“I always say that becoming an entrepreneur gradually happened in my mid-30s, but all of my experiences in school, life and corporate did an awesome job preparing me for what would later be known as Accel Lifestyle, my ethical and sustainable fitness apparel company.

I majored in Chemistry with a Specialization in Biochemistry from the University of Virginia. I always had an affinity to learn more about things that we cannot see, and this ultimately led to my love for science. It is absolutely fascinating that chemistry is part of our everyday life, from digesting food, pharmaceuticals in our blood stream, to the air we breathe. I used my love for science and eventually worked in science labs at UVA and Brown University.

However, after learning that I would be confined to a small place (lab), wearing only a white lab coat (over my clothes, of course), and not have an extensive interaction with the outside world, I knew I had to find another career; I am way too outgoing, creative and adventurous.

Around this time I met a gentleman who said I would be great in this field call ‘Medical Sales.’ He said, ‘you get to dress up, get a company car, get a company phone, get a company computer and make a lot of money.’ My response was probably something like ‘Sign Me Up!’

It took about 9 months to find a job because I did not have any medical sales experience. I ended up getting my first medical sales job at Siemens and it is at that job where I really gained confidence, not only as a young woman, but as a professional.

Chris McHan was one of my first bosses and one day, about 13 years ago, he pulled me into his office and told me that my value a Siemens Sales Representative was just as high as all of the men, and that value had nothing to do with age or gender.

I sold to a lot of doctors and hospital administrators (who were mostly men) and I must have displayed a sense of inferiority because I felt like ‘only a young female.’ I knew I felt it, but my actions must have displayed it. I will always be thankful for Chris sitting me down and truly helping me to realize my value, that I deserve to be confident and I deserve a seat at any table, regardless of my gender or age.

‘Negative chatter’ in our minds and the associated ‘false truths’ can be among the biggest barriers we create for ourselves, and the biggest reasons for fear. People often ask me how I got over the fear to start Accel Lifestyle and part of the reason is the confidence Chris instilled in me 13 years ago. We are not a product of our age, gender, race, sexual orientation, etc.

Rather, how we make people feel, what we do for them, our work ethic, who we inspire and care for are the values that truly matter. For this important value set, I thank Chris McHan and his lasting influence.”

– Megan Eddings, Founder & CEO, Accel Lifestyle
Houston, TX