You can connect with Victoria and her business via her website, and facebook.

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Tell us about you

Your go-to gal for menopause symptom relief! Hi there! I'm Coach Vic — a Registered Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, Functional Blood Work Analyst, certified in Epigenetics, and a specialist in peri- and post-menopause health. I also hold a Bachelor's degree in Education to top it all off. Over the years, I’ve taught in truly unique settings — from under-resourced schools on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico to one of the top 1% graduate schools in Taipei, Taiwan. A decade later, I’ve pivoted into women’s health, though my foundation in education remains strong. Today, I’m on a mission to break the silence around menopause. My passion is deeply personal. My mother’s menopause journey severely impacted her health, ultimately leading to paraplegia and diabetes. Watching her struggle without support or answers was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Growing up, I learned plenty about puberty. But as I got older, I noticed something striking — no one was talking about menopause. The silence, the stigma, and the lack of support in this space lit a fire in me — and now, I’m here to change that. Women are not meant to just suffer through menopause — they deserve the knowledge, tools, and support to thrive!

Describe your biz in a sentence

I help women navigate menopause with evidence-based nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and functional blood work to relieve symptoms and support long-term health

Tell us how your business came to be

My business was born from a deeply personal place — witnessing my mother’s devastating menopause journey, which ultimately led to paraplegia and diabetes due to a lack of proper support and understanding. As a trained educator working in diverse environments around the world, I saw how silence around menopause wasn’t just cultural — it was global. That silence lit a fire in me. I pivoted my career into women’s health, combining my background in education with advanced training in nutrition, personal training, functional blood work, and epigenetics. Now, I help women decode their symptoms, reclaim their vitality, and thrive through menopause with science-backed solutions and compassionate support.

What has been one of your best business calls/decisions to date?

After years of running my genetic-based nutrition, personal training, and group fitness business — Genetics Fitness Training in Noosa, QLD — I made the life-changing decision to close it down and rebrand as Thru Menopause. This shift wasn’t just a business move; it was a calling. My passion for women’s health, especially menopause, had grown too strong to maintain both. While I pivoted my full focus to menopause education and support, I chose to continue working with a small group of long-term online personal training clients — five remarkable individuals aged 73 to 87. These clients are high-risk and have experienced life-changing improvements in their health and independence under my care. Supporting them remains incredibly rewarding, and I know that without our continued work together, their quality of life would not be the same. This journey is about more than just fitness or food — it’s about restoring vitality, independence, and confidence during one of the most misunderstood phases of a woman’s life. And I’m here to help lead that change, one woman at a time.

If you could re-do / change something about your biz - what would it be?

Start sooner to gain more awareness and authority in the space.

What does your typical day look like?

I start my mornings around 7 AM, connecting with my online personal training clients. Once I’ve wrapped up those sessions, I usually fit in a quick 30-minute workout to get my energy flowing. Then it’s breakfast time with my husband and our pet cockatiel — a little family moment where we align on the day’s priorities. My husband, who left his career to work alongside me, is now an integral part of the business. Mid-morning is dedicated to essential admin and backend tasks. I also spend time on social media strategy, checking analytics, and reviewing the performance of any active campaigns or lead magnets. Late morning and early afternoon are all about my clients — responding to current ones, welcoming new leads, and conducting free consultations. I check in with clients individually to monitor daily habits, provide encouragement, and guidance. I also engage with my private client community on my coaching platform, followed by my public Facebook community. After lunch, I shift gears into assessing functional blood work and building or refining client protocols. This is also when I create my weekly “nutrition nuggets” — bite-sized powerpoint style lessons focused on a different topic each week to build knowledge and help future-proof their health. In the mid-afternoon, I get moving again with a walk or run alongside my husband and our adventurous cockatiel, who rides in her own little backpack. Once home, I take a moment to unwind before dinner, then hop on Zoom for one or two evening coaching calls. Before bed, I spend an hour or two studying, often reading new research papers to continuously expand my knowledge and better serve my clients. I finish the day with a bit of fiction reading to wind down and recharge for tomorrow.

Describe a time when you took a risk - how did it work out for you?

It all started when I made the bold decision to shift careers — from teaching high school students to diving headfirst into the world of health and fitness. I left my teaching job in Taiwan and began gaining global qualifications in personal training and nutrition. Not long after, I moved to Melbourne, Australia, where I managed boutique studio gyms and fully immersed myself in the industry. It was during this time that I met my now-husband, and continued building a career centered on health, wellbeing, and purpose. Fast forward to today — I’ve owned a successful gym in Noosa and expanded my qualifications to include functional blood work analysis, epigenetics, and menopause coaching. These specializations not only helped me discover my true purpose, but now empower me to create real, lasting change in women’s lives.

What's something raw & unfiltered you've been through / never told anyone about your business or motherhood?

My husband and I cannot have kids.

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Your daily motto?

Every morning I say to myself, "find comfort in discomfort"

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What is something about running your business that you wish you had been told sooner?

That it's going to be incredibly expensive to engage a business mentor / find advice.

How do you maintain your motivation?

Truthfully, it’s twofold. First, I work hard because I have to, if I stop, I won’t be in a position to ever get ahead financially. Like many others, I dream of owning a home and living without the constant pressure of financial stress. That reality keeps me moving. But just as powerful is the reward I get from the women I help. Every single woman who has come to me has experienced life-changing results, and they continue to grow long after our work together ends. The heartfelt affirmations, the referrals, and the way they speak about me to others fills me with purpose. It’s their progress and their words that light me up and keep me pushing forward.

What's one thing you know that will benefit our audience? Let them know!

Your symptoms are real, you do matter, and you don't need to suffer alone!

What are your favourite business tools (and why?)

Canva 100%! I create all my own content and educational materials, and Canva allows me to bring my vision to life with both efficiency and high quality. From text-overlaid images and PDF modules to recipe sheets, tracking tools, presentations, and even video editing, it’s an incredibly powerful tool. Without Canva, the level of polish and professionalism in my materials simply wouldn’t be the same (without hiring a graphic designer). It’s my secret weapon for creating impactful, engaging resources that truly support my clients.

What is one facet of your field that you would like to see changed?

GPs Who Truly Care: not one of my clients has had a wholly positive experience with their GP when requesting proactive blood work to collaborate with a Nutritionist. Not one. I can order blood work independently, but I always aim to work alongside my clients’ existing healthcare teams. I believe in a collaborative, client-centered approach, one where we’re all working together to get the best outcomes. Sadly, my involvement is often met with skepticism or completely dismissed, even when I’ve helped their patients reverse type 2 diabetes, bring cholesterol levels back into safe ranges without statins, and drastically improve quality of life. We urgently need more GPs who are open to integrative care, who take the time, ask the right questions, and value a whole-person approach. When we work together, we can give women, especially those navigating menopause, the support they truly deserve.

What projects are coming up next?

We’re Hitting the Road! I’ve developed a powerful, research-backed seminar designed to help women identify whether their symptoms are related to peri- or postmenopausal, and more importantly, to give them practical tools and strategies to reduce or even eliminate those symptoms naturally. This road tour is all about education, empowerment, and real-life solutions. While we plan to host most events in gyms, we will also explore opportunities with local communities and businesses that want to better support the amazing women in their lives during this transitional and often misunderstood stage of life. My husband and I are teaming up for this mission. While I bring the science and solutions, he’s helping scout locations and build partnerships so we can deliver this potentially life-changing information far and wide.

Has there been a significant business mentor in your career?

No, while my husband is my biggest cheerleader and advocate, he does have some skills in business development, although in a very different industry. His knowledge has been useful in understanding some mechanisms and helping build strategy, but the bulk of what I’ve done is self-taught.

What's your approach on the juggle?

It's just me and my husband in the business, so my approach is all about finding a balance between strategic planning, flexibility, and staying passionate about the work I do. I start my day with a routine that helps me align with my priorities. I make sure to get in a quick workout and spend some quality time with my husband before we tackle the day ahead. From there, I manage my client work, content creation, and ongoing learning, making sure I’m constantly progressing both personally and professionally. But I also remain adaptable. Things don’t always go according to plan, so I’m ready to shift gears when needed. At the end of the day, what drives me is the impact I make on my clients’ lives and the connections I build with them. That’s what keeps me moving forward, even when it feels overwhelming some days.

What would you like to see more of when it comes to helping women in small businesses succeed?

Simply, more men supporting women. I’m fortunate to have my husband in my corner, but too often I see women being dismissed or not taken seriously, sometimes by the very people closest to them. Women deserve to be seen, heard, and supported, especially when stepping into business.

How would you describe your family life?

Family life is a mixed bag for me. The family my husband and I have created together is everything I could ask for, it’s supportive, fulfilling, and grounded in mutual respect. He’s my greatest advocate, and our home life is built on love, teamwork, and a shared vision. When it comes to extended family, things are more complicated. I’m closest to my mother-in-law, who is kind and caring, but the rest of my husband's family can be difficult at times, one brother-in-law is highly critical, and the other tends to take advantage of those around him. My father-in-law comes from a very different generation, and let’s just say our values don’t always align. On my side, my mother’s health has declined significantly since becoming paraplegic, which has also affected her cognitive function. My father is a strict Adventist with very traditional views, while I know he tries in his own way, he doesn’t support my decision to focus on women’s health or run my own business. He believes you should only ever work for someone else. My sister and I are just a year apart but very different, especially when it comes to health and lifestyle, and we’ve grown apart over the years. I’d love to say I have a strong family unit, but the truth is, I don’t. That said, I’ve filled those emotional gaps with a circle of genuine friends, people who show up, lift me up, and feel every bit like chosen family. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

What is one of the most important piece of advice you would give to someone beginning their business? A couple of years into their business?

For anyone starting out in business, the most important advice I can give is this: know your why, and make sure it’s deeply rooted in something meaningful to you. Your "why" will be your anchor when things get hard (and they will). It’s what carries you through self-doubt, burnout, and unexpected setbacks. When your motivation is driven by passion, purpose, and a clear vision for the impact you want to make, you’ll always find the strength to keep going, even when progress feels slow. For those a few years in: Refine and reconnect with your "why" often. As your business grows, it’s easy to get caught up in systems, strategies, and scaling, all important, but if you stop checking in with your core purpose, you risk losing the heart of what you’re building. Your "why" will evolve over time, and that’s a good thing. But staying rooted in it is what keeps your business both meaningful and sustainable. This is such a powerful concept that I use it in my own onboarding process, helping clients get clear on their why so they have something strong and steady to return to when the road gets tough.

What do you think is your most transferable skill between motherhood and business?

While we’re unable to have children, my background in teaching has been an incredibly transferable skill in my business. Creating real change in health requires a high level of engagement, education, and adherence — all of which are rooted in the ability to communicate, guide, and empower effectively. My experience in the classroom now helps me create lasting results for the women I work with every day.

How would we find you spending your weekends?

You’ll usually find me outdoors on the weekends, traveling, exploring, and soaking up nature (with a little bit of work mixed in, of course!). I love hikes, bike rides, local markets, and fishing from our boat. Whether it’s discovering a new town or just being in the fresh air, weekends are mostly about adventure and recharging.

What's your approach to dealing with the pressures of running your business?

My approach to dealing with the pressures of running my business starts with knowing my "why", staying grounded in my purpose helps me push through challenging moments. I also work unashamedly with professional support when needed. That’s why I work with a counselor to help me navigate the emotional and mental pressures that come with life, family, and entrepreneurship. Taking care of both my business and myself is essential.

What mantra do you live by?

Honestly i don't have one. however, I do believe in being kind, genuine and compassionate.

Who do you admire the most?

It changes from time to time, but recently I really admire a teacher of mine in biochemistry, her name is Larn. When I was building the knowledge and skills for functional blood work analysis, she supported me and helped break down complex relationships at the cellular level.

What's a service you can't live without?

Pathology is crucial, without a window into your health, it’s impossible to know or track exactly what’s going on or where to focus your energy. Also, the occasional 50c ice cream from McDonald’s gets me through some tough days.

What's the last book you read that you'd recommend to a friend?

I have a lot of books! mostly medical or educational but i would have to put forward "Pechino" it's a story spanning four generations of Korean history, and it really highlights the beauty of humanity and the human experience, the struggles and triumphs. It's a great book!

If you could be introduced to anyone who would it be?

This was a tough one because I’m not your typical fan girl. But if I had to pick someone, it would be Oprah. She’s someone I grew up watching, and I believe she would give the best hugs! I’d definitely want one of those and maybe a car!

If we looked through your bookmarks what would we find?

So my web browser is full of the platforms and tools i use for my business, nothing exciting there. However i checked my phone and we have Wordle and some really weird questions i asked on Reddit.

Funny situation that happened through your business?

I once had a professional drummer come to me for personal training, back when I specialized in high-performance sport and functional movement. His name was Jackie Barnes, and he kept telling me who his dad was, but I honestly had no idea who Jimmy Barnes was, so I didn’t think much of it. Jackie spent about ten minutes showing me some of the songs his dad sung, and when he got to Simply the Best, I casually said, “Oh, so he’s the backup guy for Tina Turner?” Fast forward a few years, and we’re now great friends with Jackie and the Barnes family, complete with special backstage privileges and unforgettable experiences. Safe to say, I definitely know who Jimmy Barnes is now!

What's the best part of being part of the Mums & Co community?

I've only been a member for a couple of days, but I love the principle — bringing together a group of women entrepreneurs to support and lift each other up for success.

How has Mums & Co helped you?

To be seen.

Are there any areas you're seeking help for in your business?

Yes, I'm hoping to achieve a wider reach and discover opportunities to share my unique skill set and help as many women as possible relieve their menopause symptoms and bulletproof their health for the future!

What are three things you could help other members with?

1. Understanding Menopause Symptoms – I can help identify whether their symptoms are related to peri- or post-menopause and connect the dots that are often missed in traditional healthcare.

2. Create Natural Symptom Relief Plans – I offer science-backed, practical strategies to reduce or eliminate symptoms like hot flushes, brain fog, weight gain, and fatigue without relying on medication.

3. Bulletproof Health for Graceful Aging – I guide women in strengthening their foundational health through nutrition, movement, and lifestyle, helping them age with strength, confidence, and reduced risk of chronic disease.

Last question: Is there anything else you would like to share?

I love what you’re doing and I’m really excited to be part of the Mums & Co community. I'm also looking forward to my upcoming discovery call with the team when a time becomes available. Unfortunately, the last two calls I booked weren’t able to go ahead, but I completely understand how busy things can get and I appreciate your support.

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