Zien’s and Maslan’s children had grown up together so the two had been friends for years, during which time Maslan advanced from San Diego advertising executive to homeopathic practitioner to life coach.

Maslan became deeply involved in homeopathy, a natural alternative medical system. As she met with clients, she saw they were looking for healing in other areas of their lives, she said, so several years ago she began offering one-on-one counseling.