Do you feel like you've tried everything to clear your skin?
That's how I felt too. This is my story.
My Story
I was one of the unfortunate individuals who struggled with persistent and painful acne, a far cry from the clear and beautiful skin I longed for. This battle started right before I had my first period at the age of 10. TEN!! My mom started taking me to the dermatologist and I was immediately prescribed a daily antibiotic and a topical cream that dried out my face, burned my skin, and made my skin peel.
Throughout my teenage years and well into my twenties, the deep-seated acne plagued my jawline, chin, and occasionally even my cheeks and back. Seeking relief, I continued on my frustrating journey from one dermatologist to another, trying countless more pills and topical creams they prescribed.
Desperation drove me to spend a significant sum on a array of expensive skincare products and makeup, hoping to stumble upon a miraculous solution. I spent $1000’s on laser treatments, chemical peels, and micro needling. Money didn’t matter at this point. However, my endeavors were in vain, and instead of improving, my condition seemed to worsen with each attempt.
By 24, I gave in to all the dermatologists’ recommendations and did an agonizing 6-month bout on Accutane. My skin, eyes and lips dried up and burned. I started getting nose bleeds. My cholesterol levels went through the roof. My nails got brittle and broke easily. And my gut health suffered immensely. But you know what? I thought it was all worth it by the end of the 6-month treatment because lo-and-behold, I finally had clear skin! Not a pimple in sight! It was the first time in my life I had relief from acne since I was just a kid.
But, like for many, this clear-skin celebration only lasted a month. My acne came back full-force, and not just on my previously plagued jaw-line area, but it covered my entire face. It was devastating, and embarrassing, to say the least.
~
For decades, my first instinct was to jump in front of the mirror each morning to “inspect the damage” that had occurred over night, bracing myself for the sight of new breakouts. The idea of stepping outside my house without layers of makeup was inconceivable. In social settings, at school, or even at work, I retreated into silence, fearing that all others would see was my acne-ridden complexion. There were instances when I would skip classes, decline social invitations, or forgo trips with friends solely because of my skin. And forget about dating! It was an unattainable dream…my lack of self-confidence made it impossible.
Acne consumed my thoughts and actions entirely for the better part of my life. I let it make me feel small and unworthy. I let it get in the way of me living my life. I let it change who I was as a person.
That's why I do what I do
Throughout my personal journey to heal my own acne, I came to a profound realization: true relief and lasting acne healing lie in addressing its root cause from within.
Opting for the seemingly convenient path of seeking a quick fix from conventional dermatologists and medical spas often led to discouragement, frustration, and a feeling of being unheard. This route ultimately proved to be the more challenging one.
Looking back, I now understand that I could have saved thousands of dollars, years of frustration, and, most importantly, spared myself years of emotional turmoil and the detrimental impact on my mental well-being had I initially chosen the holistic approach.
In 2021, I finally decided to follow my heart's calling and embrace my passion for nutrition and health coaching. Taking bold steps towards my dream, I became an AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist.
Equipped with specialized knowledge, I am dedicated to empowering others on their unique paths towards achieving clear skin, improved health, and overall well-being.
In 2023, I became certified as an Integrative Health Practitioner. This program allowed me to dive deeper in other aspects of health, including exercise, stress management, toxin exposure, emotional well-being, supplements, and cultivating a success mindset.
Blown away by the life-changing material offered by IHP, I continued onto the IHP Level 2 program, becoming certified in functional lab testing. This advanced course focuses on interpreting and analyzing functional medicine lab tests, providing me with invaluable tools to deeply understand my clients' health through data. With this knowledge, I am able to serve my health coaching clients with the highest level of care and guidance on their journey to optimal health.
I am ecstatic to be pursuing this path, as it allows me to combine all my knowledge and expertise into comprehensive 1:1 programs tailored specifically for women dealing with adult acne. These programs offer lasting freedom from acne and optimal health over a few months, so you don’t have to take several years like I did to figure out the root problem.
It would be an absolute honor for me to be a part of your journey toward clear skin and holistic well-being!
Mind-Body Studies
Meet Melissa, a passionate and dedicated holistic health coach with a lifelong fascination for eastern philosophies and health practices. Her journey into the world of holistic wellness began early on, as she immersed herself in the self-help genre of books from a young age.
In 2014, Melissa took her first step towards becoming a well-rounded practitioner by completing her 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Certification at Savannah Yoga Center. This transformative experience ignited her love for yoga and set her on a path of continuous learning.
Venturing to Nepal in October 2017, Melissa embarked on a insightful 10-day Vipassana Meditation Retreat, preceded by a two-week hiking expedition along the Annapurna Circuit with a complete digital detox. Her purpose was to rediscover the art of living in harmony with nature and embracing the present moment, free from the distractions of modern technology.
In pursuit of deeper knowledge and spiritual growth, the following month Melissa journeyed to Rishikesh, India, where she underwent a week-long 60-Hour training with Kia Miller in her course, "Mantra & The Yoga of Sound." Here, she discovered how mantras can create a one-pointed focus in the mind and cultivate a receptive state, making them potent tools for achieving heightened awareness and mental concentration.
Captivated by the breathtaking Himalayan landscape and the serenity of the Ganga River in Rishikesh, she extended her stay to complete her 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Sattva Yoga Academy, under the guidance of Anand Mehrotra. During this immersive training, she delved into advanced Hatha Asanas, Kundalini practices, and Tantra Kriyas.
Melissa's quest for holistic understanding led her to the Southern Coast of India to the Ayurvedic capital of Kerala, January 2018. There, she delved into the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the balance between mind, body, and spirit. Through Ayurvedic principles, she deepened her knowledge of natural healing modalities and gained valuable insights into individualized wellness approaches.
Eager to explore the connection between yoga and self-care, Melissa made her way up the Indian coast to Goa in February for Emily Kuser's 50-Hour Women's Self-Care Training, an experience that highlighted the importance of reconnecting with the feminine energy within. This training focused on how to nurture and empower women through specialized yoga practices and self-care rituals tailored to the unique needs of female bodies and minds. This training equipped her with the knowledge and tools to facilitate self-healing, restore balance, and strengthen the female psyche through gentle pelvic care, Yoga Nidra, and nature-based lunar practices.
After returning to the U.S. in May 2018, Melissa chose to make the golden foothills of the Rockies her home in Boulder, Colorado. It was here that she ventured into life-coaching and obtained her certification as an iPEC Coach in 2019. Drawing from her holistic background, she began empowering others in their quest for fulfillment and growth. Through this certification, she honed her coaching skills and gained valuable tools to support her clients in achieving their goals and realizing their full potential.
Melissa's passion for learning and personal growth extended beyond her yogic and coaching endeavors. While studying Philosophy at the University of Colorado in Boulder in 2018, she immersed herself in the study of various religious and philosophical perspectives and ideologies. This academic pursuit provided a deeper understanding of the human experience and the interconnectedness of life.
Recognizing the power of holistic journaling practices as a tool for self-reflection and healing, Melissa participated in a supplemental "Journaling the Healing Journey" course. Through this practice, she learned to explore her inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences, fostering greater self-awareness and facilitating personal transformation.
Beyond her expertise in yoga, meditation, academic philosophy, and Ayurveda, Melissa also explored the power of astrology as a tool for understanding the soul's journey. In 2022, Melissa's esoteric studies brought her under the mentorship of Evolutionary Astrologer, Steven Forrest. Her fascination with astrology culminated in her becoming a Certified Astrologer, firmly believing that astrology offers profound insights into one's karmic path and individual destiny.
Melissa fully embraces the power of the mind in facilitating physical healing. With a deep-rooted belief in the mind-body connection, she advocates using the mind as a potent tool to promote and support the body's natural healing processes. Through her holistic health coaching approach, Melissa empowers individuals to harness the power of their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs to foster overall well-being and achieve optimal health.
When Melissa isn't furthering her knowledge or helping others achieve holistic well-being, she can be found amidst the mountains, hiking with her boyfriend, pursuing her artistic interests in pottery classes, or embarking on new and enriching travel adventures.
With her diverse skill set and unwavering dedication to holistic health, Melissa aims to be a guiding light for those seeking balance and wellness in their lives.