We recently connected with Abby Degraff and have shared our conversation below.
Abby, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
I spent many years in the corporate world before raising my 4 boys. As I entered the work force again, I knew I wanted to help women and pursue my passion within the health and fitness realm. Through many certifications and gaining experience through the years coaching women both online and in person– the turning point came during a particularly low moment when I realized that all the rigidity, restriction, and chasing perfection that I was experiencing wasn’t bringing me closer to true health—it was pulling me further away from it. I was physically drained and mentally exhausted, but the worst part was how disconnected I felt from myself. That’s when I decided to stop trying to ‘fix’ myself through extreme measures and began focusing on alignment instead.
I started exploring what it meant to nourish my body, mind, and soul holistically, without constantly striving for some ideal version of wellness. This shift not only healed me, but it also inspired me to help other women who might be caught in similar cycles of perfectionism and extremes. This is the foundation of my brand, Uncommon Wellness.
My approach now centers on alignment—helping women find balance in a way that honors their whole selves. The biggest lesson from this experience was that true wellness isn’t about discipline or control, it’s about creating a harmonious relationship with yourself.
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?
I’m Abby, a holistic wellness coach who specializes in helping women align their mind, body, and soul for true wellness. I’m also a mother of 4 boys! The heartbeat of my why.
My journey into this field wasn’t straightforward; in fact, it was born from personal struggles. For years, I battled eating disorders and perfectionism, constantly chasing extremes. I thought wellness meant discipline, control, and achieving a particular look. But through my own healing journey, I realized that real wellness is about finding balance and alignment—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. This revelation reshaped my entire approach, and it’s the foundation of the coaching I provide today.
In my work, I guide women to heal their relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves. I focus on helping them tune into what they truly need, rather than following rigid rules or trends. My offerings include personalized wellness programs, like my 8-Week Renew Wellness Program, which takes a holistic approach to rebuilding health—incorporating elements of mindfulness, physical movement, and community support. I also run live courses within my Circle community and app, where I dive deeper into topics like nutrition periodization, self-care, and sustainable wellness practices.
What sets my approach apart is the emphasis on alignment over quick fixes. I believe wellness isn’t something you achieve by following a strict routine—it’s about listening to your body, nourishing your mind, and nurturing your soul in ways that feel right for you. My clients appreciate that I’m not pushing a one-size-fits-all solution but instead working with them to create sustainable habits that honor their individual needs and rhythms.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the transformation I see in my clients—not just physically, but in how they start showing up for themselves. Seeing someone move from a place of self-criticism and extremes to a state of self-acceptance and balance is incredibly fulfilling. I want people to know that my brand and my work are rooted in authenticity. I’ve walked the path myself, and now I’m here to guide others toward a more aligned, fulfilling version of wellness.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most challenging and defining moments of my journey was my recent divorce. It felt like I hit rock bottom—emotionally, mentally, and even physically. My central nervous system was in shock, and it was as if my whole foundation had crumbled beneath me. In the wake of the divorce, I wasn’t just navigating the intense emotions of losing a relationship—I was also responsible for staying strong for my boys, keeping my business afloat, and somehow taking care of myself amidst the chaos.
There were days when just getting out of bed felt like an insurmountable task. But I knew I couldn’t afford to shut down. So, I had to lean heavily on everything I teach my clients about alignment and resilience—things like regulating the nervous system, prioritizing rest when it was needed, and allowing myself grace during moments of overwhelm. I focused on small, mindful practices that helped me recalibrate, step by step, even when I felt broken. I learned to truly listen to what my mind, body, and soul needed, and in doing so, I slowly began to rebuild a sense of peace within myself.
What this experience taught me is that resilience isn’t about being strong all the time; it’s about allowing yourself to feel the depths of your emotions while finding ways to continue moving forward, no matter how small the steps. Supporting my central nervous system through breathwork, mindful movement, and moments of stillness was critical. There was no quick fix—just the daily commitment to healing and growing.
What I’m most proud of is that through all of this, I not only managed to keep my business going, but I also became a living example for my boys of what it means to persevere through life’s toughest moments. This experience gave me an even deeper appreciation for the work I do and the importance of alignment in wellness. It’s why I can now support others with even more empathy and understanding, knowing firsthand the resilience it takes to rise from the hard moments.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Absolutely. If I could go back, I would choose this path all over again. My work as a holistic wellness coach is deeply rooted in my personal journey, and it feels incredibly aligned with who I am and the experiences I’ve lived through. Having struggled with extremes, eating disorders, and the quest for perfection for so long, I can now appreciate the balance and alignment I’ve found in wellness. Being able to help other women on their own journeys towards healing is more than just a profession for me—it’s a purpose.
My specialty in mind, body, and soul alignment feels like the culmination of everything I’ve learned, both personally and professionally. Every challenge I’ve faced—whether it was through my divorce, overcoming old habits, or learning how to nurture myself instead of control myself—has only deepened my understanding and commitment to this work. I wouldn’t change a thing, because every step of the way has shaped how I now show up for my clients. Being able to help others break free from cycles of extremes and find peace within themselves is the most rewarding work I could imagine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uncommonwellness.co/
- Instagram: @abbydegraff_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigaildegraff/
Image Credits
https://www.poppyandolivephotography.com/