Eros Coaching decided to feature Melissa Fann, founder of The Wellness Insider which has been getting attention in recent months.

1) What do you do?

Hi I’m Melissa Fann, the founder of The Wellness Insider. I’ve always been a little non-conventional where I studied Sciences in Junior College but majored in Arts and Social Sciences in University before working in the finance industry for the past decade. I’ve learned a lot over the years and have built a reputation in marketing and events management, which I will bring towards helping independent and small businesses in the health and wellness arena.

Nonetheless, I like to say that I’m in the business of body confidence. The Wellness Insider is a platform for curated expert opinions, products and services on Fitness, Food, Beauty and Wellness where I hope that readers will be better informed and not follow health fads blindly. Also, it is providing positivity to everyone, no matter where they are on their health journey.

2. Why do you do what you do?

More and more people, and this includes men, have issues with their body image because they’ve been moulded by society and the media on how they should look. This is unrealistic because only about 5% of the world’s population fit the stereotypical models and actors/actress’ physiques.

I went through my own issues with my body because I’ve been called fat almost all my life. The turning point came about when I was diagnosed with endometriosis, which caused me to gain a lot of weight within a short period of time, and when I went for urgent surgery, a then-colleague had meanly said that I was going for surgery due to complications of taking diet pills. He was a bully and there are others such as him who constantly shame those who are deemed to be too fat or thin. It took me time to build my confidence back up and realise that it doesn’t matter what shape or size I am. What is more important is loving oneself and going on that journey towards better health.

That’s how The Wellness Insider came about. After talking to several people within the wellness industry, I have found that they too have faced (or still facing) clients with body issues and they too want to be part of this movement against body shaming while also helping people to love themselves. I want The Wellness Insider to be THE foremost proponent in encouraging body positivity. To change mindsets while also helping people to look good and feel great about themselves.

Ironically, I have to thank that bully of an ex-colleague of mine for where I am now. It is because of him that instead of wallowing in my medical condition, he made me more conscious about how society views what is deemed ‘beautiful’ or ‘handsome’ and how that has affected the younger generation.

3. How do you find time for all that?

My life is quite scheduled and I keep a to-do list next to me to keep myself focused. Of course, there are days that I procrastinate and it is harder to be disciplined, and that is why I ensure that although I’m an entrepreneur, I leave a day or two as rest days where I just do whatever I want.

4. What are your future plans?

I am currently in the midst of writing my book entitled “Stressed At The Spa? How the beauty industry can create a sustainable model that customers will love”, which I hope to get published early next year. Another project that I’m quite excited about is a competition which we aim to empower women, build their confidence while also teaching them new skills. Unfortunately, I am unable to reveal the details of this yet.

With regards to The Wellness Insider, I am working on expanding the Talk Shows that we’ve done so far and once the website is up, we will see the articles, products and even appointment booking up so that everything works in a dovetail manner for the reader.

5. Any advice for others?

Someone once told me that the three pillars to happiness are Time, Health and Money (financial freedom). Don’t neglect your health in the pursuit of wealth nor should you spend too much time pursuing things that do not necessarily make you happy.

If you have a dream, it is not enough. You need to take action by planning it properly and learning to recognise opportunities once they present themselves. Talk to more people about your dreams and goals, as one of them might actually help you achieve them!

Website www.thewellnessinsider.sg

Note: I have not vested interest or benefit from interviewing Melissa Fann. I am doing so in the pure intention to inspire more people.