“Our bodies were beautifully created to heal, and I get to help people create the right environment for that healing to happen.”
Mikayla Mersereau’s path to becoming a successful health coach was fueled by personal experience and a desire to shift away from conventional healthcare. As an Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP) certified health coach, Mikayla has made an incredible impact on the lives of her clients. In this interview, Mikayla shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she faced, and the rewards of working with the IHP community.
From EMT to Successful Health Coach
Before becoming a certified IHP health coach, Mikayla spent 16 years working as an EMT in the emergency department and another five years in trauma management at a corporate medical center. Her extensive background in healthcare laid the foundation for her transition into health coaching. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that she realized her calling was to focus on root cause wellness instead of traditional sick-care systems.
Why Mikayla Chose IHP Certification
Mikayla’s personal healing journey with functional medicine played a pivotal role in her decision to pursue an IHP Health Coaching Certification. During the pandemic, she discovered a deeper passion for supporting people on their wellness journeys. The IHP certification stood out to her because of its comprehensive approach to health, including lab testing, hormone balance, nutrition, and detox protocols. The flexibility of the program and the empowering curriculum made it an ideal choice for her.
Challenges and Triumphs in Building a Health Coaching Business
Starting her own business was a major leap for Mikayla. As someone with no prior experience in business ownership, she faced many challenges, particularly in the administrative side of things. She made the mistake of building her own website initially but soon realized the importance of investing in professional branding. She credits the IHP community for providing invaluable support during her transition, including Facebook groups, provider emails, and EquiLife support.
Why Mikayla Chose a Physical Location for Her Practice
While many IHPs work virtually, Mikayla opted for a physical location for her successful health coaching practice, Modern Holistic Wellness. She believes there’s something deeply powerful about connecting with clients face-to-face. She was fortunate to secure an office space next to a friend’s optometry practice, which quickly became a vibrant space for healing. About 75% of her clients now see her in-person, with the remaining 25% working with her virtually.
Mikayla’s Niche: Supporting Moms on Their Healing Journey
Mikayla’s niche is inspired by her personal experience as a mother who once felt dismissed by conventional healthcare. Now, she works primarily with women, especially moms who are struggling with fatigue, inflammation, and emotional exhaustion. She helps these women reclaim their health through functional medicine, supporting their hormones and reducing toxic load.
Advice for Health Coaches Struggling to Find Their Niche
As a successful health coach, Mikayla advises aspiring health coaches to start with what they know. Your personal health journey can guide you in finding your niche, and it’s okay to pivot or expand later on. She started with women but now also serves their families, including husbands and children.
Business Advice for New Health Coaches
For those just starting in health coaching, Mikayla encourages giving yourself grace and being flexible. She emphasizes the importance of budgeting for key aspects like branding and a website early on. Most importantly, she advises new coaches to simply take the plunge and start, even if everything isn’t figured out yet.
Best Business Practices in Mikayla’s Health Coaching Practice
In Mikayla’s practice, every client begins with an in-depth 60–75-minute intake, which allows her to understand their health timeline and goals. Based on this intake, clients choose from different packages that fit their lifestyle and budget. She also prioritizes self-care, ensuring she has boundaries to avoid burnout and stay aligned with her mission. To further support her business growth, Mikayla hired a business coach, which has been a game-changer.
How IHP Certification Has Impacted Mikayla’s Life
The IHP Health Coaching Certification has provided Mikayla with a deep understanding of nutrition, detox, hormone balance, and mindset, all of which she integrates into her work. Access to high-quality lab testing and protocols has allowed her to customize care for her clients effectively. Personally and professionally, Mikayla says the IHP program has significantly improved her life, making her feel empowered to create lasting change for her clients.
Embracing the IHP Community for Growth and Support
Mikayla credits much of being a successful health coach to the IHP community, which she describes as supportive, collaborative, and humbling. Through the IHP Facebook group and personal connections, Mikayla has formed lasting friendships and gained a wealth of knowledge. She believes that staying engaged with the community has been crucial for her continued growth as a health coach.
Mikayla’s Most Rewarding Client Success Story
One of Mikayla’s most rewarding experiences is working with busy moms who come to her feeling depleted and frustrated. Using a root-cause approach, she helps these women address hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and toxic overload. The results are often life-changing, with clients reporting improvements in energy, mood, and overall well-being.
The Importance of Mind-Body-Spirit Alignment in Health
Through her work as an IHP Health Coach, Mikayla has learned that stress management and mind-body-spirit alignment are crucial for true healing. Even with a clean diet and supplements, if the nervous system is in survival mode, healing will stall. She emphasizes the importance of protecting one’s energy, both as a coach and as a client, to achieve lasting results.
Advice for Those Overwhelmed by the Idea of Lifestyle Change
Mikayla advises people who feel overwhelmed by the prospect of making a lifestyle change to start small and focus on their “why.” Understanding your reasons for wanting to feel better can make the process less intimidating. She also stresses the importance of having support from an IHP or other wellness practitioner, as it can be transformative to have someone guide you through the journey.
Why Mikayla Loves Being an IHP Certified Health Coach
The most rewarding part of Mikayla’s work is seeing the transformation in her clients’ lives. She loves when clients not only heal themselves but also refer their family and friends, creating a ripple effect of wellness. Mikayla believes that the human body is designed to heal, and she is honored to create the right environment for that healing to take place.
Starting Your Own Health Coaching Journey with IHP Certification
Mikayla’s journey as an IHP Certified Health Coach is a testament to the power of functional medicine and personalized care. With the right support, training, and community, health coaches like Mikayla are making a profound difference in people’s lives. If you’re considering a career as an IHP Health Coach, Mikayla’s story serves as an inspiring example of what’s possible when you embrace your passion and take that first step.
Where to Find Mikayla:
- Website: www.modernholistic.org
- Instagram & Threads: @modern.holistic.wellness
Click HERE to learn more about how IHPI builds a thriving wellness community!
