Meet Janessa Milan | Integrative Health Coach

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

Hi Janessa, how does your business help the community?
Milan Athletic Club is a woman owned and operated business striving to teach women how to live an empowered, balanced, healthy life through physical fitness, nutrition and community. Unfortunately, there is a disconnect between the “health industry” and the “fitness industry” and my goal is to connect them. I am a firm believer that one’s mental health / mindset directly affects their physical health. I do so by creating a space for women to feel comfortable, supported and safe to be their truest authentic self. It’s rare to walk into a room of women you don’t know and feel completely at home and able to be oneself. Our community consists of 50+ woman of all different ages, sizes, shapes, goals, life paths, beliefs, values, backgrounds, etc empowering one another to live a healthy and sustainable lifestyle while living authentically to achieve their dream life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Milan Fitness was originally founded in 2018 right out of college. I spent the 3 years prior doing bodybuilding rather than the traditional college experience. However, I lost my dad in 2019 and walked away from it as running a business seemed too difficult at the time. I began working office jobs and felt unfulfilled. I had a few really tough years after loosing other people close to me and nearly loosing my own life to a suicide attempt having struggled with depression for 6 years. Controversial, but my suicide attempt was the best thing to ever happen to me.

I began on a soul searching year and found a real connection with spirituality, meditation, mindfulness, purpose, etc. I understood life, health, and love to a different level. I had the opportunity to get back to it in 2020 as an assistant trainer, but once I was back in the gym I knew I was meant to be training. I began to share my story with clients and sharing advice on the things I had been through that the girls could relate to (depression, anxiety, eating disorders, loosing a parent, loosing a friend, etc). I realized that through being vulnerable, the clients would open up to me and each other more. I didn’t know I would be opening a gym until it was happening. I needed a space where I could control the environment in terms of music, energy, vibe, etc.

Looking back I now know why I was unable to have my business when I wanted, I had to go through some hard lessons to be the health coach I am today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite bars in the valley is Century Grand – one of my clients runs the bar program. Her name is Nicole! It’s a simulated train experience and so fun for date night or girls night.

The jade bar at sanctuary has some of the most beautiful views as you enjoy their amazing happy hour! Their spa is amazing as well.

For food, Hiro sushi has the best sushi in town! Olive and Ivy is an adorable place for date night, and the food is amazing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to my Uncle Scott and Aunt Kelly. I watched them grow their car business from one small shop in Fort Collins, Colorado to having multiple across Colorado and they just opened their first out of state shop in downtown Phoenix. My uncle has always been an inspiration for entrepreneurship. He also has been a helping hand in starting the gym.

Website: www.milan-fitness.com

Instagram: @janessamilan

Other: @milan.athleticclub on instagram (gym)

Image Credits
Malia Milan