Today we’d like to introduce you to Francoise Everett.
Hi Francoise, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve lived a consciously healthy lifestyle for over 35 years, so I assumed menopause would be a smooth transition. Yet the reality felt worlds away from “smooth.” Virtually overnight, I faced a wave of anxiety, relentless insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, and brain fog. My body felt unrecognizable. I even experienced electric-shock sensations and spent 11 long months grappling with nausea—two symptoms I never knew could be tied to menopause.
In this storm of upheaval, I realized just how alone I felt. Conventional advice didn’t seem to address my deeper sense of displacement. My energy dwindled to the point where I couldn’t “stomach” anything misaligned in my life. It was a stark wake-up call, urging me to find a path that honored both my physical state and my evolving sense of self.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, it was far from smooth. My 17-year relationship nearly unraveled; only through soul-baring conversations did we reforge our bond and come out stronger on the other side. My business also took a backseat because my energy plummeted. At first, I attempted what many women do: trying to “fix” myself and force my way back to where I was. But on the other side of this, I’ve realized that I was never meant to go back to where I was. There was a whole new future waiting for me that I could never have seen.
That journey demanded a fresh perspective. I questioned every belief I’d held about womanhood, success, and the role I played in others’ lives. Like so many of us, I had poured my time and heart into family, work, and community until my own well was bone-dry. Menopause, I discovered, could be a radical yet grounding invitation to release old expectations and realign with my essence—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My work stands on the belief that midlife isn’t about returning to who we were, but elevating into someone wholly new—someone more aligned, more radiant, and more at peace with every aspect of life. At ELLE Unleashed, we approach menopause and midlife with an elegant blend of science-backed insights, grounded spirituality, and unwavering compassion. We begin by recognizing that addressing hormonal shifts, fatigue, and anxiety is crucial, yet these physical elements are only one layer.
My signature program, Radiant Body Reset, focuses on balancing nutrition, gentle movement, and mindful stress management. But the real magic happens when we dive beneath the surface to question old stories about what midlife “should” look like. We nurture the possibility of:
– A new level of beauty rooted in authenticity and self-respect.
– A new layer of presence that feels deeply connected to mind, body, and spirit.
– A new devotion to living fully and in harmony with what truly lights us up.
For those ready to embark on an even more immersive journey, La Rose: The Realm of the Radiant Woman is my nine-month program guiding women through each step of personal reinvention—body, mind, and soul. Through weekly mentorship, transformative practices, and a supportive sisterhood, participants discover how to live with clarity, passion, and unshakable self-belief.
What truly sets this work apart is the synergy of practicality and elegance—a philosophy rooted in ELLE Unleashed’s principle of Body and Soul Sovereignty. We blend modern science with a steadfast commitment to emotional well-being, ensuring that every aspect of your being is honored. Yes, we address hot flashes and brain fog, but it’s about far more than symptom relief. It’s about redefining who you are and how you choose to presence yourself—guided by deeper self-understanding, unshakable self-worth, and a profound sense of personal agency that extends to both the physical and the spiritual. In this way, midlife becomes a catalyst not just for change, but for the radiant self-expression that’s been waiting within you all along.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I envision an industry poised for a remarkable renaissance—one that embraces midlife and menopause as gateways to growth, rather than moments of decline. Increasingly, we see cultural touchstones like konenki in Japan, the enduring French reverence for maturity, and Mayan traditions of honoring elder women, all converging in a global dialogue that celebrates wisdom, resilience, and new forms of self-expression.
It’s incredible. There’s this new wave of openness happening across social media, podcasts, and even traditional news outlets. Women are sharing their midlife journeys with such candor and courage—it’s creating a real ripple effect. Take Japan’s approach to konenki, for example, where midlife is recognized as a natural and respectful transition. Or look at certain Mayan communities, where older women are held in such high regard as spiritual guides. These stories broaden our understanding by showing us that age can be a gateway to greater influence, deeper purpose, and a heightened sense of leadership. Instead of treating midlife as a crisis, we’re starting to see it as a powerful chapter filled with possibility.
And thankfully the conversation about aging is moving away from that whole “anti-aging” mindset and becoming more about “pro-transformation.” We see media outlets and brands shining a light on women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who are launching businesses, spearheading community projects, or even reinventing their careers multiple times. It’s really inspiring and mirrors this beautiful French notion that a woman’s sophistication and confidence actually grow richer with age. I think it invites all of us to view aging not as a downhill slide but as a wellspring of possibility—an opportunity to expand and redefine ourselves in exciting ways.
And then when you look at the role digital platforms are playing in shaping the midlife conversation, it’s amazing. Online spaces are breaking down so many barriers, bringing together women from all walks of life to exchange insights, support, and genuine mentorship. We see virtual retreats, specialized apps, and group coaching programs transforming what used to feel like an isolated struggle into a collective, enlightening experience. The real beauty of this cross-cultural dialogue is that it reminds us that self-worth isn’t fixed—it grows as we do, evolving with every chapter of our lives.
And you know, if I look ahead to the next decade, I see it as a profound chance to reimagine midlife and menopause entirely. Instead of viewing them as something to just “get through,” we can spotlight them as stages brimming with strength, wisdom, and a renewed sense of purpose. Around the world, there’s this collective reclaiming of women’s worth—dismantling outdated stereotypes and replacing them with stories of empowerment. Ultimately, it’s a vision where menopause isn’t merely managed, but embraced as a meaningful passage into a truly radiant phase of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.francoiseeverett.com
- Instagram: @francoisehauseneverett AND @elleunleashed
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fheverett AND https://www.facebook.com/elleunleashed
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/françoise-everett/
Image Credits
Melissa Schollaert Photography
