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A: I aim to show them what it looks like to care for yourself deeply and holistically, finding balance and strength even when life gets complicated. It%u2019s not just about me anymore%u2014it%u2019s about being the healthiest, happiest version of myself for them and, eventually, my grandkids too.The ups and downs of fertility treatments taught me how precious health is. That experience gave me a lasting perspective: health isn%u2019t about appearance or reaching a specific goal; it%u2019s about resilience, patience, and self-love. I want my kids to understand that true wellness means caring for your body, mind, and soul, and that it%u2019s okay to experience ups and downs.Motherhood has also taught me the importance of self-compassion and flexibility in my wellness approach. I%u2019ve learned to embrace the seasons of life, knowing that some periods might allow for more intense routines while others call for gentler self-care. I hope my kids grow up knowing that wellness isn%u2019t a rigid, one-size-fits-all formula%u2014it%u2019s about listening to your body and adapting to your needs at each stage. Q: What specific challenges do women in their 40s and 50s face regarding wellness?A: Women in their 40s and 50s face unique wellness challenges, with significant physical, emotional, and mental shifts that can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest challenges is managing the hormonal changes that come with perimenopause and menopause, which can cause hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms can impact our daily lives and make it hard to feel like ourselves.Additionally, a slowing metabolism can make maintaining a healthy weight more difficult. As estrogen levels drop, so does bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, and lean muscle mass decreases, leading to sarcopenia. It%u2019s crucial to incorporate weight-bearing and resistance exercises to support bone health and maintain muscle strength. Cardiovascular health also becomes more critical after menopause, necessitating heart-healthy habits like regular exercise and balanced nutrition.Mental health is another important aspect. This phase often involves reflection and transition, with kids leaving home or careers evolving, bringing a mix of emotions. Finding balance, purpose, and self-compassion is essential. Although these challenges are real, they are manageable with the right mindset and self-care approach. Q: How did your career in fashion impact your wellness coaching?A: My fashion career deeply influenced my approach to wellness coaching. Fashion is an industry that often emphasizes appearance and style, creating high expectations around body image. I witnessed how this focus can affect self-esteem and set unrealistic standards for women, impacting their mental and physical health.When I transitioned to wellness coaching, I carried that awareness with me. I didn%u2019t want my work to focus solely on appearance. Instead, I aimed to help women find health and happiness from the inside out. Wellness is about feeling strong, balanced, and confident in your own skin, regardless of size or shape.Fashion taught me to see wellness as a form of self-expression. Just like style, wellness routines should be unique and empowering. I love helping clients discover what makes them feel strong and healthy, free from external pressures. My time in fashion ultimately helped me develop a compassionate, holistic approach to coaching. Q: What motivated you to start leading group fitness classes?A: I was motivated to start leading group fitness classes to create a supportive and fun environment where women could work on their health together. The energy of a group%u2014the encouragement, shared goals, and collective strength%u2014is incredibly uplifting.In my own wellness journey, being part of a group kept me accountable and inspired. I wanted to bring that experience to others, especially women facing similar life stages and challenges. Leading group fitness classes allows me to blend fitness, community, and encouragement, creating a space where women connect, laugh, and build each other up. For me, group fitness is as much about community as it is about physical health.MOSTMAGAZINE40 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 62