Welcome!

What exactly is Phosis (and why give your email to another list)?

I’m finally at that point in my life that I’ve become stingy with giving out my email; my inbox overflows with messages that I will never read. But if you’re in perimenopause or menopause (or maybe you’re not quite sure), you might find that there aren’t enough women in your circle talking about the changes happening in our mid-forties and beyond. And some of these topics are things we might not yet be comfortable talking about with our friends, families or medical practitioners (hello genitourinary syndrome). This newsletter is a place to share conversations about the changes peri and menopausal women face and share tips for successfully navigating this often bumpy time of life. It’s not just about hot flashes, but also about the importance of sleep, nutrition, movement, mental health and connecting with others who can share their journey.

Now that you know I’m stingy (at least on some areas of my life), you need to know I won’t sell your email address. Ever. I resent it when other companies do that to me, so I’m not doing that to you. Treat others as you wish to be treated.

I earned an MFA in metalsmithing/jewelry design, but I’ve spent the last 24 years teaching yoga and Pilates. Over 12 years ago, I opened my own therapeutic studio where I could work one on one with clients to truly understand their needs and help them achieve their goals, rehab from injuries and joint replacements, improve balance and strength, and manage aches and pains. It’s been a tremendously rewarding job which has given me a front row seat to how movement positively effects the body as it ages. More than 1/2 of my clients that I work with have been with me for over 10 years; some have been with me for over 20. The majority of my clients are aged 65-80. How you strengthen your body now matters later. I cannot emphasize this fact enough!

Last thing to know about me is what inspired the name Phosis, which I know can sound a bit odd when you first read it or try to pronounce it. Phosis is short for “metamorphosis” as I truly believe midlife is a time of tremendous transformation for women. Some of the changes are things we welcome (goodbye cramps and periods!) while others are not (damn you, hot flashes and sleepless nights). But knowing what to expect makes it all the easier and dare I say, empowering.

One of the things that’s been a challenge for me (in addition to the sleepless nights, achy joints and increased anxiety to name a few) has been finding the right skin care products. It’s as though my skin dried out overnight everywhere on my body. The products I’ve always used suddenly seemed to make my newly dry and itchy skin worse. Much worse in fact as I developed eczema. I became sensitive to fragrances and some commonly used ingredients such as propylene glycol. That led me on a deep dive into understanding the changes that happen to skin as estrogen levels fluctuate. Which then led me to earning a diploma in Advanced Organic Skincare Formulation as well as becoming a Menopause Health Coach. Which led me to start making products for myself and friends, and ultimately created the pathway for launching a holistic skincare company named Phosis. Skincare is just one piece of the puzzle at this stage in life: lifestyle choices, education and support all contribute to helping women flourish. Understanding all changes happening in your body, and having solutions to manage those changes, is sets Phosis apart.

Join me; I’d love to have you share your journey

Have thoughts to share? Please don’t be shy; we are better together than when we feel isolated and alone. Besides, I actually read all the comments and respond to them myself. Together, let’s grow a community of thriving, unstoppable women.

Cheers to looking and feeling our best!

Susan xx