Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisabeth Montes Hayden.
Hi Elisabeth, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Elisabeth Montes Hayden, I am a first-generation Mexican American and the founder of Women Want Wellness, a brand focused on personal development for women.
In June 2017, I was struck with a severe episode that had a significant impact on my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Despite the fact that the root cause was unclear, the symptoms were undeniable: numbness and tingling throughout my body, partial paralysis, and cognitive function disability. Initially, I ignored these symptoms, but as they continued to worsen, I panicked and sought medical attention.
After undergoing various tests, I was given the diagnosis with Guillain Barre Syndrome, a condition where the immune system attacks the nerves. However, to confirm the diagnosis, a spinal tap was needed. But I chose not to proceed with the spinal tap and decided to manage my condition differently. I was determined to find a way to heal my body naturally and began researching alternative methods of healing.
When I received my diagnosis at 38 years old, I was already dealing with a number of challenges. My fourth child had colic, which made it difficult for me to get a good night’s sleep. Additionally, I was struggling with severe postpartum depression that was affecting my self-esteem and my relationship with my children. I was barely holding on mentally, and it felt like I was just doing the bare minimum to get by. The constant fatigue and the colicky baby were taking a toll on me. And then, the physical symptoms of my illness added an extra layer of stress to my already challenging life.
As my immune system was under attack, I felt like I was slowly slipping away and that it was only a matter of time before I would die. It was a very difficult and scary time, and I didn’t know if I had the strength to go on. But I knew deep down that I had to fight for my life, and I begged for the strength to live so that I could change my life around and heal. It was a test of my willpower and my determination to overcome this illness and live a better life.
During this period, I was determined to heal my body naturally and began researching alternative methods of healing. This included changing my diet to a vegetarian one, juicing, and incorporating movement into my daily routine. These changes, along with others, significantly improved my symptoms and helped me to regain control of my health.
As I worked on healing my physical health, I realized that there were also deeper issues related to unhealed trauma from my childhood that were affecting my overall well-being. I began researching and exploring different methods of mental and emotional healing, including forgiveness, manifestation, and developing a better mindset.
It was not until 2020, when I had nearly turned 40 years old and had been working hard on all areas of my life, that I realized there was something missing in my life. I decided to create Women Want Wellness as a way to share my story and the resources that helped me to heal with other women. My goal is to help others find the best version of themselves through a holistic approach to wellness.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Building a successful business, like Women Want Wellness, has been a journey of both struggles and triumphs. I’ve had my fair share of difficulties in maintaining and managing my own health, but I’ve learned that these struggles have given me the opportunity to grow and become a better version of myself. I’ve come to understand that it’s all about perspective; if we take the time to have faith and understand that there is a bigger picture that we may never fully comprehend, we can find the silver lining in even the toughest of situations.
I am driven by the knowledge that I am creating something bigger than myself, something that will serve as a legacy for my family and for the women of this world. To be able to help someone is an honor and a humbling experience. I am on this journey of evolution and innovation, just like everyone else, and I understand that this journey looks different for everyone. Everyone’s struggles are unique, and everyone’s highs and lows are different. However, if I can provide encouragement, motivation, understanding, and whatever else someone may need, I consider that a gift.
Like other entrepreneurs, I have had to navigate challenges such as finding resources to create my blog and website.
But throughout it all, I have found joy and laughter in the struggles, because I was creating something from the ground up that I wanted to gift to the world. I had the creative knowledge and permission I needed to create something beautiful. I understand that struggles will always be a part of the journey, whether as an entrepreneur or in any other aspect of life. And I manage them the best way I can, sometimes I succeed and sometimes I don’t, but that’s the beauty of it all.
We’ve been impressed with Women Want Wellness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a first-generation Mexican American, I understand the struggles of growing up with limited beliefs and internalized shame. My platform, Women Want Wellness, is dedicated to serving all BIPOC communities, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity. My goal is to mentor and guide women in unlearning harmful thoughts and habits that do not serve them and to empower them to embrace their inner strength and greatness.
I believe that the more we focus on healing ourselves, the more we can share our knowledge and experiences collectively, rather than keeping it to ourselves. I believe that wellness for one person means wellness for all humanity. I’m dedicated to breaking the barrier of the lack of representation and giving a platform for all BIPOC women to come together and share their stories, and knowledge and help each other to heal.
As a women’s wellness coach and entrepreneur, I believe that my outgoing personality and ability to connect with and inspire other women sets me apart in my field. My ultimate goal is to help women find the best version of themselves while still having fun and enjoying the journey. I am a virtuous woman who strives to make a difference in my corner of the world.
I understand that not everyone is meant to work with me and vice versa, but if my message resonates with you, I encourage you to join my community and read my blog posts. I offer one-on-one coaching as well as group workshops, ebooks, and journaling books to help women empower themselves with knowledge and mindset. If you’re interested in healing, I can provide resources for you. I’m also open to collaboration, networking, and hosting workshops for women in the community who believes in empowering women with knowledge and mindset.
Here is a list of what sets me apart:
-Personal experience with a debilitating illness and how it motivated you to start Women Want Wellness
-Holistic approach to wellness, which incorporates not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being
-Focus on helping women specifically, and understanding that everyone’s journey looks different
-Use of natural methods of healing and a focus on nutrition and movement
-Emphasis on encouragement, motivation, and understanding for others on their own journey of evolution and innovation.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Since launching Women Want Wellness, I have accomplished a number of life-changing milestones that I am proud of. I am a testament to the power of healing and the ability to change the trajectory of one’s life.
First and foremost, I embraced entrepreneurship and started my own business, Women Want Wellness. This was a big step for me, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact my business has had on others.
Additionally, I have created boundaries for myself, which has helped me to prioritize my own well-being. I have also had the courage to embark on solo trips, which have been incredibly transformative experiences. My first solo trip was to Sedona, and since then, I have traveled to Peru to visit Machu Picchu, the 8th wonder of the world.
Despite the mental and cognitive setbacks from my illness, I enrolled in college in 2019 at Sam Houston State University, and I am proud to say that I will graduate this year, 2023. I will be the first generation graduate in my family, and I am breaking the generational curses that have been holding me back.
All of these accomplishments are a testament to what can happen with effort, support, and courage. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to believe in themselves and to make positive changes in their own lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.womenwantwellness.org
- Instagram: @womenwantwellness
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabethmonteshayden/
Image Credits:
@blip.photography by Barbara, Sheba, and @thediveigniter
