My name is Meredith Mistrot, and founder of Genuine Girl. I started this brand at 18, as college freshman going through what felt like a pre-quarter life crisis (if that’s even a thing?)

After growing up in Colorado, my world flipped when I moved to Arizona with my parents—only to leave again for college in Texas just a few months later. I went from a bubble of safety to a world where I knew no one, and loneliness hit me hard.

The first several months of college were spent avoiding my problems by pouring myself into what felt safe: burying myself in school, isolating myself, and falling into unhealthy habits. None of this helped (crazy, I know.) Fortunately, I recognized the pattern by the end of my first semester, and I took that opportunity to turn things around before I really destroyed my life (okay, maybe a little dramatic, but if you stick around long enough you’ll learn that I’m a very overdramatic person.)

And, let me be clear: “turning things around” didn’t mean figuring everything out overnight. I struggled throughout college to find my place, but one decision changed everything for me—starting Genuine Girl.

Despite social media’s portrayal of everyone living this perfect life, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t the only one feeling alone, lost, and like I had no idea who I even was. I felt that in some way, I was meant to use my voice to help others navigate their struggles.

So, in January 2019, I launched my podcast as an honest space to share my experiences and help others feel less alone. It was terrifying, but I stuck with it. In 2020, I channeled my passion for writing into my first self-published book, Practice Makes Imperfect. Over time, my interests in mental and physical wellness grew, leading me to become a CorePower Yoga instructor and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer.

In 2022, I graduated from TCU with a BBA in Finance & Marketing (plus a minor in Accounting, will never understand why,) moved back to Arizona, and started my corporate career. While Genuine Girl has evolved alongside my life, its purpose has never changed: to help people feel empowered to be themselves in a world that constantly tells them to be someone else.

I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me, but I do know this: Genuine Girl is here to stay. And I truly hope that something here helps you.

Stay genuine! :)