We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melanie Emlyn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Since birth, our parents strive to keep us safe, constantly cautioning us with phrases like “don’t do that,” “that’s dangerous, stop,” and “you can’t.” While their words are likely true and crucial for our safety, they initiate a process of inhibiting our willingness to take risks.

Before the pandemic, I ran my small business from home a few days a week, offering Reiki and Nutrition services. It was fulfilling, yet to make ends meet, I had to teach over 15 yoga classes weekly. Though I loved my work, it was challenging at times and I often found myself exhausted and burnt out.

Then, in 2019, the pandemic struck. Teaching yoga became impossible, and all client interactions dwindled and had to shift to virtual. Stressed, financially strained, and uncertain, I stumbled upon an opportunity when a client, a recent graduate from the National Manual Osteopathic College in Alberta, suggested that my background would be a perfect fit for the field. With little else going on, I applied, got accepted, and embarked on an entirely new career path. This decision ultimately led to tremendous success. Graduating with honors, I promptly opened my home practice, which quickly overflowed with clients. Three years later, I have a constant waitlist, booking weeks in advance.

I recognized that investing thousands of dollars and returning to school during a global pandemic carried risks, but it felt like the right move. I didn’t dwell on it too much; I took the leap, and it paid off. Now, I find joy and prosperity in both my work and business. I still teach yoga three times a week in Calgary while devoting full-time hours to my clients. I have no regrets, and if there’s one piece of advice I can offer, it’s this: if something feels right, take the leap. You can always change your mind, but opportunities like these may not come around again.

Melanie, 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 grew up immersed in sports, constantly engaged whether I was perfecting my David Bowie synchronized swimming routine, mastering yoga poses, or dominating on the rugby field. However, in 2006, three car accidents took a toll on both my body and mind, leaving me unable to work or play sports and I struggled to cope. Desperate for healing, I delved into various holistic practices.

This journey propelled me to pursue a degree in Holistic Nutrition, which I completed with honors at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in 2013. Subsequently, I deepened my connection to wellness by undertaking a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Vancouver, BC, in 2016. Eventually, my path led me to Osteopathy, where I graduated with honours from the National Manual Osteopathic College in 2020. My approach to work is holistic, addressing all facets of the body, including emotional and physical aspects, post-trauma recovery, and identifying root causes.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about fitness. You’ll often find me on a “sweat date,” engaging in various cross-training activities from Barre to Pilates, hiking in the rockies, to yoga. Last month, I even completed my first 10k run in over a decade! My mission is to continue inspiring others to embrace a healthier, more holistic lifestyle.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Authenticity is the cornerstone of effective client growth. When you embrace your true self, you create genuine connections that resonate deeply with others. People are drawn to authenticity because it fosters trust, transparency, and relatability. By staying true to your values, passions, and unique offerings, you attract clients who align with your visions, attracting clientele with an opportunity to cultivate long-lasting relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A crucial lesson I’ve had to unlearn was the notion of trying to be everything for everyone. Growing up, I was conditioned to believe that success meant constantly accommodating others, often at the expense of my own well-being. This mindset led to burnout and dissatisfaction as I spread myself thin, trying to fulfill unrealistic expectations. Over time, I realized that prioritizing my own needs and boundaries wasn’t selfish; it was necessary for sustainable growth and happiness. Through self-reflection and boundary-setting, I learned to let go of the pressure to please everyone and instead focus on authenticity and self-care. This shift not only liberated me from undue stress but also allowed me to cultivate deeper, more meaningful connections and build my business organically.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.melanieemlyn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melemlyn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melemlyn
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-emlyn/

Image Credits

Jacky – Detoured Creative @detouredcreative (all other photos)
Ellen Fitzgerald – El_fitz (green shirt)