege to share this journey - and to co-create 80:20 Living with my best friend - daughter, Sara.
Through retreats, workshops, and honest conversations, we help people reset, reconnect, and embrace wellness in a way that’s both sustainable and joyful.
Welcome to 80:20 Living
With love & gratitude,
Marina
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.
I am Sara the Co-founder 80:20 Living along side my beautiful Mother Marina.
Before launching into the world of retreats and wellness, I worked in beauty therapy - a chapter of my life that deeply shaped how I approach wellbeing today. I specialised in relaxation massage, facials, and body treatments, and I absolutely loved helping people feel calm, recharged, and cared for. Often, clients would come in carrying the weight of their busy lives, overwhelmed and mentally scattered. My goal was always to create a space where they could let it all go - even if just for an hour. I wanted them to leave the room having completely forgotten what was stressing them before they walked in, with their minds and bodies reset, and their souls just a little bit lighter.
My passion for health and wellness began at a very young age, right beside my mum in the kitchen. From the moment I could walk, I was helping cook dinners or bake a yummy treat. We were always trying to make things as healthy as possible, often attempting to trick my picky-eating brother into thinking our homemade chicken nuggets were just like the ones from a fast food restaurant!
One of my core memories is from primary school. While most kids had sugary fruit roll-ups in their lunchboxes, my mum made it her mission to create a homemade, healthier version. At the time, I just wanted to eat what everyone else was having, but now I truly appreciate the love and effort she put into ensuring we ate as holistically as possible, while still letting us enjoy a treat here and there. That upbringing shaped me, and today, I carry on the same passion, always looking for ways to create nourishing, delicious food with a healthy twist.
No matter the weather, we were always out of the house on some kind of fun, crazy adventure - whether it was visiting farmers' markets on the weekend, hiking through national forests, or jumping in muddy puddles. We were constantly active, but it never felt like exercise because it was always done in such a joyful, playful way.
During my high school years, I developed severe eczema and struggled with iron deficiency. After years of trying every steroid cream and conventional medical treatment with little success, I was at my wits’ end. Through it all, my mum encouraged me to look inward and explore how what I was eating might be impacting my body. Eventually, I listened. I stripped back my diet completely - removing packaged and processed foods and focusing solely on whole foods to try to identify the root cause. The results were astonishing: my eczema improved by almost 90%. From there, I slowly reintroduced foods to see what triggered flare-ups. However, even after all the dietary changes, I still experienced occasional flare-ups that didn’t seem to be linked to what I was eating. That’s when I finally made the connection - stress was also a huge contributor. It was difficult to pinpoint because the effects wouldn’t show up on my skin until days or even weeks later. This experience taught me something powerful: you can live as “healthy” as possible on the outside, but if you don’t take care of your mental and emotional wellbeing too, it can still negatively impact your body.
Fitness has also been a huge part of my journey. I was a gymnast from the age of five, and for twelve years, it was my entire world. Training before and after school taught me drive, discipline, and determination, qualities that still form the foundation of who I am today.
When I retired the leotard, I felt a little lost. Suddenly, I had all this free time and no set routine. I tried everything, gym workouts, long walks, hiking, swimming - but nothing gave me the same joy as gymnastics. That was until I discovered Pilates. The core strength, the flexibility, and the ease of just showing up to class and moving my body - it brought me back to that same feeling of flow and purpose.
Looking back, I realise I’ve always lived by the 80:20 principle, even before I knew what it was called. It’s about balance, nourishing your body, mind and soul while still leaving space to enjoy life. It’s a lifestyle I truly believe in, and I can’t wait to show you just how simple, enjoyable, and empowering it can be when you follow your passions.
Contact us
Ready to connect? We're here to help you take the first step toward a balanced and joyful 80:20 Living experience.