Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Connie Pretula, founder of Vibrant Vitality Ventures Inc., located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

I empower women to live their most vivacious life after 50. I'm passionate about the health of women and the planet, and I believe I can heal the planet one woman at a time. I create bespoke and impactful health and wellness experiences as a legacy for generations to come.

Tell us about yourself

At the age of 50, I decided to compete in a bodybuilding competition, and I trained for the Figure category. At the time, I was a consultant for a global banking technology company. I knew in my heart that I was meant to do something different. I kept asking God, "what is my purpose" I jokingly said, "please make sure I don't miss the message, make sure I hear it." I remember the moment; clearly, I had about six weeks to go before I would step on stage to present my hard work and dedication, I was in my kitchen preparing food as I was eating six times a day, and all of a sudden the word "nutrition" came out of my mouth. I stopped for a second and said that's it, nutrition. I have a passion for nutrition!

I went on to win 3rd place in my category; it was such a fun day. I still remember stepping on stage, dehydrated to make my muscles show, with the darkest spray tan I have ever had in my life (gross), my Swarovski donned bikini with just enough material to cover my bits, and 4" stilettos. With any big life change, I had a plan, I would enroll in school when I had everything in order, insert winky face here. About four months later, I was sitting at my desk working on a spreadsheet. I was miserable, I knew I was not performing at my best, and even though I looked like I was in the best shape of my life, my body was sick, my gut was so messed up, and I was starting to experience pain in my joints. I messaged my manager and asked to meet with him Monday morning. I walked into his office and resigned, two weeks later, I started making plans to attend school.

My motivation is how amazing our bodies are and truly can heal if they are given the right support. My passion is providing my clients with quality time and listening to what they are experiencing so I can give them the right guidance.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Hearing a client tell me I have changed their life and seeing it in their energy.

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

Realizing how much you don't know and how much there is to keep track of. Bookkeeping, social media, invoicing, website maintenance, networking, technology, financing, and budgets.

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

  1. It can be lonely if you are used to working in an office or group setting, so go out and work in a cafe or coffee shop or join networking groups.
  2. Have a dedicated space for work that you can get up from at the end of the day; otherwise, you feel like you are always at work if your workspace is always in front of you.
  3. It's okay to reach out for help. You won't know how to do everything; having a good coach or accountability partner keeps you on track.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There is so much information available today, unfortunately, most of it is very general. Every woman deserves to be given quality time to be heard. Our health and wellness are made up of many components; we are all unique. Once a woman turns 50, it's time to put herself first!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.conniepretula.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/menopausenavigator/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopausenavigator/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniepretula/

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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