Conversations with McKenna Reitz

Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenna Reitz.

Hi McKenna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I lost all my hair within three weeks over six years ago, I truly believed that my identity was being ripped away from me as every strand of hair fell out of my head. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called alopecia.

For over a year, I couldn’t even look at my own reflection as I was ashamed and embarrassed and was so concerned if my husband would still love me if I couldn’t even love myself. Then, I read a quote that completely changed my life. “The problem is not the problem. The problem is the attitude about the problem.” -Captain Jack Sparrow

I began to focus on what I was and was not in control over. I was not in control of my hair growth, but what I was in control of was my attitude about alopecia. I was able to reframe my mindset about alopecia to see it as a gift and opportunity.

Alopecia has shown me that hair or any other physical characteristic is not our identity. It is our character and how we show up in the world every single day that truly defines us. For the first time in my life, I have fallen in love with myself and absolutely love my reflection.

Alopecia has empowered me to know that I am enough. I am more than enough.

I am frequently asked if I could grow my hair back my answer is always no. Alopecia has shown me that everyone is battling something, everyone has a story. Mine just happens to be visible and love inspiring others that they too are strong enough to overcome whatever challenge(s) they are experiencing.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is not supposed to be smooth, it is the bumps and struggles along the way that strengthens us to continue to fight every single day.

When I was in the midst of losing my hair I truly didn’t know how I was going to continue to live life, but I kept getting up every single day because there was no other choice. Knowing my daughters were watching my every move and my students relying on me, I found my way in the darkest hours of my life.

Alopecia and ALL the struggles that came along with it empowered me to finally discover self-love.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a TEDx speaker, I empower men and women to reframe life challenges into gifts and opportunities so they can pursue their purpose with clarity and confidence.

After losing all her hair due to Alopecia, I use my journey of having the autoimmune disease alopecia to help others overcome the loss in their life by resetting the mindset of their “loss” into growth and opportunities in their lives.

I am able to understand that every person has a story, everyone is battling something. My story just happens to be visible. Alopecia has taught me the true meaning of empathy and enabled me to empower others through my story.

I have the ability to reach every walk of life by understanding the person in front of me to reach them on a deeper level. I love speaking to large groups of people to inspire them to understand what they are and are not in control of in their life.

It is not what happens to us, it is how we react to it.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am available to speak at your next summit or conference as a keynote speaker!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.mckennareitz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennareitz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckennamreitz
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mckennareitz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrxHRoRrGV04bn93g126YLQ

Image Credits
@jpphotographyjulie2.0 and @nickamphoto