The British Union Conference (BUC) Women’s Ministries Department continues to highlight Seventh-day Adventist women who are making a positive difference in their communities. This feature spotlights Dr Marva Williams, founder of Shhh… Menopause Wellness, and menopause coach, and Andrea Malcolm, director of Shhh… Menopause Wellness, author, and product formulator. Both were recently featured in the Trans-European Division Report at the 2025 General Conference Session.
SPM: Dr Marva and Andrea, what led you to your current fields of expertise?
Marva: My journey began after a serious perimenopausal episode in 2019. I suffered from severe magnesium and iron deficiencies and dangerously low haemoglobin, which caused paralysis from the waist down and required hospitalisation. The experience was terrifying and life-changing. When conventional treatments failed, I turned to natural, holistic methods for healing. Drawing on my background in skincare and botanical formulation, I began exploring how nature could support recovery and wellbeing.
Andrea: I started formulating in 2017 out of frustration with the lack of clean, natural skincare and haircare products free from sulphates and parabens. That search led to an unexpected passion – and ultimately, a ministry.
SPM: How did your working partnership begin?
Andrea: We met when I organised a Black Business Networking event at Henley Business School. I invited Marva as a panellist, and Shhh… sponsored our keynote speaker, Eric Collins, author of We Don’t Need Permission. Later, we collaborated on a Menopause Awareness event at the University of Reading, and from there, our partnership grew. Together, we saw the need to bring the message of menopause wellness to women everywhere.
SPM: Your range of products is impressive. How did they develop?
Marva: It started with my own recovery journey. After being discharged from the hospital and unable to walk, I researched natural ways to restore balance. I discovered the power of magnesium and created a simple spray that brought immense relief. That first product evolved into Relieve & Ease, now one of our bestsellers. Since then, we’ve built a range of natural menopause solutions addressing both perimenopausal and post-menopausal symptoms.
SPM: What challenges do women often share with you about their wellbeing?
Marva: Many women feel isolated during menopause. They face anxiety, brain fog, hot flushes, insomnia, or joint pain without realising it’s linked to hormonal changes. Often, they’re dismissed or told, “It’s just part of ageing.” My focus is on education, coaching, and creating safe spaces where women feel heard, supported, and equipped to manage this transition with confidence.
SPM: Andrea, your involvement in abuse prevention is also significant. How does this connect with your ministry?
Andrea: I’ve long been an advocate for women and children affected by abuse. Christ’s words in Matthew 18:6 remind us that abuse, especially against children, is intolerable. I’m part of Soar With Us Self Defence, a Community Interest Company teaching women practical self-defence skills. I believe the Church must also speak out about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), because silence enables harm. Our ministries must be safe spaces where women are protected, empowered, and believed.
SPM: What are some of the success stories from Shhh... Menopause Wellness?
Marva and Andrea: One woman told us that perimenopause had left her suffering from severe anxiety and insomnia to the point she couldn’t work. After using our products and guidance for a few months, her sleep improved, her anxiety decreased, and she regained her energy and confidence. Stories like hers remind us that menopause is not just physical – it affects every part of a woman’s life. The proper support can be truly life-changing.
SPM: I love the name Shhh... What inspired it?
Marva and Andrea: The name emerged from the silence surrounding menopause. For too long, women have been expected to whisper about their struggles, even in their own homes. We wanted to break that silence and create a space where women could speak openly, share their stories, and find a sense of community. Shhh… Menopause Wellness transforms that silence into strength, ensuring that no woman faces this journey alone.
SPM: How do you see this ministry developing in the future?
Marva and Andrea: Our faith underpins everything we do. We’ve written a devotional book for perimenopausal and post-menopausal women, combining Scripture with daily affirmations of faith and hope. Our vision is to expand globally – through workshops, one-to-one coaching, and educational programmes grounded in both practical wisdom and biblical principles.
A verse that inspires us is: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (Proverbs 31:25, NIV). God calls us to face the future not with fear, but with faith and joy.
SPM: Thank you, Dr Marva and Andrea, for sharing your powerful testimony and ministry of healing. Your work reminds us that faith, courage, and compassion can transform not just individual lives, but entire communities.
To learn more:
www.shhhmenopausewellness.com
Email: Marva@shhhmenopausewellness.com | Andrea@shhhmenopausewellness.com
Instagram: @shhh.wellness