Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carmela Ramaglia, Founder of Happy Calories Don't Count ®, located in Newcastle, WA, USA.

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

I am an award-winning author, keynote speaker, podcaster, and personal development coach specializing in body image, self-esteem, eating disorders, weight loss, and wellness. My clients are generally women who want to find freedom from food and body-related issues while optimizing physical results.

Tell us about yourself

Everything I teach is original content based on healing my own issues around food, exercise, my body, and my weight. People would ask me what my "secret" was – what "I did" to look so good. What did I eat? What did I do for exercise? I knew these were the wrong questions to ask, but no one had time for – or really wanted to hear – the full answer. They just wanted a quick tip or trick. I knew from experience that tips and tricks weren't ultimately effective, so I wrote a book. Happy Calories Don't Count (neither does unhappy exercise). People read it and then reached out, asking if I offered coaching. Things grew from there. The second book is Food Is Not A Four-Letter Word. The work I do is rewarding and transformative. Seeing my clients is a joy. These are some of my biggest motivations.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Still being in the game – with all of its ups and downs. And the heartfelt thanks I receive from my clients for helping them transform their relationships with food and their bodies and literally giving them back their lives.

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

It can be very difficult and lonely – especially when your work is an industry disrupter.

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

  1. You must know your deep WHY. WHY do you REALLY do what you do? Who benefits, and who suffers if you give up?
  2. You must be in love with your product/service – otherwise, you'll get sick of it and burn out.
  3. You will never be able to reverse-engineer someone else's success. People always leave things out of the story – and not even necessarily because they are trying to hide things. Many people are unaware of all of the different elements and encounters, inspirations and hard work, and serendipity and timing that contribute to success – however, that's defined for the individual.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. If you can do anything else and be happy – do it. The only reason to take this journey is if you can't not take it. (Yes, I know that's a double negative, but it's the best way to express the concept...)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://carmelaramaglia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyCaloriesDontCount/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarmelaramaglia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HappyCalories
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmelaramaglia/

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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