Her Story
About Macy
Macy Merrell is a sustainability and wellness professional dedicated to integrating environmental responsibility with holistic health, movement, and community well-being. She recently earned her Master’s degree in Engineering for Sustainability and Health from the University of San Diego, building on a strong academic foundation in Environmental Studies, Biology, and Environmental Science from the University of California, Santa Cruz and Cabrillo College. Her work is grounded in a passion for creating meaningful impact at the intersection of human health and environmental sustainability.
Macy has been practicing yoga for over 12 years and has been teaching for the past 5 years, specializing in yoga, sculpt, Pilates, and barre. She currently teaches at Yoga Box and the Yoga Bar in Del Mar, where she leads dynamic, inclusive classes designed to build strength, mindfulness, and confidence. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes intentional movement, accessibility, and cultivating supportive community spaces that encourage growth without competition.
Outside of her professional work, Macy is passionate about outdoor living and an active lifestyle, with interests including volleyball, hiking, and surfing. She is also committed to expanding her impact by blending fitness and sustainability through future projects, including her vision for Sunshine Studios—a community-centered wellness space rooted in sustainability principles. Across all areas of her life, she leads with empathy, authenticity, and purpose, striving to create spaces that inspire balance, connection, and long-term well-being.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Macy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a supportive community and a mindset rooted in collaboration rather than competition. Being surrounded by encouraging mentors, peers, and students has played a vital role in my growth, allowing me to learn, evolve, and stay grounded in my purpose. I believe that when people uplift one another and focus on shared progress, meaningful success naturally follows.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead with authenticity and to trust the process of “fake it till you make it” in the sense of stepping confidently into opportunities before you feel fully ready. I’ve learned that authenticity builds trust, connection, and longevity in any career, while courage and willingness to grow through discomfort create momentum and open doors. Together, these lessons have helped me show up fully as myself while continuing to evolve in both my professional and personal journey.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to take your time, stay consistent, and trust that growth is a process. There will be moments that feel challenging or uncertain, but continuing to show up and keep trying makes all the difference. Consistency is key. Over time, things do get better, clarity builds, confidence grows, and your path becomes more defined through experience and perseverance.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include increasing market saturation, which can make it difficult for instructors and wellness professionals to stand out while maintaining sustainable and fulfilling careers. In addition, there is often a lack of full appreciation or understanding for the level of preparation, presence, and care that instructors bring to each class, as well as the broader impact their work has on physical, mental, and community well-being. At the same time, these challenges present an important opportunity to elevate the industry by fostering greater awareness, encouraging respect for the profession, and building more intentional, community-centered wellness spaces that honor both the practice and those who lead it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are empathy, ambition, loyalty, honesty, trust, love, and authenticity. I strive to lead with empathy in all interactions, ensuring that I understand and support others while remaining grounded in compassion. Ambition drives me to continue growing, learning, and pushing myself toward meaningful goals, while loyalty, honesty, and trust form the foundation of my relationships and professional integrity. Above all, I value love and authenticity, as they allow me to show up fully as myself and create genuine, meaningful connections with others.
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