Melanie Joy shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Melanie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of building a value- and relationship-based business. No one sees the countless emails I answer, the research I do behind the scenes, or the quiet prayers I say for my clients. But those unseen moments are what build the trust, care, and transformation my clients experience.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a holistic health practitioner, and I help people uncover and resolve the root causes of their symptoms so they can truly heal. My approach blends my formal education with my own personal journey of overcoming a heart condition. That experience taught me that healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, spiritual, and deeply individual.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
A naturopathic doctor I worked with saw my potential long before I did. She recognized that I’d make a great practitioner, even when I couldn’t see it myself. Instead of telling me exactly what to do, she would gently ask, “I wonder how you can heal…” Those words shifted everything.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me what success never could, that true growth often blooms from pain. Growth doesn’t come from things being easy. It’s kind of like a flower, it needs rough soil, rain, and even storms to bloom. The hard stuff ends up being the fertilizer for something beautiful. My struggles revealed that I was never truly alone, that I’m stronger than I ever imagined, and that the hardest seasons were shaping me to serve and uplift others.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in functional medicine is that the root cause of every symptom is purely physical—an infection, a hormone imbalance, or a nutrient deficiency. While those factors matter, there’s another layer that’s often overlooked: our emotions, traumas, and mental health. These deeply influence our physical well-being, and true healing happens when we address both the body and the inner world.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my clients would miss the feeling of being truly seen, heard, and cared for. They’d miss the sense of safety I bring, knowing they have someone who will listen without judgment, hold space when things feel heavy, and bring calm in moments of fear. They often tell me I help them find peace when their symptoms feel scary, and strength when they feel unsure. I think they’d miss that steady presence that reminds them they’re never alone in their healing. I think they’d also miss my ability to strategize under pressure and my steady belief that there’s always a way forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drmelaniejoy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniejoyphd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Dr-Melanie-Joy-PhD-100063700383872/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nervoussystemqueentv?si=xfb12ClaBAPUYwBW
Image Credits
Toni Sparks, Short Story Studios
