We were lucky to catch up with Amy Goode recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My dad and I actually started Memphis Health & Fitness Magazine together. We were competing in amateur athletic events around the Mid-South and were really into the local fitness community. At the same time, I was working in advertising sales and saw a gap — there wasn’t a publication dedicated to health and fitness in our region. So we combined our passion for fitness with my media background and created the first and only health and fitness magazine in the Mid-South to spotlight local athletes, support businesses, and inspire healthier living.

Amy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m the publisher of Memphis Health & Fitness Magazine, a publication my father and I launched after recognizing a gap in our community. We were competing in amateur athletic events across the Mid-South and were immersed in the local fitness scene, while I was working in advertising sales and understood the power of connecting businesses with the right audience. Bringing those two worlds together allowed us to create the Midsouth’s first and only publication dedicated to health, wellness, and active living.

Through the magazine, digital platforms, and community partnerships, we spotlight local athletes, trainers, medical professionals, and wellness businesses while providing trusted resources that inspire healthier lifestyles. We help businesses reach an engaged, health-conscious audience and give the community a platform thats local, relatable, and motivating.

What sets us apart is our authentic connection to the community — we’re not outsiders reporting on wellness; we live it, participate in it, and celebrate the people who make it thrive. I’m most proud of building a brand that not only supports local businesses but also encourages people to move more, live better, and feel connected. I want readers and partners to know that our mission is simple: to elevate local voices, strengthen community health, and make wellness accessible and inspiring for everyone.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the clearest examples of resilience in my journey came during COVID. Practically overnight, the businesses we partner with were forced to close, events were canceled, and the print landscape became uncertain. As a publication built around community connection, it was a scary and uncertain moment.

Instead of pausing, we pivoted. We shifted our focus to a stronger digital presence, expanded online content, increased social engagement, and found new ways to highlight local experts, at-home workouts, mental wellness, and ways people could stay healthy during lockdown. It required learning quickly and staying optimistic when the path forward wasn’t clear.

That season tested us, but it also strengthened us. The digital growth we experienced allowed us to reach more readers than ever before and positioned us for long-term success. It reminded me that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges — it’s about adapting, staying mission-driven,

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been building genuine relationships and staying deeply involved in the community we serve. From day one, we didn’t just sell advertising — we showed up at races, fitness events, charity functions, and local business openings. Being present and invested built trust, and trust turns into long-term partnerships.

Another major factor has been consistency and credibility. By consistently producing high-quality, positive, community-driven content, we’ve built a loyal readership. That engaged audience makes our platform valuable to businesses, because they know they’re reaching people who are already interested in health and wellness.

Contact Info:

• Website: www,memphishealthandfitness.com
• Instagram: @memfitmag
• Facebook: Memphis health and fitness magazine