Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Baertl Brown.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an eternal cheerleader, who loves chocolate, fuzzy socks, pageants, and salsa dancing. I love making a difference in my community by volunteering with different organizations and advocating for women’s health awareness.
I was born in Lima, Peru and grew up in southeast Pennsylvania. When I started college, my family moved to Beaumont, Tx. I eventually made by way to Beaumont after living in Houston, Galveston, and the Philippines.
After college graduation, I was not sure what I wanted to do so I enrolled as a World Service Corp volunteer which is similar to the Peace Corp. As a World Service Corp volunteer, I spend a summer in Kenya and a year in the Philippines. It was during this stay in the Philippines that I knew I wanted to be a nurse.
I attended the University of Texas Medical Branch for my nursing degree and began working as a pediatric nurse at both UTMB and Texas Children’s Hospital. I later earned my Master’s in Nursing Administration from Lamar University in Beaumont. I recently graduated from West Coast University with my post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner degree.
In my spare time, I love to run. It is a great way to beat stress and stay fit. I have run several marathons and two ultras. I also am a triathlete and have completed two half Ironman races. As an experienced runner, I love teaching and encouraging new runners. During the pandemic, I created the Southeast Texas 100 Mile Club as way to connect online with other runners in my community. I hold 100-mile walk or run challenges each month.
Besides running, I love to salsa dance, travel, and spend time with my husband. I met my husband on Facebook. He is a fellow runner and we had several mutual friends. I added him as a friend, we commented on each other’s posts, developed a friendship via Facebook messenger, and then finally met for coffee. Eight months later we were married!
As I mentioned before, I love serving my community. My parents taught me the importance of being a servant in my community. My husband jokes that if I could I would be a full-time volunteer, which is probably true! I currently serve as a board member of The Art Studio, Inc and The Oaks Historic District. I am a Meals on Wheels driver, The Harvest House Ministry volunteer, Junior League of Beaumont Sustainer and Sustaining Advisor and Ironman Women for Tri Associate.
In 2019, I founded PeriodPower Pantry, a local menstrual and hygiene product pantry. We supply our ‘period packs’ to schools, women’s and homeless shelters, and local organizations that assist girls and women. We also provide menstrual and hygiene education to girls and women. We have partnered with local businesses to hold menstrual product drives, provide period product bins in business’ restrooms for female employees. If you are interested in donating or partnering, please visit our PeriodPower Pantry website.
Lastly, I also am the current Mrs. Beaumont International. I will be competing for the title of Mrs. Texas International in March. My social initiative is Women’s Health Awareness and Advocacy. I have been competing in pageants on and off since I was 14 years old. I entered my first pageant hoping to improve my self-confidence. Since participating in pageants, I have learned and gained confidence and so much more. I have met amazing and inspiring women who are leaders in her community and in their careers while being wonderful and attentive mothers and wives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. I believe that the struggles are what makes us grow and become better versions of ourselves. I am reminded of an anonymous quote that says, “When you face difficult times, know that challenges are not sent to destroy you. They’re sent to promote, increase and strengthen you.” When I feel that I am up against a challenge or obstacle, I remind myself that I have the ability to conquer that challenge and to stay focused so that self-doubt does not creep in. If an obstacle appears to be more challenging than anticipated, I have a wonderful husband and family to rely on when times get tough.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a family nurse practitioner, blogger, coach and consultant, and brand ambassador. I am a woman of all trades!
I have been a nurse for 16 years working in both the hospital and clinic setting. I recently finished my family nurse practitioner post-masters from West Coast University and I will be working as a family nurse practitioner. I am excited to see patients in a new and different capacity. I have a passion for educating on how to live healthier and how to reduce your health risks. This past year, I became a nurse mentor through the American Nurses’ Association.
I have always wanted to be an etiquette consultant and a life coach. A few years ago, I grasped at the opportunity to become certified etiquette and style consultant. I later became certified as a life coach. Last year, I started my own business called MB Consulting and Coaching. I hold sessions in-person and online via Zoom. This has been a great way to foster my creativity while continuing to be an eternal cheerleader. This year, I expanded my services to pageant coaching, health and fitness coaching. I know it sounds like a lot but, I am really passionate about helping individuals discover a better version of themselves.
In my past time, I have a lifestyle blog called Life Made Beautiful. In my blog, I talk about relationships, cooking, travel, home décor, and mental and physical health. I share my latest product finds such as “My Favorite Items under $30” and curate a gift guides for that special someone. Lastly, I share my favorite products and explain why they are my favorite products as I am a brand ambassador for a variety of companies.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was hiking and camping out with my father and sister. Growing up we had a big back yard and my dad loved sharing his love of outdoors with us. Every chance we had, my dad would take us on a hike through a small Pennsylvania farm town. During the summers, he pitched our tent and we would sleep under the stars around a campfire 30 feet from our house. These were the best memories of my dad and this is one of the reasons why I love being outdoors.
Contact Info:
- Email: mbaertlbrown@yahoo.com
- Website: www.megbaertlbrown.com
- Instagram: megbaertlbrown
- Facebook: megucha
- Twitter: megnetic
- Other: www.periodpowerpantry.com
Image Credits:
Libra Scale Creative
