Meet Monica Fogerson | Health & Wellness Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Fogerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Simply Healthy Fit was created to inspire and encourage others to live their best, healthiest, happiest life through health and wellness. Health and wellness became a major priority in my life when I was struggling and at my lowest; I was at rock bottom. I knew change needed to happen and I dug really deep to figure out what that change needed to be. I realized that, that change needed to start from the inside. I wasn’t happy and I felt like I was falling short at every turn. I started working on myself in all aspects -mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, etc. It took time to find myself again and build a life I truly loved.

So often we get wrapped up in what social media and the world tells us we should be doing, how we should look, and where we should be at in life. I wanted to change that outlook. I wanted to show others that health and wellness is more than just being “skinny” and eating “healthy”. Health and wellness is about loving yourself right where you are. It doesn’t matter your weight or age or what the person next to you is doing. It is simply about learning to love yourself, flaws and all.

Yes, it is important we take care of ourselves. Choose healthy options, drink your water, and move for 30 minutes minimum every day. I encourage this healthy routine because it is a routine I set for myself but I didn’t want that to be the main focus. I wanted to help others see their beauty. I want to help others find their inner confidence and live it out daily for others to see. We were created different and we all have something beautiful to contribute to the world. Be brave, be fearless, be authentic. Be you, always. That is what Simply Healthy Fit is all about.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Life has been far from a walk in the park, and I know I am not the only one who has struggled. Life doesn’t happen without struggle but how we overcome and conquer is what really matters. I have worn many hats in my life -professional dancer, preschool teacher, and blogger. Each career path wasn’t an easy one. I was met with disappointment along the way.

From a young age I always dreamed of being a professional dancer, teacher, and writer. I had been dancing since I was 4 years old, loved school and learning, and was a constant writer of all things. But none of these paths proved to be easy, it took years of hard work and dedication to reach each goal.

It took me 6 years to finally earn the title of professional dancer for the WNBA. I was constantly told “no” -whether it be because of my weight, look, or abilities but I never gave up. Sure, it stole some confidence for me but I wasn’t going to let it hold me back or rob me of my true passion. I was a fighter and go-getter. I dug deep to keep my confidence alive and know that God created me for great things, I wasn’t going to let a simple “no” stop me. Through the 6 years of auditions, I was also going after my degree to become a preschool teacher. I wanted to work in my hometown of Keller and be a role model to the younger generation. I wanted to guide, love, and encourage children to be true to themselves and help them see their full potential -nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself. I take great pride in being a preschool teacher and being that positive influence of young children throughout my community.

Along the way I couldn’t shake my passion for writing. I constantly struggled with what I wanted to write about but also, what would help others as well. They passion I have for being a positive influence to others has spilled over into my writing as a blogger. It wasn’t easy sharing my story but along the way, I have realized the lives it has touched and the encouragement it has provided to others to keep going and don’t ever give up!

I am proud to say that I have overcome some tough obstacles along the way but through determination and perseverance I have conquered every single goal I have set for myself up till this point. I’m not done yet and I look forward to continuing to share my passions and story with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love my area and I love my city! I was born and raised in Keller, TX so I’ve been able to experience all the things DFW has to offer. As far as eating, I would have to take them to Los Molcajetes. It has been around for years (I can’t even tell you how long) and one of my absolute favorite Mexican restaurants to frequent. If we are going out for drinks and chill vibe, I am taking them to Grub where they have a scenic back patio with string lights, yard games, and great drinks and appetizers. It is the perfect spot for a good time.

Of course a little bit of retail shopping is a must so I am taking them to Main Street in Grapevine where they have the cutest boutiques and wineries. I love the mom and pop businesses and there is always something to see -whether they are having a festival such as Main Street Art Fest or Grapefest to Christmas parades and so much more. The atmosphere, energy, and people are great. It is a must go-to if you visit the DFW area!

Lastly, you can’t visit Keller and not take a trip down to the heart of Fort Worth and the stockyards. There is so much to see and do that it takes a few days to really absorb it all. From the downtown area where they have comedy clubs, good food, and live music to the stockyards where you get to see the history of what makes Fort Worth what it is today.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
God, my family, best friends (they know who they are), and boyfriend all deserve recognition in my story and the person that I am today. Their love, support, guidance, and tough love is beyond appreciated. Their faith and belief in myself and the idea for Simply Healthy Fit has never wavered. They have always encouraged me to go after every dream, no matter how “impossible” it seemed to me at the time.

The moments I felt I was falling short or discouraged, they were right there to pick me back up.

The moments of success were celebrated with genuine love and admiration.
The in-between moments were filled with their support to keep going and rocking it.

I wouldn’t be who or where I am today without them and I am truly grateful for my support system, my cheerleaders. To feel so supported, loved, and never judged is what propelled Simply Healthy Fit and sharing my story with others. I don’t think I will ever be able to put into words how thankful I am but I count my blessing every single day, all thanks to them.

Website: www.thesimplyhealthyfit.com

Instagram: _simplyhealthyfit

Facebook: www.facebook.com/simplyhealthyfit

Image Credits
Lily McCleary Photography