We recently connected with Maila Noor and have shared our conversation below.
Maila, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
It’s been a journey to explore, embrace and connect my mission to everything I do and create. I remember back in 2021 when I felt called to connect to my inner world and really understand why I am who I am, the beliefs I carry, the experiences I’ve attracted and the big purpose I’m meant to live out during this human experience. I’ve always been drawn to what lies beyond the known, searching for it on the outside, only to discover that the answers were within me all along. By silencing the outer noise, I began to live in alignment with my purpose. And in that alignment, my mission and vision led me back to what matters most: my heart and my community. This journey of self exploration taught me how to pour the love I had been seeking into my own cup and in doing so, I realized that my heart is most at home when it’s in service to others. This is where I thrive; making everyone I encounter feel seen, heard and understood. Being a mirror for those that need to see and believe in their own potential and guiding them towards their own light.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
This probably is the question that gets me the most excited to answer because I find pure joy and absolute certainty in my story, journey and timeline. For many that don’t know this, I went to UofT and got my Honors Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Biology and Psychology. I think the shift began when I gave into my calling to study Psychology. Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a highly educated family who never strayed from expression, adventure and exploration. Their awareness spilled into all of the children in the family so by the time I got to deciding my program in school, I felt like I already knew enough about Psychology and specifically mental illness. Dedicating the next 4 years and maybe a lifetime of studying and practicing psychology sounded like pure misery to me, until I recognized the strength in it. Throughout my life, I have been surrounded by people; witnessing, listening, understanding and creating space for them to simply exist. There was a deep sense of joy and empowerment in being that mirror, guiding others towards their own peace. The fear to give into it was not a lack of skill, it was a lack of boundaries. Boundaries that I had to learn and still continue to learn to place and hold. This discovery also made me realize that the dream others had for me to become a doctor was never truly mine, it was simply the path of least resistance. And if there’s one thing I show the most courage in, it’s tackling my fears. It took me 4 years, a weight loss journey, lots of self discovery, commitment to growth, failure, trial and error, isolation, connection, fear, adventure and a heartbreak to finally live, breathe and embrace my purpose and stay in alignment with my mission and vision.
MN Health is my story, my purpose and a platform designed for my people to explore their true complete selves, taking into account the mind, body and soul. If there’s a category that you’d like to put me in, I am a certified Fitness, Nutrition and Brain health trainer. What I find fascinating about business and niche categorization is how society often urges us to fit into a box, making it easier for others to define us. What sets me apart is my refusal to fit into any one box. The work I do and the guidance I offer is all about inspiring people to live their truth because in doing so, we discover true fulfillment and a sense of belonging. Instead of focusing on finding answers to every question, we should cultivate more curiosity, ask deeper questions and foster a greater drive to explore and learn. Our brains will thank us for it.
Some of the services MN Health offers include, but are not limited to, strength and conditioning personalized programs, nutrition plans that incorporate gut health and personal goals, and trauma-informed brain health coaching and support. I have always believed that true health isn’t just about the external. Trust me, I’ve tried to make it that way in my own journey, and I’ve learned that a downfall is never far when we neglect the deeper layers. My brand’s philosophy is rooted in Building from the Inside Out because true nourishment, evolution and growth requires reflection, data and deep acceptance. True growth demands the courage to face our suffering with the unwavering belief that within discomfort lies the map to our success. I help people connect to their inner power and all the tools necessary to push past such barriers. Fear always finds a way to creep in, that’s the reality of this human experience but it doesn’t have to stay. Showing people that it’s a choice and not an inevitable reality is my mission. 
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My authenticity, drive and commitment to my purpose. Yes, switching full time to my brand and business was probably the scariest decision I made, especially given the fact that I worked in health care for 6 years. A position that came with stability and security but could never bring fulfilment. December 2023 I made the decision to go all in with a plan that lacked a lot of structure but a vision I could never shake off. Entering the health and fitness industry as an absolute newbie and meeting people that have been building and succeeding for years was overwhelming to say the least. All of a sudden, I felt bombarded with comparison and competition and social media was not a helpful tool. Self doubt, imposter syndrome, people pleasing began coming to surface. The clarity and confidence I had built for years felt too little too late. What brought me back and continues to anchor me is my authenticity. It’s my promise to myself that I will always stay true to who I am and what I aim to do with my skills and tools. Everything I share and the passion I bring to all that I do, comes from a place deeply rooted in heart and soul. My work is fuelled by my ‘why’ and in many ways, it nourishes my inner child. The more grace I gave myself, the more I began to see that we all carry an inner child, often acting out; not out of weakness, but from years of neglect. Not only is it humbling to accept this reality but it also brings a deep sense of connection and understanding towards others. Self exploration and compassion allowed me to share and pour all that love back into my community. I’m proud to have held onto this value because at the end of the day, it’s not what I do that people remember most, it’s how I make them feel. And that, to me, is the greatest win.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I was not a fan of reading growing up so my passion for both reading and listening to (audio)books began around 2020. It was inspired by a heartbreak because it made me want to study my childhood, existing paradigms, beliefs, and fears. I dedicated all of 2021 to myself, reading self-help and psychology-based books to understand why I think the way I do and how I play an active role in my experiences and relationships. The books that immediately come to mind and were some of the first and most impactful books in my journey are The 5am Club by Robin Sharma, the Power of Awareness by Neville Goddard and, the 6 types of Working Genius by Ray Porter. All are rooted in optimizing your days, creating routines that allow YOU to thrive, building awareness and a connection to your inner world and learning how to work with other people, whether that be business or a day to day interaction. At the end of the day, remember this: You are always selling yourself. As social beings, mastering the art of authentic communication and engaging in meaningful mutually beneficial interactions is key to how we thrive. Embracing this truth and intentionally developing these skills should be a top priority and one can only do that once they build a deeper connection to themselves. I truly believe our education system needs more programs that teach effective communication, so we can all learn how to connect better, lead with clarity, and build stronger relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mailanoor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maila.noor
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mailanoor
Image Credits
@kaptured.bykobo