Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elyse Wagner, co-founder of Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, located in North Barrington, IL, USA.

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

Founded in 2014 in collaboration with The Institute for Functional Medicine, The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) trains Functional Medicine Health Coaches to partner with clients, collaborate with practitioners, and build a career doing something they love. Our customers are a mix of students in the health care fields and those coming from a career change in marketing and/or accounting who have a passion and calling to support others on their journey to health and happiness. Our mission is to make personalized wellness a reality for the world.

Tell us about yourself

I've always been a questioner, motivated to discover what’s possible when you’re really, truly in your soul purpose. My mission, vision, and purpose is to help others own their health. This came from my personal experience of transforming my food and eating lifestyle at the age of 13. Taunted as "Obese Elyse," I realized I didn't like how I looked or felt and wanted to change. I spoke with my mom, who advocated for me to see a nutritionist. Together, we created a plan that 180'd my eating lifestyle, and I lost 50 lbs, my hair began to grow, my nails grew, and my face full of blemishes cleared up. I realized food is medicine. That experience set me on my path.

Fast forward, in grad school, getting a dual masters in Holistic Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology at Bastyr University, I was diagnosed with celiac disease. In struggling with my diagnosis, I realized that I had always known, intuitively, that certain foods were creating “brain fog,” bloating, and mood swings, and I already knew the fundamentals of behavior change. So I made the empowering decision to become the CEO of my health and tapped into the motivation to change my lifestyle.

Through food, positive psychology, and functional medicine, I healed my mind and body by applying the knowledge I learned in my master’s program: food and a positive mindset are the most powerful medicine. It became clear to me that my calling was to empower others to choose health and educate them on how to achieve wellness through the coach approach.

After earning a dual master’s degree in holistic nutrition and clinical psychology, I began practicing as a certified nutritionist and licensed mental health counselor. In 2013, I founded My Kitchen Shrink, Inc. and joined Dr. Scheinbaum at Feed Your Mind Wellness, LLC as a Health Coach, where they connected over their shared belief in the transformative power of Functional Medicine coaching. I've always hoped to make a powerful impact on the world through health education. Founding FMCA and serving thousands of students as part of the Functional Medicine movement is the manifestation of a lifelong dream.

What motivates me daily is the power of being and seeking wellness on a daily basis. We now are able to share this power daily through the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, where we train health coaches internationally through our 12-month online training program. Sandi and I share a passion for teaching, inspiring, and empowering like-minded professionals to become effective coaches. FMCA provides an educational framework that embodies the perfect blend of mind, body, and spirit. It’s not just a program, it’s a movement, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to guide your personal and professional growth. This is what I’m here to do, what I need to do. This is my purpose.

I am the author of Smoothie Secrets Revealed: A Guide to Enhance Your Health and co-author of Functional Medicine Coaching: How to Be Part of the Movement That’s Transforming Healthcare.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Having the honor and privilege to impact the lives of others.

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

Juggling many hats and always being "on." When you own a business, it's kind of like being a parent. At first, you need to be there 24/7 - as you grow the business and bring in competent leaders, you're able to let things go little by little - but one of the hardest parts of that can be learning the skill of delegation and setting clear boundaries and accountability to those you manage.

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

  1. You need to cultivate tiny habits of leading yourself first.
  2. Expect and welcome failure - it's here to teach you a lesson.
  3. Remember you're always learning; every day is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Thanks for this opportunity for me to share the knowledge/wisdom that I've gained over the years. Remember, be your first and best encourager - you'll need it along the way!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/functionalmedcoach/
https://www.instagram.com/elyse_wagner/

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3OPgN5y

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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