Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elizabeth Quinn, Owner of The Whole Story LLC, located in Norfolk, VA, USA.

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

I'm Elizabeth, a Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach. I help people cut through the clutter of information and discover which foods are right for them. As a functional nutritionist, I consider health conditions, medications and supplements, lifestyle, likes and dislikes to make a personalized plan. My training as a health coach makes me an expert in change. I can show you the path to better nutrition, and I can provide support and accountability on that path.

I work with adults and welcome older adults with their unique needs to my practice. My clients often have inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and histamine intolerance, which leads to restrictive diets. I help to expand their world of food and discover ways to get the nutrients that they need and enjoy eating again.

Tell us about yourself

I have been fascinated by what people eat since I was young. I grew up in Nigeria and was struck by the disparity between the availability of foods in Nigeria versus the United States. I am a career nutritionist with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in the field.

I love food - it is one of the great pleasures of life! It makes me sad to see that food has become a danger and a restriction for many people. You only need to do a bit of googling to know that foods are ranked as "good" and "bad," and confusion reigns in the dietary world. My mission is to enable people to eat a variety of foods they love and teach them to embrace the pleasurable and healing aspects of all foods.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

During the past year, I developed and launched an online digestive wellness program called Simply Good Digestion. I believe digestion is at the heart of a healthy body, and improving digestion can improve the health of every single system in the body.

This program allows me to address digestive health for my own clients while freeing up our time in sessions to focus on their primary agenda. I also open the program to anyone who is uncomfortable digesting their food or has a condition where they feel like they are stuck. Conditions will often improve with better digestive health.

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

The most difficult thing about running a business is wearing all the hats. I am an expert in nutrition and health coaching; however, I am not a financial planner or marketing whiz.

If I let these other areas slip, my business will not be healthy, and I can't fulfill my mission to my clients. It is important to know when to get more education in these areas and when to just bring someone else on board with their own professional expertise.

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

  1. Stay in touch and connect with other professionals in your field. This keeps you on top of current events and allows you to reach out with your own questions. It gives you camaraderie and stress relief by talking to like-minded people who understand your situation.
  2. Document and keep notes on everything. Of course, we all keep comprehensive client notes but also keep a written record of marketing efforts, continuing education, networking calls, and day-to-day activities. This is useful to refer to, and also to look back and see how much progress you have made.
  3. Remember your "why!" It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of a business. Post reminders to yourself of your mission, your successes so far, and the reason you are doing this in the first place.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Digestion is everything! You might have a perfect diet, but it does you no good if you cannot digest and absorb those nutrients. I can help to improve digestive health for you or your own clients. Just visit my site and click on Simply Good Digestion in the top menu.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wholestorynutrition.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholestorynutritionist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholestorynutrition/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizwholestory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-q/

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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