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If you’re a gym owner, you probably wear a dozen hats. Now imagine juggling all of that and working full-time in software sales. That’s Mekella Peach’s reality, and she’s thriving.
As the co-owner of Beacon Mixed Martial Arts & CrossFit and a powerhouse on Wodify’s sales team, Mekella isn’t just surviving the chaos, she’s leading in both arenas with clarity, confidence, and community at the core.
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Mekella’s path to gym ownership wasn’t planned. Back in 2016, she and her husband—known affectionately as “Peach”—were working full-time at their coach’s martial arts academy when an unexpected opportunity came their way. Their longtime mentor and boss, Brad Daddis, was facing health issues and had to walk away from the business. Rather than shut it down, he turned to the people who had helped him build it.
“We didn’t expect to own a gym, but we believed in its legacy and chose to invest in it—and in ourselves—to carry it forward.”
With that leap, Beacon MMA was born. The transition wasn’t as jarring as it might seem. After years of building community and learning both the athletic and admin side of the business, they were ready.
For many couples, running a business together sounds like a recipe for burnout. But for Mekella and Peach, it’s just the norm. He leads the coaching and athlete development, while she handles operations, staff, and admin. They rarely step on each other’s toes, not out of rigid structure, but out of instinct and trust.
“We didn’t even plan it that way. We just naturally divided the work.”
Their chemistry, both personally and professionally, is grounded in shared experience, clear communication, and an 18-year history of working side by side.
Surprisingly, Mekella didn’t grow up throwing punches, she grew up in pointe shoes. “Dance was my sport,” she laughs. But one invite from a friend to try a Muay Thai class changed everything.
“I did the intro class... then ended up dating the instructor. Now he’s my husband.”
Fast forward to today: their six-year-old son, Owen, is stripe testing in jiu-jitsu and casually practicing Muay Thai with the gym’s adult competitors. It’s a full family affair.
In between managing Beacon and raising a family, Mekella spends her workday helping other gym owners streamline their operations through Wodify.
That dual perspective is what makes her uniquely effective. She’s not just selling a product, she’s living it. Beacon has used Wodify since before they even took over the gym, and it’s only grown more essential to their workflow.
“Automations are the secret sauce. It’s how I’m able to be here having a conversation with you instead of buried in admin work.”
Her favorite feature? Without hesitation: Wodify Workflows. From automated email to member onboarding and retention outreach, the software keeps her team proactive instead of reactive.
As a woman in the male-dominated world of martial arts, Mekella has faced her fair share of skepticism. Especially as the one giving intro lessons, she sometimes gets dismissed.
But that hasn’t stopped her from becoming a role model—especially for other women entering the sport.
“Everyone’s a day-one athlete. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”
Beacon runs women-only seminars each quarter, intentionally creating space where women can explore martial arts without intimidation. While it’s still tough to get new female members in the door, once they arrive, the transformation begins.
For anyone thinking about opening a gym while working a full-time job, Mekella’s advice is clear: invest early and don’t be afraid to spend money on tools that will make your life easier down the line.
“When we started, it was pen and paper. Now, I can’t imagine running a gym without the systems we have in place.”
She also encourages building a local network of fellow gym owners. “It can feel lonely sometimes,” she admits, “but having that community of peers makes all the difference.”
At Beacon, the vibe is serious training meets family hangout. Parents join after watching their kids train. Coaches partner with newbies. Professional athletes roll with amateurs. The lines blur—in the best way.
“We may kick your butt in class, but we’re here for birthdays, barbecues, and fight nights, too.”
It’s a space where growth is holistic, not just physical. And that, at its core, is why it works.
Between gym life, Wodify, and family time, Mekella doesn’t sit still for long. This summer, she’s carving out time for the beach and the mountains—two things that keep her grounded amid the grind.
Because when your life is a constant balancing act, you learn that rest is just as vital as hustle.
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Learn more about Mekella’s gym Beacon MMA and give her a follow on Instagram and LinkedIn!Â
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