Today we’d like to introduce you to Monisha Tandon.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Toronto, Canada, and moved to Florida when I was seven. As an immigrant child in a brand-new country, I didn’t have many friends and often felt out of place. Fitting in was tough. I didn’t feel like I belonged, and that sense of isolation stayed with me for a long time.
Growing up, my parents were a positive influence and did their best to support me, but I didn’t have many role models or mentors I could look to and say, “That’s the path I want to follow.” I had to figure it all out on my own—from how to navigate friendships, to making sense of who I wanted to be, and what kind of life I could create for myself.
That independence, though difficult at times, helped me become someone who’s incredibly resourceful and emotionally attuned. I had to build my own foundation and learn how to trust my inner voice. I found solace in creative expression. Whether it was through writing, video, or storytelling, I gravitated toward anything that allowed me to express my feelings and connect with others—because connection was something I deeply craved.
Over time, that inner journey evolved into something much deeper. I began to see that my true gift wasn’t just creativity—it was the ability to hold space for other women. To make them feel seen, heard, and truly understood in a world that often tells us to shrink or stay quiet. I had worked various jobs—some in admin roles, some in customer service—and while I was grateful for the experience, I never felt fully aligned. It wasn’t until COVID hit and the world came to a standstill that I had the space to reflect and ask myself what I really wanted to do.
That stillness led me to start my online coaching business, where I now help women become the strongest, healthiest version of themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I knew I wanted to empower women to step into their voice, embrace their stories, and lead with authenticity. My work became less about “content” and more about transformation—helping others reconnect with themselves and build something meaningful from the inside out.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road—and in hindsight, I’m thankful for that. The journey has been filled with moments of self-doubt, identity shifts, and inner battles that forced me to grow. One of the biggest struggles was believing I deserved to build something meaningful. Coming from a background where I often felt out of place, it took time to trust my voice and believe that I had something valuable to offer.
When I first started coaching, I was stepping into completely uncharted territory. I didn’t have a business background or a roadmap. I was trying to figure out everything—from how to show up online, to how to connect with the right clients, all while managing my own healing and growth. There were months where I questioned if I was doing the right thing, or if I was even qualified to lead others. But I kept going, because deep down I knew that I was building something from purpose, not ego.
There were also personal challenges—navigating burnout, financial uncertainty, and learning how to set boundaries while still being emotionally available for others. It’s one thing to support people through transformation, but it’s another to do that while you’re also evolving. That duality was hard, but it taught me how to lead with compassion and honesty.
What kept me going was the vision. I wasn’t doing this just for income—I was doing it for impact. And even on the hardest days, that mission has been my anchor.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Strive With Mo?
My business was born out of personal transformation. After years of navigating my own healing journey—mentally, emotionally, and physically—I realized how many women were silently carrying the same weight I had: the pressure to be everything for everyone, while quietly feeling disconnected from themselves. That’s why I created my coaching practice: to support women who’ve spent years putting others first, and help them become the strongest, most grounded version of themselves.
I specialize in working with recovering people-pleasers—women, often in their 30s+, who are emotionally exhausted, stuck in cycles of burnout, and ready for a new way of living. Through my Nervous System Rebuild Method, I guide them to shed stress weight (physically and emotionally), reclaim their strength, and rebuild boundaries without losing their caring nature.
My approach is backed by my credentials as a Certified Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Weight Loss Specialist, ensuring every plan is rooted in both science and soul.
What sets my coaching apart is the deep nervous system work at the heart of everything I do. I don’t believe in surface-level solutions or restrictive fitness routines. My method addresses the why behind inconsistency and burnout—because it’s not about willpower, it’s about regulation, support, and designing a life that truly fits. My clients don’t just get stronger physically—they gain the tools to finally feel safe putting themselves first.
My approach blends three powerful pillars:
A custom nutrition and training foundation that works with your body, not against it.
Strength-focused workouts that honor your energy, cycle, and nervous system.
A depth of coaching and emotional support that makes sure you never feel alone on the journey again.
What I’m most proud of is the emotional transformation my clients experience. Yes, they lose weight and feel stronger, but they also stop apologizing for taking up space. They learn to trust themselves again. That’s the real win—and it’s what fuels my mission every single day.
If there’s one thing I’d want your readers to know, it’s this: You don’t have to hustle or sacrifice who you are to feel powerful. You just need the right support, a system that works with your nervous system, and permission to take up space. That’s where I come in.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Don’t wait to feel “ready” to find mentorship or community. I started by connecting with other women online—through Facebook groups, Instagram, and group programs. These spaces are full of women going through similar journeys, and they’ve been incredibly valuable.
I’ve also attended in-person events—some free, some paid—and those have helped me expand my network in a deeper, more authentic way. You don’t have to invest big to get started. Walking clubs, run clubs, wellness meetups, and even mindset-based masterminds have all been powerful spaces for me to grow and be seen.
The key is to be open, put yourself in rooms that stretch you, and connect with women who feel aligned—not just impressive on paper, but grounded, real, and integrity-led.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monishatanfit/
