Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashlen Leonard, Founder of All Nutrition, RD, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a registered dietitian practicing in the non-diet space, as well as a food blogger. My mission is to empower women who feel stressed and confused about what to eat and develop a positive relationship with food through services and resources that help them to build confidence in finding enjoyment in food. This is done through education, sustainable and individual nutrition plans as well as recipe development!

Tell us about yourself

As a registered dietitian, I originally set out to work in sports nutrition because I loved the community feeling of being part of a team, and I wanted to help athletes fuel themselves to optimize their performance. Since there weren't many opportunities in this specific area of nutrition when I graduated, I had to make them for myself. I joined a sports medicine clinic as a contractor and quietly marketed my services through their clinic and social media. At the same time, I was also working for a health clinic, which made up the majority of my income. As time went on, I realized how much working for other people was draining my energy, and I had an itch to chase after the dream of supporting and reporting to myself. I took the "quiet marketing" a step further and really dove into food blogging and education via social media. Being able to express my professional values through a creative lens is so fulfilling for me. And getting positive feedback and results from my clients is the ultimate motivation to continue doing this work!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is getting feedback from my clients. When I hear they have been able to challenge diet culture-instilled beliefs while making food choices or have improved their relationship to food, it is so rewarding. I know that as my clients find freedom and flexibility with food, they also build their self-confidence and feel a new sense of empowerment that is life-changing for them!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the never-ending to-do list. There are days when I need to step back and take some deep breaths because my thoughts feel like they are running a million miles a minute. Learning to reframe this in a positive way and set realistic expectations is something that I am constantly trying to remind myself to do.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find something that you are super passionate about and create a unique way of delivering or offering your outcome or result. Many people don't get started because they think their market of interest is over-saturated. However, if you can find a way to provide your services in a way that is special to you and your personality/approach, your clients will connect more with your brand, which leads to more engagement from them.
  2. Be flexible. Everything in business is constantly evolving. Marketing strategies, prices, how clients find your brand, client needs and want, etc. Being able to roll with the punches, learn about your ideal client and tailor your offerings to their specific demands are all tools that will help you adapt each time the market shifts.
  3. Have compassion for yourself. Owning your own business is no easy task. There are long days, mental breakdowns, and feelings of discouragement. Offering yourself some compassion during these more challenging times helps you ride the tide more smoothly, and it makes the good days that much better.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you have yet to get started with that business idea that is constantly on your mind, this is your sign to make the jump and do it! Find your passion and give it your all. It's a lot of work, but the payoff is so worth it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://allnutritionrd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allnutrition.rd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allnutrition.rd/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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