We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Myesha Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Myesha below.
Myesha, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I finished my master’s program in Spring of 2019. I searched for months for a job in my field, ideally a Wellness Coordinator or some type of Health Coach for a company. When I finally started getting interviews none of them worked out. At the time I was at a job where I was unhappy, underpaid, and not even working in my field, I was fed up! “I’m 25 years old with a master’s degree and certification in my field. surely there is more for me” So, I decided to quit my job and bet on myself. Within weeks I had an interview for a teaching position in another city. While it wasn’t what I wanted to do necessarily, I knew it would open the door for me and I had prior experience teaching. Thankfully, I was offered the position -so I packed myself up and relocated to Kansas City, MO. In the first couple of months being here, I put my head down and found another job, as a Healthy Living Coach at the YMCA- one more closely related to exactly what I wanted to do. I then decided that if I niched down a little bit I would have a better chance at getting my dream job and starting my business – one that was just an idea in my mind at the time. After working my butt off to get my personal training license, I launched WellBalanced, my health education and personal training business 5 months later! 4 months after that, I finally got what I call my big girl job as a Corporate Health Coach and Wellness Program Coordinator for one the most successful companies in the industry! I did exactly what I set out to do and I was able to achieve my goal – all during COVID but, It was all worth it!
Myesha, 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 originally from St. Louis, MO where I grew up in. the competitive dance world, so health has always kind of been a part of my life. I knew growing up that I wanted a career in the health/ medical field but I didn’t know what. It wasn’t until my dad passed away that my passion for health education and prevention really got started. Once I decided not to go to nursing school I shopped around different master’s programs and I found exactly what I was looking for. I graduated with my master’s in Health Promotion and Wellness Management and a Core Certificate in Public Health. I went on to obtain my certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and ACE Fitness and Nutrition Specialist.
I created WellBalanced because I want people to know how important health and wellness is, that looks different for everyone, and most importantly “how” to be healthy. Think about it, the last health class you took was most likely in high school, and you probably learned about safe sex, the reproductive system, and a little nutrition- but were you ever taught the why and how behind why important to be healthy? My mission with WellBalanced is to educate and empower people to develop and sustain a healthy and happy lifestyle in all facets of wellness!
I strive to achieve this mission by working one-on-one with my personal training clients and those who receive a nutrition consultation or a custom meal plan. I have fitness and meal guides available for purchase on my website. I provide weekly educational posts on social media and free fitness and health education videos on YouTube.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I could go back I would choose the same profession! I love what I do and I believe that shows in my work.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
What’s been most effective in growing my clientele is my consistency. Not only my consistency in being active on social media and posting health education content but also my consistency with my current clients. Showing up for them, effectively communicating, encouraging them, and overall being a knowledgeable tool for my clients. This aspect time and time again has landed me new clients either via social media, in passing conversations, or by word of mouth from my clients.
Being in this field you get questions all the time about new fitness and health trends, it’s important to be able to correctly answer those questions and guide your clients to a lifestyle and habits that will work for them, not everyone in this field is able to do that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wellbalancedlifestyle.org/
- Instagram: wellbalanced_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WBalanced
- Linkedin: Myesha Thompson
- Youtube: WellBalanced_