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

Hi Meg, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau

While it may be one of the cheesy, popular encouraging quotes you see on fridge magnets, it holds so much truth and has been my favorite for as long as I can remember. This quote has almost always served as a reminder to follow my dreams and the things I love, and not just to do them, but to step fully into them. A reminder to give myself permission to chase things that make me happy and to choose to live my life as I have imagined, not just a life expected of me by others.

This quote is not just a reminder to follow your dreams, but to chase after them boldly with confidence. When you do, you are true to yourself and who you are, and to me, that’s living a life you can be proud of.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have always been passionate about helping people and health, which I believe led me into the profession of nursing. After a few years working in healthcare and after having my first daughter, I decided to pursue health and fitness further through personal training.

My interest in health and fitness was sparked after feeling frustrated with programs and trainers that set expectations that felt entirely unrealistic for me as a new mom. I saw a huge need. Moms and women like me who wanted to be able to make time for themselves, who wanted to workout and see results but lacked in a program that fit WITH them and the lifestyle that motherhood is. It’s HARD as a new mom to make time to get to the gym. It’s also intimidating and extremely unrealistic sometimes too.

It led me to starting my own at-home workout program, Goals & Grace. G&G helps busy women and moms make time for their fitness all from home with workouts that are 25 minutes or less. As a mom of three myself, I know how hard it can be to prioritize ourselves and our health. I know it’s hard to show up consistently, so I created a program with workouts that are quick, efficient in helping you to see results, and FUN to do, either alone or with your kids by your side. Goals & Grace is about not just workouts and physical goals we set, but also understanding and adopting a “mindset of grace” which is a huge contributor to the consistency on our fitness journeys we need to succeed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ponce City Market is a one stop shop for all things fun!! It connects to the belt line so you can get your exercise in by walking on a beautiful day! The belt line is super fun on its own with artwork and beautiful views along the way! Ponce City Market has the cutest and coolest shops and there’s a variety of restaurants to try too! I haven’t ever personally made it up to the rooftop, but I’ve heard it’s super fun with food, views and even putt putt. And in the winter, you can rent an igloo!

A little north of Atlanta you’ll find Verde Taqueria which has THE best specialty tacos and margaritas and is one of my favorites! The area it’s in is super cute too with other shops and restaurants.

And as a mom, our family has been loving a day trip to the zoo and think the Atlanta zoo is truly the best! The new updates to the exhibits are super nice and there’s so many things to do to make it a whole day trip. My kids have absolutely loved it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom for always being my biggest fan and supporter. My dad for showing me what hard work and passion looks like.

And my husband Ryan. We’ve been together since high school, and he is my biggest supporter and a huge reason I am able to do the things I love and enjoy every single day. He has always challenged me to chase after the things I love, supporting me and encouraging me every step of the way. I am incredibly grateful for his support and love every day.

Website: Goalsandgracefitness.com

Instagram: @goalsandgracefitness

Linkedin: Meg Ortiz

Facebook: Goals & Grace

Other: IG: @_megortiz

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