CLARISSA GANNON 

Rio Rancho, NM

I’m Clarissa, the founder of EmpowerHER Wellness, a holistic coaching service dedicated to helping women reclaim their health, vitality, and confidence. My work focuses on personalized fitness, nutrition, and hormone balance solutions that empower women to thrive by addressing the root causes of their health challenges and building sustainable habits that truly transform lives. But before I could help others, I had to embark on my own journey of transformation.

At 30 years old, my life was at a crossroads. I was a mother of four small children, trapped in an unhealthy relationship, financially broke, and on the brink of losing my home. It was one of the most challenging periods of my life. Desperate to create a better future for myself and my children, I took a leap of faith. I applied for a federal law enforcement job, packed up my family, and moved to a new state to start over. It was during this tumultuous time that I discovered the transformative power of physical training.

Fitness became my anchor. The hours I spent training not only changed my body but also brought me mental clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of self-worth. For the first time in years, I felt strong and capable. That experience ignited a passion in me to help other women find the same strength and empowerment. In 2011, I took my first steps into the fitness industry as a personal trainer, determined to make a difference in the lives of women who, like me, needed to rebuild their confidence and reclaim their power.

As my passion for fitness grew, I found myself drawn to a new challenge: competing in the NPC as a figure competitor. Since 2016, I’ve pushed myself to new physical and mental limits through competition. The journey has been about so much more than aesthetics; it’s taught me self-love, discipline, and a profound appreciation for what my body can achieve. Preparing for competitions required focus, consistency, and an unwavering belief in my own potential. It was a journey that connected me to my body in ways I’d never experienced before, fostering both strength and gratitude. Today, I encourage every woman I work with to celebrate what their body can do, rather than solely focusing on appearance.

In 2017, I made the decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle. This shift was a game-changer for my health and the way I approached nutrition for both myself and my clients. I discovered the power of plant-based eating to promote overall health, sustain energy, enhance recovery, and support long-term longevity—all without compromising strength or athletic performance. This transition deepened my understanding of nutrition and became a cornerstone of the EmpowerHER Wellness philosophy.

But my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. For years, I battled the frustrating symptoms of perimenopause—fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain—only to be told by doctors that it was just a "normal" part of aging. That dismissive response left me feeling helpless, but it also fueled my determination to find answers. Through research and trial, I began addressing my hormonal health, discovering strategies that transformed my life. This experience inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in Functional Medicine so I could better understand the root causes of hormonal imbalances and help other women navigate these challenges.

EmpowerHER Wellness was born out of these personal experiences. I’ve made hormone support a cornerstone of my coaching approach because every woman deserves to feel heard, understood, and empowered to take control of her health. Whether it’s through plant-based nutrition, sustainable fitness strategies, or personalized hormone support, my mission is to help women break through barriers and live the vibrant lives they deserve.

Looking ahead, I have big goals. I’m working toward earning my pro card as an NPC figure competitor, a milestone that symbolizes years of dedication and perseverance. But my mission extends far beyond my own achievements. My ultimate goal is to help women experience massive breakthroughs in their physical health, mental well-being, and self-love. EmpowerHER Wellness is about more than transformation—it’s about fostering confidence, building self-appreciation, and creating a deep connection with oneself.

Every woman deserves to feel powerful, vibrant, and truly at home in her body. That’s the vision I’m dedicated to bringing to life, one client at a time.

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