Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cathy Cooke, Owner of Whole Home and Body Health, located in Boise, ID, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is helping people identify why they're not feeling well, fixing that problem, and helping them live their best life possible. Chronic health problems can have numerous causes, but none of them are fixed with a pill. Digging deep into the body, the mind, AND the environment is how I help my clients figure out where the imbalances are and how to fix them for good.
Tell us about yourself
I suffered from mysterious, seemingly unresolvable health problems for thirty years. Countless medical providers told me, 'everything is fine!' or they didn't know how to help me. Finally, I realized I had to figure it out myself, or I would never get better. That's when I decided to enroll in a Holistic Nutrition Program. I learned so much about the human body during that time and improving my diet helped me tremendously. However, I still had some pretty severe symptoms, so I knew I was missing something. Plagued with severe insomnia, anxiety, weakness, and GI issues, I kept researching. Finally, in 2015 I discovered the topic of EMF and how it impacts the body on a cellular level. After making some simple changes to my home environment, everything changed. I knew I had to learn everything about this topic, so I became certified as a Building Biologist. This improved my client outcomes in immeasurable ways. We can't expect to have a healthy body if we're living in a sick home.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been earning the trust of my clients. After four years in business, I now get regular phone calls from potential clients who say, 'You came very highly recommended by several people I know.' This tells me that my clients trust me and believe in my skills and expertise. Knowing that my clients feel safe and that their homes are in good hands is the highest compliment I could imagine.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's challenging to do it all! As a nutritionist and building biologist, there aren't a lot of tasks I can outsource. That leaves me working far longer hours than I ever expected. If I want my clients to succeed, I must dedicate a lot of time and attention to their needs. I enjoy that aspect of the job, but it is certainly time-consuming.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I wish I had hired a business coach right off the bat. Like so many people, I thought I could figure it all out on my own. It would have saved me a whole lot of time, mistakes, and money if I had let someone guide me from the very beginning.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a small business owner is great for my lifestyle. Though I work far more house than when I worked for other companies, nothing beats the freedom and flexibility of making your own schedule and making your own decisions. It's definitely worth it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://wholehomeandbodyhealth.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3RHy1V2
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OkUa8p
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-cooke/
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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