Optimize Your Health and Performance

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Debora Sloan, founder of Debora Sloan Healthy Solutions, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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

I’m a registered dietitian, fitness trainer, and sports nutrition expert. My customers include anyone looking to optimize their health and performance! My clients are athletes, people looking to get fit and fuel well, as well as individuals and families seeking evidence-based, practical strategies for healthy living. As a dietitian living with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease and a mom of 2, I help clients manage a variety of nutrition-related health conditions.

Tell us about yourself

I was diagnosed at 12 with type 1 diabetes, so naturally, food and nutrition became important to daily life. As I got older, I realized my athletic potential and competitive side. It started with competitive swimming, high school soccer, and recreational boxing, consolidated by a full-on obsession with weight lifting and CrossFit. I got excited about fuel, exercise, and how it all made me feel while managing the complexities of type 1 diabetes. It was all really cool. All the things I was doing for fun and for my health and fitness translated into an interest in pursuing it as a career.

After years of working and studying in the arts and marketing, I went back to school, got my BSC in nutrition and dietetics, completed my clinical internship, and received my RD designation in 2013. I moved to Ottawa from my hometown Toronto, pregnant and knowing no one right after completing my dietetic internship. I started my private practice with a self-made website snd a published article in the Ottawa citizen shortly after my son was born. Today I enjoy the flexibility of running my own practice and seeing clients who choose to see me and seek guidance for optimal health. It’s important and empowering to practice what I preach: I feel lucky that I can continue to do what I love both in my own life and then by motivating people to make their own healthy choices.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There have been a few extra notable times when I know I’ve truly connected with a client and made a lasting impact on their life.

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

You are the face of everything you do. This comes with great pride but also a lot of pressure.

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

Be specific. Find a niche, become an expert, and specialize.
Manage your expectations for the time it takes to get busy.
Network a lot and Take feedback graciously.

Other areas of experience include nutritional management of celiac disease, diabetes, low FODMAP, heart health, weight management, women's health and menopause, strength training, and body composition.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.deborasloanhealthysolutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborasloanhealthysolutions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietitiandebs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dietitiandebs

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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