Meet Amanda Crisel | Pharmacist-Turned-Women’s Wellness Coach

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

Hi Amanda, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote encapsulates some of how I would answer several of the other Panel Discussion Questions. The quote that speaks to me deeply right now is from Paulo Coelho: “Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.”

I’m 47 and have been on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth for the last several years. Maybe this happens to most people at a certain age, but I am desperate to shed everything about myself that was not authentic to who I’m supposed to be to find my true self. This is, in part, why I left the pharmaceutical industry to start my own business and why I am willing to take risks – though everything feels like a risk right now because I’m still in that uncomfortable (“itchy sweater”) phase of life where I’m not who I was and still not who I want to be yet. But I’m on my way!

I have learned that when I let go of who I thought everyone wanted me to be and embrace who I want to be, I am free, and I can do anything. Once I experienced the peace that comes with knowing I don’t have to be afraid of disappointing anyone but myself (and God), I became even more eager to put myself out there and try to help other women who are going through similar experiences.

What should our readers know about your business?
I founded Amanda Michelle Wellness with the goal of using my experiences as someone who went through early menopause (or premature ovarian insufficiency) at 39, to help other women facing the sometimes debilitating mental, emotional, and physical challenges associated with these midlife transitions.

As a coach with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and extensive experience in the biotech industry, I bring a unique blend of clinical knowledge and cutting-edge research to my wellness practice. I leverage my background and research in neuroscience and holistic health to provide personalized coaching that is rooted in the integration of various evidence-based strategies, including faith-forward or spiritual practices and lifestyle approaches, to optimize wellness efforts.

Leaving the relatively comfortable (though less fulfilling) world of corporate to build my own business was nothing short of terrifying, particularly as someone who had gotten used to performing to someone else’s standards and meeting someone else’s goals.

The 3 biggest challenges I faced included not knowing where to start, the persistent negative self-talk causing me to question whether I should (or even could) pursue my dream, and the fear of the unknown.

Two things helped me overcome these challenges: the first is my faith that God put me on this earth to do more, and the belief that whatever I am doing, if I am doing it for the right reason, it will all work out. Not to say it will be easy, but it will be worth the effort. The second is the faith my husband, Nate, has in me and his unwavering support as I fumble around to find my way.

Specifically, I decided I didn’t need to know exactly where to start and what the path should look like – I just started. I kept putting one foot in front of the other, making the next best choice. A mentor told me I didn’t need to see the entire path, just the goal and the next step.

I countered the negative self-talk with positive affirmations and a lot of research on neuroplasticity and manifestation, and I worked diligently on replacing my fear with excitement, curiosity, and faith. Until one day, I found myself with my own coaching practice, a comprehensive 12-week online course, and monthly “Hot Flash Happy Hours” that have become a sacred place for women in transition to connect.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are 1) we don’t all have to do things the same way, but finding a mentor or two can help you decide how you want to make things happen, 2) there will be setbacks… lots of them, but there will be something to learn from each failure or mistake, and 3) NEVER GIVE UP – the moment you feel like you’re too tired or you start questioning “what” and “why” and “when”… is when you should double your efforts and push harder.

Amanda Michelle Wellness is a labor of love that emerged from a combination of the challenging mental, emotional, and physical symptoms I faced as I charged through early menopause, self-doubt that was transformed by faith, mountains of mistakes that were my teachers and guides, and above all – the belief that I can and should be using all of my experiences to help other women function at their very best and live the life they desire.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We live in Niwot, so I’d take my best friend to a few places on her week-long trip (if money were no object):
A couple of days in Boulder (We’d stay at the Niwot Inn and Spa)
First day:
Lucile’s for a yummy Creole breakfast.
Walk Pearl Street Mall for street performers, art galleries, and boutique browsing.
Hike at Chautauqua
Happy Hour: Avanti Food & Beverage rooftop—awesome sunset and a range of food stalls.
Eat at Bramble and Hare
Check out the Boulder Theater for live music or a show.

Second day:
Hot Yoga at Yoga Pod in Longmont
Farmers Market in Longmont
Back down to Frasca for dinner

A couple of days in Denver. We’d stay at the The Crawford Hotel
Eat at Mercantile Dining & Provision inside Union Station.
Tour the Botanic Gardens
Lunch at the food hall at Denver Central Market
Maybe walk the 16th Street Mall
See something at Red Rocks

Next Day:
Spa treatment at The Oxford Club.
Maybe take in a Rockies game.
Dinner at Rioja on Larimer Square.

A couple of days in Breckenridge at Grand Timber
Stop in Frisco on the way up for coffee and mountain views
Chill around Lake Dillon
Check out Main Street: unique shops, art galleries, and Breckenridge Distillery tasting.
Eat at Aurum

Next day:
Breakfast: Crepes at Crepes a la Cart.
Hike Prospect to Wanderer Wanderer
Eat lunch at Downstairs at Eric’s.
Walk along the Blue River, then wine tasting at Continental Divide Winery, and dinner at Twist

Last day: Brunch at Blue Moose.
If we haven’t passed out from exhaustion (or overeating), then White water rafting on the way back to Niwot/DIA

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Nate, deserves all the shoutouts. He has been an unwavering support in my search for meaning and a fulfilling career. He supported my choice to leave the pharmaceutical industry and begin my own business. He supported me each time I decided to try a new approach to my business. He has been a positive, thoughtful, encouraging presence in all that I’ve done in my life, and particularly as I’ve branched out on my own to start my own business.

Website: https://www.amandamichellewellness.com

Instagram: @simply_chasing_sunshine

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-crisel-a076761/

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