Meet Dr. Mecca Fayad

A hands-on approach to strengthening lives and connecting community

WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHEBE MELAN

Born into a family of entrepreneurs, Mecca Fayad knew that one day she would run her own business. In 2014, she obtained her Chiropractic Doctorate and worked at a clinic in Edmonton for several years, before establishing her own clinic in 2022. We spoke with Dr. Fayad about her journey to chiropractic care, how harnessing the power of social media boosted her business, and what healthy lifestyle practices she recommends to make the best of this winter season.

What drew you to chiropractic care as a career?

I always wanted to heal without the use of drugs or surgery, and I wanted a flexible career as a woman and one where I could also make a difference in the community. In opening up my own clinic, I was able to give back to the community not only with my hands but in other ways, too.

I also happen to work with some of the top athletes in the city which seems crazy to me, especially coming from a very traditional family where sports wasn't a thing that we did.

How did that come about?

I got a biochemistry degree at the University of Alberta (at the time, I wanted to be a dentist). I took my aptitude test and I worked for a dentist, but I just couldn't see myself in that position, so I pivoted and took a big risk—I moved to San Jose, California, to get my Chiropractic Doctorate.

On any given night (in San Jose), you can watch any college or professional sporting event you want— basketball, football, hockey. I found a huge community there and that's when I started to really get into sports.

When I moved home, I did my preceptorship with one of the top sports chiropractors in the city, Dr.

Allan Jeffels. He worked with the Edmonton Elks and he saw a lot of NHL players, so that sort of filtered into my life.

I do a lot of athletic performance, but I also specialize in active release, a technique that doesn’t involve cracking your neck—which is the primary reason why a lot of people don't go to a chiropractor.

Your online following has grown exponentially over the years and seems to be a place where you come alive and truly enjoy what you’re doing. Was this always part of the plan?

I’ve always had a knack for drama and fine art; my Instagram is an outlet for my creativity.

When I first started as a chiropractor, I was new to the city and didn’t have patients at all. I created an Instagram page because I wanted to package chiropractic care in a relatable way; one that wasn’t so scary or intimidating for people.

It's never been my goal to have a million followers. If I stuck to one niche— fashion or recipes or just chiropractic rehab—I would probably have a lot more followers, but that's not the full me. I'm okay with having fewer followers and posting exactly who I am, rather than having a million followers and not being true to myself.

A lot of your Instagram posts are about cooking and staying healthy. What are some health tips you can remind us of, as we move into the colder months?

Try and be as physically active as possible: a 30-minute session on YouTube; perhaps a local pilates or yoga class where you can create community. For food, try to shop local, utilize ingredients that we have in the winter, and make cooking fun for yourself. Whether that's following a chef (online) or inviting people over to your house for a dinner party, I would stick to doing things that make you happy. Lastly, exposing yourself to light within the first 20 minutes of waking up helps with your energy and mood.

Community and giving back is important to you. Can you share some specific initiatives that you’ve been a part of recently?

During summer solstice this year, we hosted a yoga class and all of the proceeds from that class went to Kids Kottage, a family shelter. We’ve worked with the food bank in the past, and we also volunteer at Radius Community Health & Healing (formerly Boyle McCauley Health Centre), one of the most multidisciplinary clinics that exists in the city. It's for underprivileged populations who feel that they cannot afford these services elsewhere. One of us tries to volunteer once a month to provide care. It’s a beautiful community initiative and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.

Can you share some of your favourite luxuries?

Food, in general, is a luxury item—like, good food. Going to the butcher and getting a beautiful cut of meat; buying the Malden sea salt; going to the nice restaurant. Food and experiences [related to that] would be one of my biggest luxuries.

Next, accessories: I have to give a shout-out to Poppy Barley. They make a wonderful product and they're local! If you have a great pair of shoes or a great bag, it can make your outfit. If I’m using an item many times, then I don't mind investing more.

And lastly, loving where you live. I’m okay with paying a little more to be in a neighbourhood that I love or spending a bit more on my house to make it cozy. Family and community are important to me, so I love when people come to my house and feel comfortable. A beautiful candle or pretty plates and cups—those things feel very luxurious to me, and they help me establish a safe and comfortable home for guests to feel welcome.

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