Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vera Jamin-Wirth, CEO of Metabolic Balance Canada, located in Oakville, ON, Canada.

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

Metabolic Balance is an innovative all-natural meal planning program from Europe and leads to a new lifestyle resulting in successful long-term weight management. It is the right approach for everyone who is interested in feeling energized by providing the body with all the necessary nutrients and minerals it needs. It was developed by a medical doctor and his team. Metabolic Balance is a German-based company that has grown since 2002 to a worldwide company with Licence Holders -like me - in 37 countries.

There are two pillars to my business:

We offer an online education course for Health Practitioners who would like to implement the Metabolic Balance method into the toolbox of services that they provide to their clients.

Metabolic Balance provides the client with a personalized meal plan - based on body chemistry - that helps to archive their desired weight and wellness goal.

The foundation of the program is Metabolic Balance's capability to develop a truly personalized meal plan based on the clients' blood results as well as personal details such as age, weight, height, and dislikes towards certain foods.

Metabolic Balance is 100% natural! There are no injections, pills, shakes, or proprietary foods. Nor, as with some diets, our clients are required to keep "points" or count calories. The local grocery store and farmers' market can easily provide all the wholesome, nutrient-rich foods listed on the personalized Metabolic Balance meal plan.

A certified coach guides the client toward reaching the ideal weight, avoids yo-yo dieting, and helps the client to embrace the amazing realization of a new lifestyle and a true awareness of well-being. Metabolic Balance has served over one million participants worldwide.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Vera, and I am 38 years old. I was born and raised in Germany... I am the National Licence Holder of Metabolic Balance in Canada. Hmmm? Funny how that goes together, right? It's almost on the other side of the world - ok, almost ;) Let me tell you my story:

I got introduced to Metabolic Balance in Germany as a client in 2006 when I lost about 8kg in 16 days... this was so unbelievable for me that I decided t become a Nutritional Consultant as well as a Metabolic Balance Coach in Germany.

Meanwhile, my best friend Bernadette decided to take me on vacation to Cuba, which is a very long way from Germany. I never planned to move to Canada, but when I met this handsome Canadian man while I was in Cuba in 2008, my life changed. Long story short: I had an awesome time with the Canadian man in Cuba and moved from Germany to Canada with very poor English, just about to finish University and with no clue what to do. I have always been an emotional person and never decided anything from the head but always from the heart. So, there I was in Canada. Happy in love but with no job.

I finished University with my Bachelor's in Economy and my Master's in Sports Management and flew a few times back and forward between Germany and Canada. One day I had the idea to introduce the Metabolic Balance meal plan to my Canadian friends, and they loved it... This is how it all started. I applied for the license to build the brand' Metabolic Balance' in Canada and was successful. I applied for the license in 2010 and started the business in 2011. From that day on, I went to Networking meetings, Trade shows and connected with all kinds of like-minded people in the industry. My goal was to find new coaches who then would implement the Metabolic Balance method into their business tool kit in order to help their clients change their lifestyles with natural food. Today I have an amazing team who helps me with my daily tasks, about 400 certified coaches across Canada who are working together closely, and it feels like a big family. We all support each other, but the most rewarding is the happy clients. We can proudly say that we have changed the life of many people for the better - and that is the reason why I get up every morning to keep making people smile.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Moving from a foreign country to another continent and building everything up from scratch. Being self-employed means really pushing yourself and doing what you need to do. There were many ups and downs but learning from mistakes is one of the most rewarding things.

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

It is hard work when you are a perfectionist like me. I and pretty much available 24/7 for the coaches. I never want to let anyone wait for an answer or make them feel unsupported. I do all the projects 100%, and even the smallest little thing needs to be fixed before I approve it. I certainly lost my balance from time to time and had major stress. There are always things in every business that is not so much fun, but the hardest thing is definitely to keep the work-life balance. Your own business is like your baby, and no one will ever feel the same way about it - it's your creation. On the other hand – when all the hard work pays off, then that is a wonderful feeling.

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

  1. Always listen to your heart!
  2. Be friendly, kind, patient, and available for your clients when they need to. Make them feel special – and really mean it.
  3. Do not sell anything that you are not passionate about.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I think my secret was that I was not driven by money. My goal was to make the world a better place – one person at a time. That includes both parts of my business... Helping the Metabolic Balance coaches grow their business and, on the other hand educating clients on how amazing one can feel when the body is provided with the right foods.

I am passionate and love the program - It is important to love what you do to be authentic.

Our slogan is: One approach does not fit all. ...and that is true for all situations in life... like your fingerprint. Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story. 😊

Vera Jamin-Wirth, CEO
Metabolic Balance Canada

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.metabolic-balance.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Metabolic.Balance.Canada
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metabolicbalance_canada/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/metabolicbalancecanada001/

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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