Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aliya Porter, Founder of Porter Nutrition, located in Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Porter Nutrition supports individuals to improve their nutritional health without chaining them to the kitchen or breaking the bank. From supporting parents with weaning, through childhood and the teenage years, to supporting adults to lower their cholesterol and be healthier. I work with a range of clients. This is done one to one, through courses, and through digital resources.
I also work with charities and businesses to help them help their customers and staff to do the same - improve their nutritional health. And as well as working directly with people, I train other nutritionists to do the same.
Tell us about yourself
I started my own business in 2011. I wanted a job where I could keep active in the profession I love whilst looking after my children. Seeing people improve their mealtimes, their confidence, and their health is what motivates me to do what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That's a hard question. As a nutritionist, some of my biggest achievements have been specific projects I have done (like writing a recipe book with the World Cancer Research Fund on family cooking) or awards I have been shortlisted for (like the CN award for Community Nutrition Professional of the Year 2022). As a business owner, I think my biggest achievement is finding a balance between work and family.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Having everything resting on you. I find marketing particularly hard because it can feel very personal when it's not working.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan and risk assess - make sure you have a backup plan too.
- Don't rely on income from the start. It adds too much pressure.
- Talk to everyone about what you do. You never know who will have contacts who will open doors.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://porternutrition.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/porternutrition
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porter_nutrition/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliyaporter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliya-porter/
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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