Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Young, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist of Dr. Lisa Young Nutrition located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dr. Lisa Young Nutrition is a nutrition consulting business. I offer nutrition counseling and coaching to individuals, groups, and families. I offer virtual visits all over the globe. I also consult with businesses. Recognized as a leading nutritionist and portion-size expert, I am an author, speaker, researcher, registered dietitian, nutritionist, and media nutritionist. I am the author of Finally Full, Finally Slim (Center Street, Jan 2019) and The Portion Teller Plan (Crown 2006).
I am regularly called on to consult on the following:
• Lecture on the latest in nutrition, health, wellness, and portion control.
• Counsel adults, children, and families on a wide variety of nutrition-related issues (in-person and virtual sessions.)
• Conduct group classes on nutrition, weight control, and behavior modification.
• Create corporate health and wellness programs.
• Consult with health departments and corporations on health and nutrition.
• Discuss the latest information on nutrition and diet with major media outlets, including print, TV, and radio.
• Write articles and blog posts on the latest in nutrition and health.
• Provide nutrition education in schools to parents, students, and faculty.
Tell us about yourself
I was always interested in food and nutrition as a kid. I was influenced by my grandmother Ceil, who was fighting breast cancer as well as struggling with weight. She was my inspiration because she turned to nutrition and healthy eating as a way to fight her cancer, and she did, indeed, live with cancer for 2O years. In college, at the Wharton/ University of Pennsylvania, I majored in healthcare administration and sought out all elective classes that were nutrition- and food-related. And so my passion began. After running a weight-loss program for three years, I decided to go back to graduate school and formally study nutrition. I received both a Ph.D. as well as an RDN. As a weight loss coach, I was originally inspired by the rise in obesity rates due to portion sizes increasing. I set out to study and educate people on the importance of portion control for good health. Portion control does not mean eating tiny portions. It is knowing which foods to enjoy more of and which to have less of. I also wrote two books, published academic research articles, consulted with corporations, and I am creating an online class. What motivates me every day is knowing the importance of nutrition for optimal health and well-being.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is cultivating a unique niche that is so simple yet so very important. Paying attention to your portion sizes is the most important thing you can do to watch your weight and eat healthfully. I advise eating larger portions of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and smaller portions of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, saturated fat, and salt.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, as an extrovert, the hardest thing about being a business owner is working solo very often. Starting a new project is also a challenge. I've learned, however, to keep on going. And as the Nike slogan advises, "Just do it."
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow your passion.
- Do what you love.
- Get started now and spread the word about your services and how you can help others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://drlisayoung.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlisayoung
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisayoung
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drlisayoung
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisayoung
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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