Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Marks Garner.
Melissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Twenty years ago, when I was 24 years old, I was on the verge of burnout. I was a Real Estate Agent in New York City at the time. I was drained emotionally and physically — and my health was impacted. Someone told me about meditation, and I was desperate to try something new so I went to a meditation class. The next 8 years were all about learning more, going to retreats, and taking as many classes as I could. I was feeling so much better. My anxiety really decreased. During this time, I discovered a deeper calling — it was not enough to have this life-changing experience just for myself. I went back to school, got my Master’s degree — I am a Licensed Professional Counselor — and I knew I wanted to integrate meditation into my professional work. I started very small — I was working at a Women’s Shelter in 2005 — and it was there that I started a meditation group. From there a small side business developed, and then when I moved to Dallas some years later, I started growing my business here. I worked full time and then part-time for a number of years while it grew. I now operate my business full-time and have done so for over 2 years. I am so grateful and blessed to be able to do this. I love this work.
Has it been a smooth road?
Ha. No. I think my challenges were pretty typical for any new business owner — getting the message out, convincing people that you have something worthwhile for them to try, and wondering if this whole thing would work.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Your Mindful Edge – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I work with companies, individuals, and athletes. I teach Mindfulness (a form of meditation) which has proven, research-backed health and performance benefits. I specialize in teaching the science behind Mindfulness. I love working with people who have tried meditation in the past and think it’s not for them and that they can’t “do it”. I love teaching and helping people grow. I am proud of the successes of my clients. I have seen people leave toxic relationships, quit their jobs, start businesses, charge more money for their services, and thrive as a result of working together. I feel one of my greatest gifts is my ability to listen for inconsistencies and alignment issues. Sometimes, people are doing things not in alignment with their greatest goals and they are completely unaware of it. I help them see that.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of Dallas — the different neighborhoods. I love the food too.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.YourMindfulEdge.com
- Phone: 214-986-5101
- Instagram: Melissa Marks Garner
- Facebook: Melissa Marks Garner Corporate Wellness
- Twitter: MelissaMGarner
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
