Hilary Metcalfe, founder of The SABI, embodies a deeply personal and professional journey to redefine women’s hormonal health and reshape how we perceive menopause. Her story is one of resilience and transformation: from battling hormonal imbalances to creating a brand that celebrates the power of nature and the importance of listening to your body. Here’s an inside look at her inspiring journey.
A Personal Path to Understanding Hormonal Health
Hilary first began experiencing the effects of hormonal imbalances as a teenager. Painful periods and debilitating hormonal migraines led her to a medical system that focused on masking symptoms with medications rather than addressing the root causes. “Nothing truly solved the problem,” she explains. Refusing to resign herself to a life dependent on pills, she turned to a more holistic approach.
Her journey led her to become a holistic nutritionist, study herbalism, and discover the incredible power of plants and food. It was in her own kitchen where she began experimenting and laying the foundation for The SABI, combining her culinary expertise with her passion for natural solutions.
A Turning Point Toward Natural Balance
The pivotal moment for Hilary came when doctors told her she might need to take four different medications “possibly for life.” “That was unacceptable to me,” she shares. This realization pushed her to rethink her understanding of health and start listening to her body in a completely new way. This transformation not only improved her own life but also ignited her passion to help other women take charge of their health and well-being.
The Lesson of Balance and Self-Listening
Even with a strict vegan diet she believed to be ideal for her hormonal health, Hilary struggled when it came to conceiving. She realized that while her diet was “perfect” on paper, it no longer served her body’s needs. This led her to reintroduce ethically sourced animal products into her diet. Within months, she restored her nutrient levels, improved her egg quality, and became pregnant with her daughter, Paloma.
“It was a powerful lesson: no diet, influencer, or documentary knows your body better than you do,” she emphasizes.
From Corporate Life to Holistic Nutrition
Before dedicating herself to health and wellness, Hilary worked in the corporate world. Transitioning to holistic nutrition required her to confront fears of failure and the unknown. But this leap of faith not only liberated her but also inspired her to create The SABI, a brand rooted in the belief that beauty and wellness begin from within.
“Life isn’t perfect, but there’s beauty in those imperfections,” she reflects, adding that this philosophy mirrors both her brand and her personal journey.
Changing How We See Menopause
Although Hilary hasn’t yet gone through menopause, she views this transition as an opportunity. “It’s a new chapter, even if it comes with its own challenges,” she explains. For her, maintaining a holistic lifestyle and focusing on daily habits are key. While some women choose hormone therapy, she stresses that the foundation lies in the small, everyday actions: getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying active, and using the right tools.
She also challenges the outdated notion of menopause as something to “get through.” “We’re done with that narrative. It’s time to see this stage of life as a time to thrive, not decline,” she asserts.
Practical Tips for Navigating Menopause
Hilary encourages women to start small, with simple, achievable changes. A 5- to 15-minute daily meditation can help reconnect with the body and manage symptoms more effectively. She also recommends small rituals, like using a refreshing face mist or enjoying a calming herbal tea, which provide immediate relief while offering a moment of self-care.
She also highlights the importance of strength training, especially for maintaining bone density and supporting hormonal balance. “Strength training is essential during menopause because muscles burn calories and help regulate the metabolic changes that come with this stage.”
Breaking the Stigma and Building Community
For Hilary, breaking the taboo surrounding menopause is essential. She encourages women to seek out a community where they can share their experiences. “Every woman goes through this. It’s time to break the silence and talk openly about menopause in a positive and empowering way.”
A Key Message to Share
When asked what wisdom she would share, Hilary emphasizes the importance of listening to your body. “Trust your intuition—it’s your greatest ally. Menopause, like any major hormonal change, is a deeply personal journey. Embrace the new version of yourself with kindness and make her the most vibrant and fulfilled version yet.”
