Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alanna D'Aries, Founder of Happy Body Nutrition, LLC., located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Happy Body Nutrition is my own private practice, founded and operated by myself. I am a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Therapist supporting folks who are seeking recovery and healing from eating disorders, the backlash of chronic dieting, and negative body image.
Tell us about yourself
I left my clinical job at NYU hospital to pursue private practice just before the pandemic began. I always knew I wanted to develop more meaningful and impactful relationships with my clients, which isn't something that a hospital environment was able to offer.
My clients are definitely what motivates me the most. They have taught me so much! There is nothing I value more than showing up as my most grounded and informed self to support people who are struggling. It's because of them that I seek regular supervision, stay up to date with evidence-based practice and commit to constant learning and unlearning.
I think I'm also motivated by my passion for doing intuitive eating, anti-diet, and body-inclusive work. Offering people an "out" from the life thief that is dieting, disordered eating, and being at war with their bodies is very rewarding. I wouldn't be a health care provider if I didn't care about health and well-being, so it's really motivating to help people take better care of themselves - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well - and in a way that is achievable and sustainable.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Well, for starters, that I'm doing it! If you asked my younger self, she would have never believed she'd have the work ethic to run her own practice, so that in and of itself feels like success. Secondly, it's the positive change, growth, and success I witness in my clients.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For my business, in particular, it's definitely working with insurance companies and the barriers that come with offering accessible care for folks who need it most while operating within the bounds of our challenging healthcare system. Secondly, I was never taught how to run and operate a business, so the learning process has been a bit muddy. I've had to really mold myself to become more organized and on top of the administration side of things - which is still a work in progress!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Focus on the steps rather than the end goal. Break tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps. I think it's very easy for us to get caught up in where we want to be or the outcome we want to achieve, but I think all of that goal-oriented thinking can sometimes lead to overwhelm and feeling stuck in the here-and-now moment.
- Make sure you have a solid support system and networks of others who have been there before you so that you don't feel so alone.
- Turn "mistakes" into opportunities to learn and grow. Don't be so hard on yourself, and try not to compare yourself as a new business owner with others who have had more time and experience under their belt.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://happy-bodynutrition.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/happybodydietitian/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happybodydietitian/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanna-d-aries-rd-cdn-cnsc-5b2693172/
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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