Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health & nutrition but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana Harrison, Founder of Eats 2 Know, LLC., located in MA, USA.

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

Eats 2 Know, LLC., promotes nutrition education, health, and wellness on your terms. My philosophy is to "eat, move, love, and learn." It’s all a balancing act. Whether you’re a firefighter, college student, stay-at-home parent, etc., my goal is to help you find that balance (and what works for you) through health and wellness.

My customers include anyone interested in achieving positive nutrition, health, and wellness behavior changes. With a simplified approach to food, I showcase that eating healthy is attainable, even if you’re on a budget or crunched for time. The focus is on how you can create your own version of a healthy and balanced lifestyle that is tailored to you and your needs, one that works for you.

Tell us about yourself

Hi there! My name is Dana—I’m the CEO, nutritionist, and educator of Eats 2 Know, LLC. I’m also the founder of The Cultural Shift Method, a nutrition education program for fire departments. I highlight how health and wellness can be accessible, attainable, and individualized for all. I started my business because I wouldn’t say I liked the job market and what was out there – I wanted to build something that I was passionate about, using my background in nutrition and exercise. I hope to have it support me financially.

I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur, let alone be able to create and support a team. If anything, I thought it would just be me. My business idea took off after working with a nutrition coaching client who happened to be a firefighter. I was introduced to the fire community. I saw a need to promote health and wellness at a gathering at risk for many adverse health outcomes. A society that has many barriers to achieving optimal health. My lofty goal focused on prioritizing nutrition within the fire service.

Years into working with firefighters and promoting my work on social media, I discovered that my messaging surrounding simplifying nutrition resonated with non-firefighters. And here I am, eight years into my business, expanding my niche because of a need and ask. A non-threatening approach combining conventional and holistic methods for nutrition, health, and wellness can be helpful for anyone, not just firefighters. Each day I’m motivated to do what I do because I feel connected to my purpose—I'm passionate about prioritizing health and wellness to live optimally.

I love that I get to do that in so many different ways, whether it be at the firehouse teaching a lecture or a cooking workshop, with my general audience consisting of 1:1 nutrition coaching, developing recipes for my products and services or food brands, via online nutrition education workshops (Wellness Foundations, such as 365 Wellness, Dietary and Lifestyle Approaches to Reduce Inflammation, and Gut Health 101), or behind a screen connecting with community members on social media. There’s never a dull moment in what I do, and I’m constantly evolving, which keeps it interesting daily.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating something that has exceeded any of my expectations. I’m a big fan of dreaming, even if it means not knowing how you’ll make that dream come true. My biggest accomplishment is my clients and their results. I’m proud that I’ve grown something that has more impact than I thought it could. It’s great to know that you are making a positive difference in someone’s life. I get to help people improve their health and live their best lives, and I’m genuinely proud. My affirmation for my life and business is always "the best is yet to come," and I believe it.

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

Being the decision-maker. Because there are so many decisions to be made, and sometimes they are tough ones! If something goes wrong, it’s on you. There’s a lot of responsibility. Even with so much hard, there are enough positives to overcome the negatives, and I’m still in it. I would love to say that it gets easier and stop there, because some things truly do get easier. Still, as you continue to grow, you meet new challenging levels as you continue to level up.

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

  1. Get comfortable with the fact that you (and your business) are not for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s great!
  2. Consistency is critical. You must keep going, even when people aren’t listening, reading, or supporting. It’s the slow burn that becomes sustainable and might lead to that "overnight success."
  3. Be authentically you – with your brand values, what you want to accomplish, how you want to achieve it, and more. Stay in your lane and concentrate on improving instead of getting caught up in what others are doing. Be encouraged instead of discouraged – if someone else can do it, you can too, but in your way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://eats2know.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eats2know/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eats2know/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-harrison-ms-92687394/

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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