Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Donna Monthei, Founder of EverVital Nutrition, located in Austin, TX, USA.

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

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist focusing on gut health, I like to say that I help people poop like a champion! I believe that the foundation to amazing health and wellness begins with an optimized gut microbiome and that every person should have access to the necessary tools to improve their life. This is the goal with my clients - to advance their overall gut health through innovative testing and protocols - this is the secret to losing weight and solving all those chronic gut issues.

Tell us about yourself

I've been a dietitian for 20+ years, focusing mainly on weight loss for women. A few years ago, after taking antibiotics, my gut was totally destroyed. I spent about 9 months and thousands of dollars trying to figure out exactly what was wrong. It seemed that no doctor had the solution to my sudden weight gain, skin and mood issues, and all the GI symptoms imaginable. In figuring out my own gut issues, I developed a system that is highly successful in rebalancing the gut. I use comprehensive gut microbiome testing and my own analysis of the results. I also educate my clients on how to repair and rebalance their gut once and for all. I'm motivated every day to help people, so they don't suffer like I did... it's no fun to sprint to the bathroom unless you want to!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There have been many! It seems like there's always something new to master with an online business, especially in getting all the technology to play nicely together. Each major step along the way, getting my gorgeous new website up and running, getting my first client, building my new program, The Complete Gut Fix, hitting revenue goals... it all feels like I won the lottery when I accomplish it.

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

For me, one of the toughest things in my business as a solo entrepreneur is that every little decision is up to me. Every idea, every plan, and every strategy, all comes from my brain. What color should my logo be? Which email marketing platform works best for me? How do I stay HIPAA-compliant and manage my clients all over the US? How do I get paid? Every bit of it is for me to figure out. If I hesitate to make a decision, the business stops until I do. I have a team now, and I've joined some business groups online and hired a business coach to help me get to the next level, so I do have some people to bounce ideas off, but all the decisions are ultimately still mine.

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

  1. Do it! I've never had the freedom to work when I want, from wherever I want, like I have now, and it's amazing! I just finished a 4-month long road trip, hiking and working all over the western US. This kind of flexibility has been life-changing for me as far as work-life balance goes.
  2. Realize that your business is likely going to evolve, and that's ok. You learn what works and doesn't along the way, so you pivot when you need to and don't sweat the changes.
  3. Invest in a qualified business coach to help get your business to the next level. Totally worth the investment.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Having realistic goals in regards to timelines to get your business up and running and for each major milestone along the way will be super beneficial in not becoming the person no one wants to be around. It's really easy to become a workaholic trying to become profitable quickly, especially if you're a solo entrepreneur. Relax, it'll come.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://evervitalnutrition.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmonthei/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evervitalnutrition/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-monthei-1601a146/

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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