The team behind the guides

Maren and Eliot started Gorgeouscleanur in Oak Park because they saw a gap: plenty of wellness advice out there, but not enough practical, no-nonsense tools for everyday hydration habits.

Stylized illustration of the Oak Park studio building with warm Scandinavian tones

How it started

In 2019, Maren (editorial designer) and Eliot (behavioral researcher) hosted small meetups around kitchen tables in Oak Park. People kept saying the same thing: complicated wellness programs were hard to stick with, but simple daily rituals — like keeping a water bottle on the desk — actually worked.

That feedback turned into a series of printed guides: practical companions, not prescriptive rulebooks.

Co-founder · Editorial

Maren Holst

Maren leads design and editorial for every guide. Her Scandinavian design background shapes the clean tile layouts and straightforward language American readers tell us they appreciate.

Co-founder · Research

Eliot Vance

Eliot builds the habit-stacking frameworks and seasonal adjustments in each edition. His goal: guides that work for remote workers, parents, students, and anyone with a packed schedule.

Company timeline

Click a milestone to read more about our journey.

2019

First community meetups in Oak Park

2020

First printed guide released

2022

Studio opens on Lake Street

2025

Nationwide shipping and library workshops