Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food & beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Devra Najera, Mentor of The Meal Plan Mentor, located in Capo Beach, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My mission is to help guide women transitioning to a healthy lifestyle or dealing with a health-restricted diet (ex: gluten-free) to enjoy eating and making delicious meals without stress and overwhelm. I work with women to cater recipes and meal plans to their needs to ease the process and ensure long-term success.
Tell us about yourself
After moving cross country from the East Coast to Socal, buying our first house, and having two kids back to back, I was all about getting healthy and back in shape! I was working out 4-5 days a week, eating super clean, and cooking ... A.LOT. I even became the wellness coordinator for a local Bootcamp planning healthy events and meal planning for our fitness challenges.
I started having horrible stomach aches and not feeling well. After seeing several health professionals and trying all sorts of tests, protocols, and elimination diets, I discovered I have gluten intolerance. I felt so lost and confused and even scared about what to eat at one point. On top of that, my kids had started school, sports, and other activities, and I didn't have the time to be in the kitchen prepping and cooking so much. I got burnt out. It was not sustainable.
That struggle and frustration helped me figure out major time-saving shortcuts and more convenient methods that made it easier to eat still healthy, flavorful food I enjoyed eating and feeding my family. Ultimately, it led me to start Meal Plan Mentor for other busy women who are trying to transition to a healthier lifestyle, enjoy eating a new way, and feel less stressed and overwhelmed in the process.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to provide my clients with relief and actionable ways to ease a difficult transition. It was rewarding to see people get so excited about having a plan that works for them instead of feeling lost, deprived, and struggling with what and how they should eat.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balance, so I fully show up for my boys, husband, and clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't wait for it to be perfect. You'll learn more by doing it than by thinking about it.
- Be flexible. Constantly assess and adapt as necessary.
- Be extra conscious of how you invest your time and funds, and do both with clear intentions.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMealPlanMentor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themealplanmentor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devra-najera-4029691/
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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