Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alyssa Fontaine, founder of Alyssa Fontaine Vegan Dietitian, located in Mont-Tremblant, QC, Canada.

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

I'm a vegan registered dietitian/nutritionist, and I help individuals adopt or improve a more plant-based diet. I offer individual and online group consultations. My services are not just for vegans but for anyone who wants to learn more about vegan nutrition. I have acquired various dietitian licenses, which allow me to offer nutrition services across Canada. I'm specialized in vegan nutrition and weight loss, relationship with food, eating disorders, IBS, sports nutrition, and kids/family nutrition. My services are not just for vegans but for anyone who desires to introduce more plant-based foods in their diet.

Tell us about yourself

I have always had a passion for nutrition, and I decided I wanted to become a dietician when I was a teenager. I knew I wanted to start my own business one day, but I was still trying to figure it out in business school. One day I went to an animal sanctuary and learned about what happens to animals in the animal industry. I decided to go vegan that day. I quickly decided to quit my corporate job and start my business in vegan nutrition. I wasn't sure exactly how it would turn out, but I had a gut instinct that if I followed my passion for vegan nutrition, I would be aligned with my values of health, environment, and animal ethics. This is what motivates me every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is that I have a growing positive impact on animal welfare and on the environment. All studies show that eating less animal products is good for the health of our planet. I am unbelievably grateful to help people transition to a vegan diet and reduce animal suffering while improving their health.

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

I find dealing with uncertainty the hardest thing as a business owner. You are constantly making decisions without having much information and very few common practices to follow. Unlike school or a corporate environment, there is no specific road map to follow. This makes it very exciting because the sky's the limit, but it can sometimes bring doubt and anxiety.

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

  1. Get started! Stop over-analyzing; it will only make you freeze up. The market changes so quickly the only way to know if it's a good idea is to get started. What is the first step to take? Write it down and break it down into smaller achievable steps that take less than 30 minutes.
  2. Don't spend too much time comparing yourself to others. While it's important to benchmark and know what is working in your industry, put all your time and energy into getting your first client, then your second, and so on.
  3. Patience is key. This one is easier said than done. Personally, I still have to remind myself of this at least once a week. Having ambition and the drive to grow your business is great, but don't forget to enjoy the process.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I post free, easy, and tasty vegan recipes on social media! Come check it out! Feel free to DM me if you have any questions!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://alyssafontaine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssafontainerd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssafontainerd/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alyssafontainerd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-fontaine-rd-mba-8b135258/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.