Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Pancini, national director of Metabolic Balance, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I work with a personalized nutrition plan called Metabolic Balance. The plan is created by using the results of the client's blood tests and personal information. Metabolic Balance uses only real food, and its goals are to restore hormones and metabolism.
Most of our clients are attracted to Metabolic Balance because it promotes rapid weight loss, but this is only a consequence of eating the right foods for you; the benefits are much greater than just weight loss. Metabolic Balance is available in over 40 countries. I am happy to be their National Director in Brazil, where I train and manage health professionals who use this method in their practices.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Registered Nutritionist and the National Director for Metabolic Balance in Brazil. After I had my first son, I gained a few pounds and decided to search online for a diet plan. I got overwhelmed with the amount of information there was and with all the contradictions regarding food and nutrition. Then my son started to be introduced to solid foods, and I tried to get information about that too. Guess what? I got more confused with the amount of information and misinformation I got on the internet.
At that point, I decided to take a nutrition course. In the beginning, it was only to have some basic knowledge for my family and me, but I ended up falling in love with nutrition and to the idea of helping other people that had the same struggles I had. What motivates me each day is to know that I can empower people's lives through nutrition.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was to bring Metabolic Balance to Brazil, the country I was born. Today in Brazil, there are over 100 doctors, nutritionists, and health professionals working with this method. By being a nutritionist, I can only help a small number of people each day, but with these great professionals, we are able to reach an incredible number of people. I am very honored and grateful to be part of this.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, one of the hardest things to do was to find the right people to delegate some of my tasks. I always liked to have "control" over everything, but as the business started to grow, I realized that I could not do everything by myself. I still have control, and I know everything that is going on in the business, but by hiring other professionals, I have time to focus on the tasks that can only be done by me.
Today I have a team of 4 employees, and they love being part of the company. We have a great relationship, and it's amazing to work together and brainstorm ideas. I can't see myself without a team anymore.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you want to start a business, just do it! I see people thinking too much without acting on their dreams. Of course, you have to have an idea of what you want to do, but the biggest learnings will happen with your mistakes. Don't be afraid to try new tactics; soon, you will figure out what works and what doesn't work.
Also, it's very important to delegate. Find people to help you with work that doesn't need too much of your attention and with things that you are not very familiar with. Invest! Don't expect to make money and then invest in your business. It's the other way around. You invest first, and then the business will grow.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to say that whatever you do, do with passion and love. These will be the foundation of your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.metabolic-balance.com.br/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metabolicbalancebrasil/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissapancini/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-pancini-27578129/
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.
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