We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bridget McCray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bridget, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
In facing an unexpected health scare in 2014, I embarked upon a journey to improve my physical health without resigning myself to the idea that traditional medicine was the only way.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
After having a sudden scare with my blood pressure in 2014, the traditional route using prescription medication was not my desire as a long-term solution. I believed that if I made changes in my diet and exercise habits, I could see positive results. I just wasn’t exactly sure about which changes should be made.
God allowed me to be re-introduced to someone in a divine encounter at a local fitness club. Unbeknownst to me, she was studying to become a Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine. Dr. Japonica Walker, DNM, graciously coached me and taught me how to eat. Through her guidance, I did the work without gimmicks or fad diets. In being consistent with making small changes, I lost 20 pounds and 10 inches in five months’ time.
Because attending classes at the gym was part of my routine at the time, I got certified and started teaching group fitness classes, using every opportunity to encourage others regarding their health. I also became certified as a Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program, helping others learn to improve their health.
As I “lived out” my journey on social media, people began asking how I was able to make such a change in a short period of time. I felt inspired to take a bold step and share about my journey by writing and publishing my first book in 2018, “H.E.A.L.T.H.: It’s Not Rocket Science (My Journey to a Healthier Me).” My aim was to encourage others that if I could do make a positive change in my health through diet and exercise, they could do it, too, by making one wise choice at a time. In 2020, I wrote and published a journal, entitled “Younger than Yesterday: A Fitness Journal,” as another tool to help those desiring to better their health.
In 2021, I was unexpectedly rushed to the emergency room and, subsequently, admitted. This was not something I saw coming, but, by the grace of God, was able to bounce back very quickly. Later that year, a couple of interesting things happened:
(1) I was prompted to write another book and a companion journal to encourage others regarding their health. “Simple S.A.L.A.D.S. | A Recipe Book with a Twist” and “Simple S.A.L.A.D.S. Journal” were born from that prompting.
(2) My coach, Dr. Walker, referred someone to me regarding helping this person to publish her first book. Her writings pointed people to wellness, but from a spiritual perspective. Since wellness is holistic, not just physical, it was a good fit for us to work together. From our collaboration, my first client’s book came to fruition. Since then, I’ve helped others who promote some aspect of wellness to either publish and/or add design elements to their special projects.
I’ve served as a contributing writer for a blog, and I started a podcast prior to my hospital stay. I have also written songs to encourage others in their holistic wellness. Two of the songs, produced by my husband, Joel McCray, have been published and are available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, and more. They are titled “Fine for Life” and “Purpose” respectively. There are a few more songs with positive messages, too, yet to be released. Stay tuned!
I’ve designed some products, as well, with messages to remind people every time they look at their coffee/tea mug, tumbler, etc. that they can overcome whatever wellness challenge they face by making “one wise choice at a time” and that she (or he) is a worthy investment!
In addition, I have been blessed to be able to have speaking engagements booked for this year to encourage others in wellness.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I certainly can! The hospital stay I mentioned… Yep! This happened to a fitness instructor who lives a healthy lifestyle!
It was my heart. I was told that I’d had a stroke, even though I was able to text on the way to the ER. Two days later, I was told I’d had another stroke, yet all the while, I did not need assistance with eating, showering, or using the bathroom. In fact, two days later, I was able to show one of the nurses how to do squats and lunges.
I was told I would need to wear an external defibrillator and be on medication. I chose to look at those things as temporary. I resumed exercising, with my doctor’s consent and using wisdom. Five months later, during a follow-up visit with the cardiologist, I had an echocardiogram and was told that my heart function had improved dramatically. I no longer needed to wear the defibrillator vest! My heart continued to strengthen to the point where I was able to teach fitness classes again. I’ve continued posting about my journey to encourage others in their health journeys, that if I could do it, they could, too.
It has been by the grace of God that I was able to bounce back the way that I did! His Word says that “faith without works is dead.” I had to do my part, and God is always faithful to do His!
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
I do not manufacture my own products, but I do design them.
While writing and designing my books “Simple S.A.L.A.D.S. | A Recipe Book with a Twist” and “Simple S.A.L.A.D.S. Journal,” I went on the hunt for a bowl on which I could add the words “one choice at a time.” (This was prior to including the word “wise.”) I wanted a particular size, one that would be large enough for a salad as a meal, instead of as a side dish.
I’d found some places, locally and online, that either had the right size bowl but did not offer a printing option or offered printing but the bowl was too small. After much searching, I discovered a website that had just what I wanted, and their products are print-on-demand. That was a HUGE plus for me, because I did not want to have inventory potentially sitting, waiting to be sold.
I was able to design not only the bowl, but also other products, including tumblers, mugs, and clocks—all with encouraging messages and all products many of us use daily. The products can also be personalized with a customer’s name. More product offerings are on the horizon!
The cost of shipping is a bit pricey, in my opinion; however, I’ve been very happy overall with the website.
Contact Info:
- Website: mp31wellness.com
- Instagram: @mp31wellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mp31wellness
- Twitter: @mp31wellness
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bridget+mccray
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mp31wellness
Image Credits
(1) Photos of Bridget McCray: The JNM Creative Agency (2) Book Cover Photos: Bridget McCray