Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristina Duty, Founder of Do Your Duty - Eat Right, located in Edmond, OK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a private practice registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders. I help individuals suffering from mental illness, particularly eating disorders, heal their relationship with food and their body.
Tell us about yourself
My business started 13 years ago when I graduated from graduate school and was approached to start my own practice in eating disorders due to the lack of providers in the field. Upon launching my business, I worked in several university counseling centers, taught courses in nutrition, and started volunteering on the board for the Oklahoma Eating Disorder Association, a non-profit dedicated to advocating for eating disorder awareness. After making a name for myself, I was able to land my feet in the city and focus solely on my private practice. Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among mental illnesses, and I am motivated daily to help individuals recover and live a full life without their illness. It gives me the greatest joy to walk a really tough journey alongside clients and see their lives transform for the better.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would be becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and being recognized in Oklahoma for the Dr. Bermudez Award. This award is given to a distinguished medical professional who has made a significant impact on patients in the field of eating disorders in Oklahoma. I was recognized for this award in 2019.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest obstacles of being a business owner is dealing with insurance and what they will cover for my patients. Insurance dictates an individual's ability to access treatment. Early intervention for eating disorder recovery is a huge component of one's prognosis but unfortunately, due to insurance companies' unwillingness to cover mental illness, people don't access treatment until they are deathly ill.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I tell people who want to start their own practice that it takes a lot of self-motivation and trusting in yourself that you have the knowledge and skills to make a difference in people's lives. Secondly that you can't let your failures stop you from moving forward and finally learning from your mistakes.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Full recovery from an eating disorder is totally possible.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.doyourdutyeatright.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ntrn4life
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-duty-5b871421/
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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