Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Paci
Hi Meredith, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up as a dancer, a passion that extended into my twenties. I was fascinated by the human body—its capabilities and the limits it could push. This interest led me to a career in Dental Hygiene, where I formalized my education on the connections within our internal systems.
Initially, my understanding of nutrition was limited to weight loss and the goal of becoming smaller. No one had explained the broader importance of nutrition, including its role in overall health and the negative effects of long-term dieting on hormonal health, brain function, muscle maintenance, and more. I had never been educated about hormonal health or the significance of a regular menstrual cycle, particularly the role of ovulation. Looking back, I used to brag about how I could go 6 to 12 months without a period or only experience it sporadically, viewing it more as an inconvenience.
At 29, I began experiencing more severe complications related to my hormonal health, including frequent ovarian cyst ruptures and ovarian torsions. This was a turning point for me. My curiosity deepened as I reviewed medical histories and educated my patients on the connections between oral health and systemic health. Coupled with my own athletic pursuits in the gym, I realized I wanted to work with people on a deeper level regarding their health.
This led me to pursue a career as a full-time health coach, leveraging all the knowledge I had accumulated over the years to support others in their health journeys.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No road is linear or without struggle, and I believe that’s part of the beauty. Any new endeavor will have its challenges—because it’s new. But that’s also where we grow into who we aspire to be. Challenges shape us. One of the biggest hurdles anyone faces is the fear of the unknown, on the other hand it can also be exciting! It all comes down to perspective. There’s a saying about fear: you can “fear everything and run” or “face everything and rise.” Ultimately, it’s a choice, and with any choice comes ownership. We must be willing to take to action despite fear, even if it’s messy—because it’s through that messy action that real progress is made.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Fortify Health Coaching ?
I co-founded Fortify Health Coaching with Sarah Bishop (www.fortify-health.com), where we offer a range of services, from 1-on-1 coaching to individual consultations, all designed to support our clients wherever they are on their journey. Fortify is built around the concept of “Changing Your Narrative.”
We believe that everyone has the power to change the trajectory of their health and life with the right support and accountability, which is where we come in. With our combined experience, we specialize in working with women from their early 20s through their 60s, focusing on a holistic, inside-out approach to strength and wellness. Our comprehensive intake process helps us determine the level of support needed and where to start. As ongoing clients, we support all aspects of their health, including physical strength, muscle growth and preservation, hormone health, digestive health, thyroid health, and more. Our coaching is a partnership with our clients, empowering them to rewrite their narrative from one of struggle to one of resilience. We believe that true vitality encompasses systemic well-being and strength.
When asked what I’m most proud of brand-wise, it’s hard to pinpoint just one thing. However, a pivotal moment that stands out is when we decided to bet on ourselves—when we chose to be the leaders we knew we were and stepped boldly into that responsibility. That was the moment we created Fortify. As a brand, I’m incredibly proud of our partnership and believe we truly embody strength, leadership, tenacity, and resilience. I’m proud of the level of care, empathy, and support we offer our clients. It’s not just that we believe in them—we know what they’re capable of. We hold ourselves to the same high standards in our continued education and service delivery. We know what we’re capable of, and we pursue it daily. I’m proud of who we are and what we stand for as a team.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
What was I like growing up? That’s a great question! It’s actually tough to answer because there are so many parts of who I was that I no longer recognize, and yet there are also parts of myself that I’m rekindling. I was very blessed to travel the world and live abroad, which gave me a broader view of people, cultures, and traditions. I loved learning, reading, being creative, and staying active through dancing. I had a strong drive to improve my skills and thrived in structure—something I chuckle about now because, as a child or teen, who wants to admit that? But as an adult, I recognize it and relish in it. Growing up, I was surrounded by a lot of love, thoughtfulness, discipline, and tenacity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fortify-health.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mere.paci/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/fortify_health_coaching/
Image Credits
Valeria Guznenkova