Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gabrielle Grandell, a functional medicine practitioner and nutritionist based in Dallas, TX, USA.

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

I practice as a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and National Board and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach. I approach my client's health concerns from a broad perspective, taking into account all of the contributing factors throughout their entire life that has altered their health through the years. I educate that every organ and system of the body has the potential to heal itself and to reset to healthy with the right guidance and an individualized plan. We create these plans by listening to my client's story, knowing that every layer of trauma or suffering has led to what is being experienced currently. Only by addressing these underlying root causes are we able to create a path filled with solutions to restore function and create health and well-being.

Tell us about yourself

I have always loved so many things about food and helping people. Practicing as a Dietitian was a way to incorporate both of these into one career. I have also always been a curious person and wanted to know "why" instead of simply "what." When I found Functional Medicine and started practicing as a Functional Nutritionist, I was able to bring everything together and create a practice I am so excited to be a part of daily. I have two different certifications in health coaching as well, which has provided me the ability to really connect and partner with my clients through the process. My goal as a practitioner is to help restore function in every bodily and energetic system of my clients. My hope is to optimize cellular health in order to help clients live their most vibrant life. I know that healing is a journey, often a lifelong commitment to choosing nourishing choices daily to maintain optimal health. The journey isn't always easy, but it can be fulfilling to courageously show up and take an active stance in reclaiming your health. The potential for a vibrant life is just on the horizon, and I am here to help others reach it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is when I receive a hug or a testimonial from a client because of a rewarding experience that we shared together. The bulk of my clientele is those that have not received what they needed from the traditional medical approach and are in search of healing and new opportunities. It is beautiful to watch someone transform their lives through nutrition and lifestyle modalities and learn tools that will empower them to feel the way they deserve to feel for the rest of their life.

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

In my line of work, the hardest thing is helping my clients understand why the recommendations that they were given by their doctor didn't help and providing insight on other things to consider, like diet and lifestyle modifications. They don't realize that medical doctors are mainly trained in pharmacology and surgery rather than nutrition. The result is recommendations for taking medications and removing organs, tissue, etc., rather than changing the diet or thinking about factors like sleep, stress, and exercise. Using medication rather than lifestyle intervention as a first-line therapy does not address the root of the problem but rather the symptoms associated, and getting clients to invest in that effort can also be a challenging aspect of the job.

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

My top 3 tips would be to align with people that are running their businesses in the way that you would aspire to do, to give generously to others and remember what you have to share is a gift, and to resist the urge to wait until you have it all figured out and make moves to grow as much as possible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.gabriellegrandell.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3nD9Mwr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellegrandell/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40OfHxe

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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