Living Visionary: Catching up with the incredible members of the Visionary Community!
In this series, I’ll be catching up with the incredible member of our Visionary Community from past and present.
This is a project that I started while I was on Maternity Leave (#VisionaryMama) with my first baby as a way to stay plugged in, inspired and rooted among the community of clients and students that I’ve supported over the last (almost) 8 years.
Enjoy, and if it feels appropriate please support their amazing businesses!
xx. Kels
Meet Anika.
Founder of Acupuncture Anika Mendell, Meridian Health Coaching
3 Words She Would Use To Describe Herself…
Curious, empathetic, open
Bio…
I started out my career with a Master’s of Science Degree in Community Health, and as a researcher at the Quebec National Institute of Public Health.
In 2015, I went back to school to become a Licensed Acupuncturist and in 2022, I launched a parallel practice as a Certified Health Coach. Finally, I’m a mom of three beautiful young women and live with their dad, my partner of 29 years, in Montreal.
Name
Anika Mendell
Profession
Acupuncturist and Health Coach
Business Name
Acupuncture Anika Mendell, Meridian Health Coaching
Founded In
2015 (acupuncture), 2022 (coaching)
Current Location
Montreal, Canada
Always…
Learning! I’m very passionate about what I do and always want to go further. Also always happy to hang out with my family : )
Never…
Able to workout first thing in the morning (or almost never!).
Advice for other entrepreneurs, who are slightly less far along…
Reach out for help! Don’t try to figure it out all by yourself.
Connecting with people who are ahead on the journey can be an invaluable source of good information and inspiration.
Tool, resource, podcast, book or person you’ve invested in that’s added value to your entrepreneurial journey
I worked with a business coach who was also an acupuncturist, about 6 years into my acupuncture practice, and she helped shape many of the foundations of my practice in the 2 years we worked together.
Then I joined the Wave Mastermind in June 2025 and it has added significant value to my entrepreneurial journey.
There are also podcasts/speakers that have helped me at key moments: Tony Robbins, who had a life changing impact on my mindset and behaviour, Mel Robbins, when I needed to make a change about 6 years ago (her 5-second rule and journal made the difference!) and the Diary of a Ceo podcast is a continual source of inspiration.
Tell us more about your business (what do you do, who do you help, what does your workday look like, how do people find out about you).
I work in my clinic (Clinique Multisphères) 2.5 days a week. One thing that I really appreciate is that it’s a 15-minute walk from my house, which is pretty unique (and practical!). I specialise in Women’s Health and Mental Health. My main area of expertise (and source of inspiration) is the perimenopause/post-menopause transitions, and I see patients in both English and French.
I do coaching 1.5 days a week: for the moment, 1:1 programs (also in English and in French) in Stress Management and in Navigating Perimenopause. I’m currently working towards the launch of group programs and also programs offered to employees within organisations. My programs are grounded in Chinese Medicine principles, which I combine with modern, evidence-based techniques.
Recent milestone you’ve celebrated in your business
I just celebrated my 10th-year anniversary as an acupuncturist!
Favourite way to wind down after a long workweek.
Making a fun and delicious dinner with my family, while listening to great music and then watching a good movie!
Before starting my workday, I make sure to…
Have a good, complete breakfast and connect to my “why”.
Best part of my work is…
Seeing that my work makes a true difference in people’s lives. Seeing the “before and after”. Having the opportunity to give people the warmth and empathy that we all need. Also, being able to manage my own schedule!!
Tips for someone who is hesitant to follow their heart and start their own business?
For sure, there are so many challenges to starting one's own business. It’s important to be aware of them and to go into this new life with eyes wide open and with support.
However, the benefits to this life are immense, mostly in terms of the creativity and the freedom entrepreneurship allows. You will choose a life of constant learning, adapting, growing; one that will change you forever, helping you become someone who is in tune with yourself, who is resourceful and resilient.
Last vacation you took (and where did you go)…
I took a long vacation last summer! We did a Canadian roadtrip: first, to the Saguenay region in Quebec, then to the Magdelen Islands to visit our daughter who spent the summer working there as a nurse, then to the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia.
It was BEAUTIFUL!! I love going far away but it made me realize how lucky we are to have such a beautiful country at our fingertips.
Bucket list vacation that you hope to embark on in the next 5 years (where to and why?)
Portugal: We went there in the summer of 2024 and it was love at first sight for me. We were there for 2.5 weeks and travelled around a bit, but I would love to return and discover more of this wonderful country. Even for a few months, and/or to buy a property eventually!
(Also, while in Europe I wouldn’t mind returning to Ireland and Italy ; )
Croatia: I’ve always wanted to go to the Balkans, for the history, the scenery and the food, and haven’t been yet, even though I've seen most of Europe!
South Korea: For the food!! Also, I’ve read historical fiction novels about this country. It really fascinates me!
Taiwan: I’ve heard wonderful things about the people in this country.
New Zealand: I’ve always wanted to visit this country, for the natural environment and the people. And while I’m there, I’d love to hop over to Australia as well… ; )
