We’re looking forward to introducing you to Megan Sanders. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Megan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
It is interesting, as a wellness studio, we absolutely provide services, but the mindset of “receive and leave” is not what we are selling. At the heart of our small corner of the wellness industry is the idea that we are “difference makers’ but it is our client that will truly do the work toward their own health. Our job is more focused on showing them the path and walking alongside them, but it is an active partnership. So while we are so proud to provide the services, our true value is recognized in those that walk in their new knowledge, so we try to be more “know and grow” in our approach to understanding your body and what you can do to heal and maintain your wellness.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Megan Sanders, Owner, Physical Therapist, Massage Therapist and overall Difference Maker. I am growing SubZeroWellness with the intention, not to replace medicine, but to supplement and support science through holistic means. SubZero Wellness is a sports recovery and wellness studio that provides services such as: massage, stretching, red light therapy, infrared sauna, compression therapy, and whole body cryotherapy. We were the FIRST to bring Whole body cryotherapy to STL in 2013. But in 2018, we decided to expand to offer other modalities that focused on increasing circulation and decreasing inflammation. It is my whole hearted belief that our bodies were created to heal themselves with proper care. Our hustle culture has lended itself to ignoring symptoms in order to keep pushing but if we just listen to the language our body uses to tell us that something is off, we can often self correct before it creates disease or injury. So no matter where our clients are in their wellness journey, from prevention, to injury, to chronic pain or rehabilitation we are able to walk alongside them and help provide a road map to wellness.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My father was incredibly instrumental in helping me form the voice I use to this day. I had two amazing parents with different strengths in teaching and encouraging. My dad, however, was great at asking questions that made me analyze how I interact and speak with the world. He was a dreamer and he believed in my dreams, no matter how silly. One of my favorite examples, was when I was about to leave for college to start my education in Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University he asked me ” if time and talent were not an issue and you could be anything in the world, what would you choose?” As a very young 17 year old girl, I said, “I would want to be a model”. He immediately told me to go pick out three outfits and he proceeded to do a photo shoot all over my family’s farm. He took those photos and printed them to 8×10’s and hung them in his office at work. I never felt more beautiful.
At the core of my answer, was a desire to be seen, noticed, heard, appreciated. And he provided just that. Teaching me that my value is inherent and one person can make a difference in providing that for others. So that is how I approach my interactions with others, with an open heart, listening ears, and eyes that pay attention to detail. I want everyone to feel seen and valued during our time together.
Additionally, every year before school he gave a speech that went something to the effect of ” as we start another year of school, I want to remind you that no matter if you get A’s or C’s as long as you can look me in the eye and promise me that you did your best, you DID NOT fail, and I will always be proud of you”. I still say that to my kids every year before school. All we can give is all we can give. And by doing our best, we did not fail. That approach has given me peace in so many situations that could be seen as a failure, but failing to try is the real loss.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
What a fantastic question…. I once had a friend that told me that I only “seemed happy when I was suffering’, as if I would choose to bring it upon myself. But more, I think that in suffering I feel alive, like there is work to be done, and challenges to overcome. I am driven by the idea that growth comes outside of our comfort zone, so if I am uncomfortable, I must be doing something right.
I learn more from “failures” or rather what does not work, than when things go smoothly. It is simply a choice on how you frame it. Edison said ““I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.”
I have successfully found many things that DO not work for my business, my life and my relationships. It is all a matter of perspective.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Man I sure hope so… at least I try to be as authentic and genuine as possible in my conversations with my clients. Of course, not everything about the real me is for public consumption. I have learned the hard way that not everyone deserves or requires full access to you but what you are allowed to see is genuinely me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
An incredibly giving heart. No matter the title or application of my name, I am and will always remain a person who longs to show grace, give comfort, and be a helper in any fashion I am allowed. The greatest gift is being able to walk along side people in their suffering, offer understanding, and provide hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.subzero-wellness.com
- Instagram: @subzero_wellness_chesterfield
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SZChesterfield
Image Credits
JESS AND JENN PHOTOGRAPHY
