Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Derrick Foust, owner of Foust Wellness, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I help LGBTQ+ individuals with chronic digestive issues discover the imbalances affecting their microbiome and guide them to feel better using nutritional therapies and lifestyle changes. My practice blends science with the wisdom of real food for deep healing.
Running a pay-neutral nutrition practice means broadening access to help you feel better – regardless of what you can pay. Understanding your symptoms – learning your story, understanding how you view the world, unearthing the root of what isn't serving you – and co-designing solutions to your wellness needs is at the heart of what I enjoy doing.
Tell us about yourself
As a cis-queer-male, I struggled immensely with diet dogmas, social media trends, and an extremely unhealthy relationship with my body. At the same time, I also struggled with constant health issues: primarily digestive problems. Despite seeing countless doctors, I was told there was nothing wrong. Feeling like conventional medicine had failed me, I had no other option but to turn to alternative approaches for my healing.
I sought out people that were willing to listen to me, and I started to collect data. I took a course in holistic nutrition — this is what started the change. Slowly, my digestion issues and stomach pain lifted — I even lost weight which was not the initial goal. Through holistic nutritional analysis, real food, and regular exercise, I began to dig myself out of a rut. I re-learned how to listen to my body and re-trusted myself.
I recognized that this unconventional approach could help others, so I got to work learning more by enrolling in an M.S. Clinical Nutrition program and building my business. This is not your average holistic nutrition practice, and I am not your average holistic nutritionist.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Running a pay-neutral nutrition practice means broadening access to help you feel better – regardless of what you can pay.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balancing marketing and social media with the work of supporting clients. I've recently invested in a grassroots marketing agency to aid in outreach as well as overall social presence.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Niche down. I did too much for too many people for too long.
- Do not be afraid to invest in your knowledge and your business.
- Sales, sales, sales. Curate your pitch, and practice it in your niche market.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://derrickfoust.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foust.wellness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foust.wellness/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwfoust/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.