Meet Katherine Roy | Yoga Instructor & Nurse Practitioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Roy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as someone who helped others feel seen, understood, and empowered to take control of their health. If my work inspires even one person to feel better, live longer, and pass that wisdom down to future generations, that’s a legacy worth leaving.

What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business because I saw a gap in healthcare where patients weren’t receiving personalized care, especially when it came to women’s health, metabolic health, and gut issues. After healing from my own health challenges using functional medicine, I realized how powerful it could be to treat the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.

I wanted to create a practice rooted in integrative medicine, where I could treat the person as a whole — mind, body, and spirit — rather than just focusing on isolated symptoms. My approach combines conventional and functional medicine with mindfulness and movement, incorporating my background in yoga and meditation to help patients heal on a deeper level. I believe true healing happens when you address not only the physical body but also the emotional and mental well-being. By integrating breathwork, stress reduction, and movement into my patient care, I’ve seen my patients experience more balanced, sustainable health outcomes.

Music has also played a big role in my approach to healing. I’ve always believed that music can be a form of therapy — it has the power to regulate the nervous system, evoke emotions, and help people connect with themselves on a deeper level. Whether it’s through carefully curated playlists in my yoga classes or suggesting music as part of a stress reduction plan, I’ve seen how music can shift mood, reduce anxiety, and even improve sleep. Combining music, movement, and mindfulness has allowed my patients to experience deeper emotional healing alongside physical health improvements.

What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Many people don’t realize how interconnected gut health, hormones, and metabolic health are. In traditional medicine, these issues are often treated separately, but functional medicine looks at how they influence each other. For example, poor gut health can drive hormonal imbalances, weight gain, and even mood disorders. Treating one system without addressing the others leads to incomplete results — that’s where functional medicine makes a difference.

Risk taking: How do you think about risk, and what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
Starting my own practice was a huge risk. I left the security of a salaried job to build something from scratch, knowing that it would take time to establish a reputation and attract patients. But I trusted my expertise and the growing need for functional medicine. Taking that risk allowed me to build a practice aligned with my values, where I could offer patients the kind of care I wished I had received. Stepping into the unknown was incredibly uncomfortable — starting something new and different was a huge leap for me. But I knew that staying comfortable would mean settling for less than what I was capable of achieving. Leaning into that discomfort helped me grow not only as a practitioner but also as a person, teaching me resilience and reinforcing my belief in my ability to create something meaningful.

Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Investing in my own education and training in functional medicine, as well as integrative nutrition, has been pivotal. While I’m not certified yet, I’m actively working toward it — and that commitment to learning has been one of the biggest drivers of my success. Being willing to think outside the box and put in the time and effort to study different cases, even when I wasn’t getting paid to do so in the beginning, was a game-changer. It allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how gut health, hormones, and metabolism intersect, which completely shifted the way I approach patient care and improved patient outcomes.

Also, as a naturally shy person, getting over that shyness and putting myself out there — whether it was speaking to patients, building a presence online, or networking with other providers — played a big role. Being humble enough to admit that I don’t have all the answers — but also confident enough to investigate further and find those answers — has allowed me to build trust with my patients and deliver more personalized, effective care.

What is the most important factor behind your success/the success of your brand?
Authenticity and results have been the foundation of my success. I openly share my personal health journey with patients, which helps them feel seen, understood, and supported. My focus on bio-individualized care — combining lab and functional testing, lifestyle shifts, and targeted supplementation — has consistently helped patients achieve real, sustainable results. I meet each person where they’re at, knowing there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every journey is unique, and taking the time to tailor care to individual needs has been key to helping people succeed long term. At the core of it all is patient-centered care: truly listening, understanding their goals and struggles, and empowering them to play an active role in their healing. That’s what builds trust, strong relationships, and better outcomes.

What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Leaving behind the security of working within the traditional healthcare system to start my own practice was tough. I knew there was financial risk involved, and it took time to build up my client base. But I knew I couldn’t provide the kind of care I believed in unless I created a space where I could practice functional medicine without constraints. It also demands a lot of my time — I’m a one-woman show, which means I’m handling everything from patient care to business operations. While I technically have a flexible schedule, at the same time I really don’t because there’s always something that needs to be done. Juggling being a mom, wife, clinician, and business owner is tough, and finding balance is a constant work in progress. Despite the challenges, it’s been worth it to build a practice where I can provide truly patient-centered care—rooted in integrity, compassion, and evidence-based medicine—while staying true to my values as a provider.

Work-life balance: How has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
Honestly, it’s still a work in progress. In the beginning, it was really hard to separate work from my personal life because I was so passionate about building my business. I used to struggle with setting boundaries — I’d answer messages at all hours, squeeze in extra appointments, and overextend myself to try to meet everyone’s needs. Over time, I’ve realized that setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care — like working out, spending time with my family, and practicing yoga — actually makes me a better provider. Taking care of myself allows me to show up more present and focused for my patients. I’m still figuring out the right balance, but I’m learning that it’s not about perfection — it’s about finding a rhythm that works for me and adjusting when needed.

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you/what do you like about it?
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This resonates deeply with me because I started my business to create the kind of healthcare experience I wish I had received — and that I wish my loved ones had received. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system and feel unheard or dismissed. Helping patients feel seen, empowered, and genuinely better is my way of being that change and offering the kind of care I wish had been available to the people I care about.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
Music has always been a source of comfort, expression, and connection for me. Teaching yoga allows my creativity to shine — from designing thoughtful sequences to creating playlists that complement the flow and energy of the class. My goal is not just to guide movement but to create a meaningful experience through breath, music, and connection.

While most people wouldn’t see healthcare as an art, I do. Crafting a personalized treatment plan isn’t only evidence-based — it requires intuition, creativity, and the ability to see the whole person. The art of truly listening — not just hearing but understanding — is one of the most powerful tools in healing. Just like music or art, the right approach to care can evoke healing and transformation.

What should our readers know about your business?
I AM TULA HEALTH & WELLNESS isn’t just a name — it’s an affirmation. “I AM” reflects the power of self-identity and self-belief, while “TULA” means balance. Together, it represents the idea that true healing comes when you align your mind, body, and spirit. It’s a reminder that you have the ability to create balance and wellness from within. When my patients say “I AM TULA,” they’re not just identifying with my practice — they’re affirming their own strength, balance, and capacity to heal.

What sets I AM TULA apart is the way I combine conventional and functional medicine to create bio-individualized care plans that treat the root cause rather than just managing symptoms. I take a whole-person approach, addressing not only physical health but also emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. My background in functional medicine, aesthetics, and yoga allows me to weave together science, mindfulness, and movement to support sustainable healing and overall balance.

What I’m most proud of is the real, lasting change I’ve seen in my patients. Whether it’s helping someone heal their gut, balance hormones, or finally feel comfortable in their body — seeing those transformations has been incredibly rewarding. I’m also excited about the growing awareness of functional medicine and the shift toward treating the whole person rather than isolated symptoms.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Starting my own practice meant leaving the security of a salaried job and stepping into the unknown. There were financial risks, self-doubt, and the challenge of building a patient base from scratch. But I trusted my expertise and the need for more personalized healthcare. One of the biggest challenges was balancing it all — being a mom, wife, and business owner while making sure I didn’t burn out. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-care has been essential. I had to learn that taking care of myself isn’t selfish — it allows me to show up more fully for my patients and my family.

A key lesson I’ve learned is that health is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why I’m so committed to personalized care. I’ve also learned that the art of listening — really hearing a patient’s story — is just as important as any lab result or diagnosis. People want to feel heard and understood, and I believe that’s where true healing begins.

I want the world to know that I created I AM TULA out of a genuine desire to help people feel better, not just physically but in every aspect of their lives. My own health journey and the tragic loss of my father-in-law made me realize how short and precious life is. His passing was one of the reasons I felt the need to start my own practice — it reminded me that life is too short to settle for feeling unwell. That’s why I’m passionate about helping people live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives.

At I AM TULA, it’s not just about treating symptoms — it’s about empowering people to take control of their health and find balance in their lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Miami Beach for a week, we’d start with brunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro, relax at South Beach, and have sunset cocktails at Watr before dinner at Casa Tua; we’d walk the Miami Beach Boardwalk, shop in the Design District, have lunch at Swan, dinner at Komodo, and rooftop drinks at Sugar; we’d spend a beach day at 1 Hotel, have drinks or snacks at Tala (if available), dinner at Contessa, and drinks at The Living Room at Faena; we’d do yoga at 1 Hotel, grab coffee at Zak the Baker, explore Wynwood, have lunch at KYU, and dinner at Byblos; we’d explore Little Havana, stop at Versailles for Cuban coffee, have dinner at Papi Steak, and end with drinks at LIV; we’d spend a day at The Standard Spa, have dinner at MILA, and cocktails at Bar Bevy; and on Sunday, we’d have brunch at Tala Beach at 1 Hotel (best on Sundays at noon), relax by the beach, and finish with sunset cocktails at Joia Beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my family and close friends who have always supported me in all my endeavors. Their unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of strength, especially during the difficult moments of starting my own practice. I’m especially grateful to my husband — he’s helped me come out of my shell and encouraged me to take chances when I was doubting myself. His support and belief in me have given me the courage to push forward and create something meaningful.

To my son Jack — you constantly surprise me with your creativity and kindness, and you inspire me every day to be the best version of myself. You’ve made me want to be a great role model not just for you, but for the future generation. Knowing that you’re watching motivates me to lead with integrity and compassion in everything I do.

I also want to give credit to my late father-in-law, who we tragically lost unexpectedly. His passing was one of the reasons I felt the need to start my own practice — it reminded me how short and precious life is and pushed me to create something meaningful. His influence and the love he showed to everyone around him continue to inspire me every day.

To my mother-in-law and sister-in-law — thank you for being such an important part of my life and helping me raise my son and our puppy. Your love and support have made the juggle of being a mom and business owner so much easier. Knowing that I have you both in my corner means everything.

To my close friends who have shown up for me time and time again — your encouragement and love have meant more than you know. Building a business while balancing life is no easy feat, but having a support system like mine has made all the difference.

And lastly, to my mom — even though you live far away in the Philippines, I feel your love and prayers every single day. Your unwavering faith, your constant check-ins, and the way you pray for me and my family mean the world to me. You’ve always believed in me, and that kind of love is something I carry with me through every challenge and every win.

I’m truly grateful for all the love, support, and grace that’s helped shape my journey.

Website: https://www.iamtulahealth.com

Instagram: iamtulahealth

Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/zzEjWjdEYZBhJVTL9

Image Credits
Image credits: Katherine Roy & Tony Roy