Mesia Ren of Scottsdale on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mesia Ren. Check out our conversation below.

Mesia, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My family just watching my kids grow and reach different milestones and seeing my husband thrive in his career

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Mesia Rena — born and raised in Birmingham, AL, and proof that a setback can become the spark for something life-changing. I spent more than a decade working in Corporate America, climbing the ladder and doing what I thought was “the right thing,” until 2013 when everything shifted. After 11 years with the same company, I was laid off without warning. That moment was devastating but it also lit a fire in me. I made a promise to myself that I’d never be put in a position where someone else could control my future again.

Six months later, with nothing but determination and an idea, I launched my first business right from my living room — with a $500 investment selling beauty and body shapewear designed to help women feel confident and empowered.

In 2018 my husband and I moved to Arizona for a fresh start. What started as a side hustle turned into something so much bigger. That first leap became the foundation for multiple successful ventures in the beauty, health, and financial industries, allowing me to earn six figures and experience the freedom of entrepreneurship.

As my businesses grew, I realized I didn’t just want to build success for myself — I wanted to teach other women how to do the same. That’s why I created Success With Mesia Rena Academy (SWMR Academy) — a platform where ambitious business owners can learn how to start and scale their own businesses with confidence. From step-by-step courses and business audits to coaching sessions and digital tools, I give inspiring & current business owners the practical strategies and mindset shifts they need to build brands they love and create financial independence.

Today, I’m passionate about helping other entrepreneurs take control of their futures — whether that means launching a new business, growing an existing one, or finding the courage to finally bet on themselves. My journey started with an unexpected layoff, but it turned into a purpose-driven mission: empowering women to create freedom, wealth, and opportunity on their own terms.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I share with my husband. As someone who battles depression and anxiety while running multiple businesses, life can feel heavy, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. I’ve been a full-time entrepreneur for 15 years, and he’s been by my side for 12 of those years — witnessing every season, from my greatest wins to my hardest struggles.

Whenever I felt like I was failing or losing who I was, he reminded me of my strength, my purpose, and my value. His love and encouragement have helped me see the focused, resilient, unstoppable version of Mesia, even when I couldn’t see her myself. That support has been life-changing and continues to shape the way I show up as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — absolutely. About two years ago, I went through one of the hardest seasons of my life. After having my second son, I battled postpartum depression, and while I looked like I was functioning on the outside, mentally I was breaking down. Eventually, it all came crashing down, and I had to step away from entrepreneurship completely.

I tried being a full-time stay-at-home mom, thinking that might help me heal — but it didn’t. Then I went back to Corporate America hoping stability would help, but I still felt unfulfilled and like something was missing. I had quietly given up on my love for helping others because I was afraid of failing again.

One day, someone simply asked me, “Why stop doing what you love out of fear of failing?” That question stayed with me. It made me rethink everything. A few months later, after working on my mental health and rebuilding my confidence, I came back — stronger, healthier, and ready. I rebranded my coaching business and stepped back into my purpose with a fresh vision.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Smart people sometimes let fear of failure stop them from even trying. I know because I did it for a while — after burnout and postpartum depression, I stepped away. But the truth is, you’ll never feel 100% ready. The key is to take the first step, learn as you go, and not let fear keep you from what you love.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes — because I trust myself and the vision I was given. I don’t create or work for the applause; I do it because I believe in my purpose and what I’m building, even if no one else sees it yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mesiarena.com
• Instagram: successwithmesiarena
• Facebook: successwithmesiarena