Meet Melissa Vance | Founder/CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Vance and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The main reason I decided to start this business in California because we wanted to move to California with our family. We are Canadian and had spent a year in California, but had to move back to Canada during COVID. After hearing of a close friend being diagnosed with terminal cancer, we decided life was too short & agreed we wanted to the opportunity to live the life of our dreams.

I have always been interested in holistic/natural health and spent my life working in the healthcare industry, primarily in mental health. I am passionate about helping others and about improving the quality of our health care system and had a dream of creating a space where multiple holistic health practitioners could work with clients as a team to improve the overall health & well-being of our clients.

When I was living in California in 2019, I was surprised about the lack of holistic/natural health care services available. I thought California would have many more options and even new modalities that I was not aware of; however, this was not the case. In fact, Canada (and likely most of the world) is way more advanced in this area. California may be more advanced in cosmetic procedures, but surprisingly lacking when it comes to health.

With my extensive background in mental health, I pursued training in functional nutrition because it is so important to understand that the whole body is connected and you can’t treat mental health without considering the health of the rest of the body. There is direct connection between the body and the brain and they effect each other.

I envisioned creating a space with various different holistic health practitioners that could work together as a team to improve the lives of our clients. A place where people feel seen, heard and valued. A place were people will learn about what is going on in their unique bodies and have a better understanding so they can get to the root cause of their issues. I am saddened by the number of people who are only treated for their symptoms and are prescribed more & more medications and never get to the cause of the problem. I have personally seen so many people who have struggled in our current medical system and have even died because of it. We have to change this.

Whole Body Health Team is working tirelessly to raise awareness of holistic health care services. We have an amazing team of professionals that are passionate about helping others and are tremendously skilled at digging deep into their clients lives and situation to figure out what is going on. We don’t believe in quick fixes, fad diets or one-size-fits-all protocols. We believe everyone is unique, everything is important and everything is connected. We not only look at their health concerns, we consider their social situation, personal history, trauma, stress and more.

Even though I started this business while living in Canada, the entire process was almost effortless. It was clear the universe was aligned with my vision as I was able to connect with so many amazing practitioners and our team came together to compliment each other. I initially met all of my team online and everyone was so excited to work together. I believe the team is not only beneficial for our clients, but also for our team. Working together in a supportive, team environment is a dream for our practitioners. Not only can we cross refer to each other, but we meet together regularly to discuss difficult cases and consult with each other.

We opened in July of this year and working hard to get the word out about what we do. I know it will be a slow process to get going but we are building great momentum and awareness in the community. Our team is growing and we have lots of different offerings for workshops, meditations, yoga and more.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Even though I have never taken a business class, this is the third business that I have started. I am a natural entrepreneur at heart and combine this with my passion for helping others. Starting Whole Body Health Team has been one of the easiest things I have ever done, even though there were so many things that could have been challenging. I am continually amazed at how I have met the most amazing practitioners that share the same vision and passion for helping others. I always believed that if “it was meant to be, it will be” but this has been almost too driven by the universe. Even though I was living in a different country, 5000 miles away, during covid when it was difficult to travel, once the wheels were in motion, the clinic came together in 4 months. Any challenge that I did face, the reasons have revealed themselves and were for a greater purpose.

I am most proud of the team that we have created and their shared passion and belief in my vision. Many of my team members joined when I didn’t have any office space, know where we would be located or even if I would get my visa to move to California, yet they stood by and waited for it all to happen. We now have 10 practitioners who work together to improve the lives of our clients.

I think the biggest lesson I learned in this process is to trust myself, my intuition and my dream. I also hope that in leaving a job that I loved, and pursuing a life-long dream, I have taught my sons they can do anything they are meant to do.

I would love the world to know that they don’t have to settle for not feeling well, for feeling heard, or taken seriously. In my mind, we have a healthcare epidemic in our society and it is driven by big business, pharma and politicians. How can the richest, most advanced country in the world be so lacking in the health of our people? We are the most overweight, under nourished, medicated, addicted, in-debt, depressed and anxious generation of our time. Why?? The changes are not difficult and the solutions are available. People do not have to suffer. We need people to know the services that are available.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It is southern california, there are SO many places! Here are my favorite, must-hit spots when my friends/family come into town: 1) Beachcomber – restaurant literally on the beach
2) Shake Shack – overlooking the ocean, above beachcomber
3) Farmhouse at Rogers Gardens – amazing restaurant
4) Hike Crystal Cove
5) Hike Top of the World
6) Laguna Beach – anywhere and every where! Love the margaritas at Carmelitas!
7) Fashion Island – shopping & people watching
8) Duffy boats in Newport
9) Balboa Island – shop, eat chocolate covered frozen bananas & walk the island
10) Drive south to San Diego

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to the frustration I’ve experienced with our medical system, which has driven me to start my own health and wellness clinic.

Like so many others, I’ve had my fair share of frustrations with the traditional medical system. Rushed appointments, long wait times, impersonal care, lack of focus on prevention, over prescribing of medication, and a focus on treating symptoms rather than root causes are just a few of the issues that have left me feeling frustrated and dissatisfied.

But instead of just accepting these frustrations, I’ve decided to take action. I’ve started my own health and wellness clinic, where we can provide personalized, holistic care that focuses on the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. I’m committed to addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms, and to providing a supportive, compassionate environment where patients can feel truly heard and understood.

It’s been a long journey, but I know that every frustration I’ve experienced with our medical system has prepared me to make a real difference in the lives of others. So to all the frustrations out there, thank you for lighting the fire that has driven me to pursue my passion and make a difference in the world.

Website: www.wholebodyhealthteam.com

Instagram: @wholebodyhealthteam

Facebook: WBHTNewport