Why I Created Koru Women: Helping Women Over 40 Thrive in Midlife
There comes a point in many women’s lives when the things that once worked for us don’t seem to work in quite the same way anymore.
For me, that happened during perimenopause.
After more than 20 years working in sales and media, I had always been someone who enjoyed working with people. I loved the relationships, the energy and the variety of my work, and I had always felt confident in my professional life.
But over the last five or six years, as I moved through peri menopause and menopause, I found myself struggling in ways I hadn’t expected.
My confidence took a real knock. I developed anxiety, something I had never really experienced before, and brain fog became a real challenge. There were days when I simply didn’t feel like myself and felt so low and not sure how I could pick myslef up again.
I was incredibly fortunate to work alongside my husband in our family business, where I was given the flexibility and support I needed. I often think that if I hadn’t had that understanding around me, my lack of confidence could have led me to leave work altogether.
That experience made me realise just how much midlife can affect every part of your life, not just your physical health.
My own wellness journey
I needed to understand what was happening to me, so I started researching and learning more about menopause.
I explored everything from nutrition and exercise to stress management and the nervous system. I did online courses, including learning about the vagus nerve and ways of supporting a calmer nervous system. I looked at my relationship with alcohol, my diet, my sleep and how I was exercising.
Like many women, I initially thought the answer was simply to eat less and exercise more.
It wasn’t.
I ended up hurting myself and realised that the way I’d approached exercise in the past wasn’t necessarily what my body needed anymore.
I began to understand the importance of strength training, recovery and movement that supports you as you get older, rather than constantly pushing yourself harder.
And gradually, I started to realise something else.
There isn’t one magic answer to feeling better in midlife.
It’s not simply about what you eat. It’s not just about exercise. It’s not just about menopause hormones, sleep or stress.
Our wellbeing is influenced by all of these things, and how they interact with each other.
That is what led me to health coaching.
From menopause coaching to a more holistic approach
Initially, I was thinking of training specifically as a menopause coach because of my own experience.
But as I explored it further, I realised I wanted to look at the bigger picture.
I wanted to help women with their overall health and wellbeing, whether that meant navigating menopause, improving nutrition, managing stress, sleeping better, finding movement they enjoyed, building confidence or simply creating healthier habits that fitted into their lives.
So I completed a Level 5 Diploma in Health Coaching with the Health Coach Academy, qualifying in May.
And during that year of studying, I became increasingly certain that this was what I wanted to do.
After more than 20 years in my previous career, I’ve recently taken the leap and left my full-time role to start Koru Women.
Why Koru Women?
The name Koru comes from the Māori concept of the unfurling silver fern representing new beginnings, growth and renewal, strwngth and resilience and the continual unfolding of life.
I loved the meaning behind it and I genuinely believe that midlife can be a new beginning.
Turning 40, 45, 50 or beyond doesn’t have to mean that life gets smaller, harder or less exciting. And menopause certainly doesn’t mean that it’s all downhill from here.
With the right support, knowledge and tools, I believe women can feel stronger, healthier and more confident, and really flourish in this next stage of life.
Why shouldn’t we?
Coaching isn’t about telling you what to do
One of the things I love about health coaching is that it isn’t about me telling you what you should be doing.
It’s about working with you in a way that works with your lifestyle and routine.
We look at where you are now, what matters to you and what you’d like to change. Together, we identify small, achievable goals and build habits that fit into your real life.
Because I’m not interested in quick fixes. There are so many promises of instant results and dramatic transformations, but I believe lasting change comes from small changes that you can actually maintain that become part of your life.
A healthier breakfast.
Moving your body in a way that feels good.
Getting stronger.
Finding ways to manage stress.
Improving your sleep routine.
Creating a little more time for yourself.
Making choices that support your energy and wellbeing.
Small changes can become healthy habits, and healthy habits can become a way of life.
A new beginning
That’s what I want Koru Women to be about.
Not perfection.
Not restrictive diets.
Not punishing exercise.
Not trying to turn back the clock.
Instead, it’s about understanding your body, looking after yourself and finding out what makes you feel well.
It’s about recognising that your wellbeing is made up of many different pieces, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, mindset, relationships, confidence and the things that bring you joy.
And it’s about giving yourself permission to prioritise those things.
I’ve experienced first-hand how difficult this stage of life can feel, but I’ve also discovered how much is possible when you start to understand what your body and mind need.
Now I want to help other women do the same.
What I offer
Koru Women offers 1-to-1 health coaching for women over 40, providing personalised support to help you make meaningful, sustainable changes to your health and wellbeing.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, lacking confidence or simply know that you want to feel better but don’t know where to start, I’d love to hear from you.
You can book a free initial wellness call with me to chat about where you are now, what you’d like to change and how health coaching could support you.
Welcome to Koru Women.
