Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marissa Szabo, Owner of Well & Simple, located in Beverly, MA, USA.

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

I am a non-diet, size-inclusive nutrition coach, and I work primarily with chronic dieters to help them change their relationship with food and find the best balance for them while also meeting their nutrition needs. My goal is for food to no longer be a source of stress for the folks I work with, and I want to set them up for success with their nutrition goals by keeping things simple and practical. I also provide virtual and on-site employee wellness programming, including workshops and webinars, fitness classes, and food prep demos.

Tell us about yourself

I started this business about 5 years ago when I decided that I needed a career change. Nutrition has been an interest and passion of mine for a long time, so that is why I chose this direction. I spent most of my life hating my body and doing all kinds of diets. In college, the diet I was doing evolved into an eating disorder. I got to the point where I had blackout spells from not eating enough and exercising too much. That was the beginning of my learning that weight and health are not synonymous. Through my own experience and the training I've received, it became clear to me that diets are not the answer and cause far more harm than good. So that is why I take a non-diet approach and focus on helping my clients appreciate how amazing their bodies are as they are. The best feeling I get in my business is when my client tells me how excited they are because they were able to enjoy one of their favorite fun foods without feeling guilty or out of control for the first time.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think self-publishing my Empowered Eating Journal was possibly the most exciting moment for me. It was a thing I wanted to do for a long time, but it always felt like it was just so far off. And I made it happen with the generous help of a friend who did the designing for me.

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

The hardest part for me is the uncertainty, for lack of a better term, that comes with being a service-based business. Clients cycle in and out, meaning the business can ebb and flow, which can be super stressful. So keeping that stress in check is critical and very challenging at times.

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

  1. Just start. You can come up with millions of reasons why you're not ready to start yet, and years could pass along with the opportunity. You don't need 15 credentials. You don't need 3 signature programs. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking there's always one more thing you need before you get started.
  2. Even if you think starting a business will be harder, it's going to be harder than you think. Remember that progress isn't linear. Practice resilience and self-care. Be prepared to get creative and do the thing you need to do to get through those tough times.
  3. Community is everything. Find your people. The people you can lean on and vent out to. The people who can help you and connect you. The people who will push you when you need pushing. Don't be afraid to reach out and build your support system.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I also have a podcast with my colleague Michelle called the Strong & Simple Podcast, in which we break down the latest fads in the wellness industry and give our listeners the information they need to make the best decisions for themselves.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wellandsimplehealth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wellandsimple/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissa.e.szabo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaszabo/

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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