Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Neela Asaadi, Founder of Soul and Spoons, located in Miami, FL, USA.

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

Soul & Spoons: A Holistic Approach to Wellness, Both on and Off the Plate
My mission is to support women in discovering lifelong health at any stage of their lives. My primary focus is the preconception, prenatal, and postnatal spaces. Throughout the pregnancy journey and beyond, we will get her body and mind ready for what is to come.

We will discuss nutrition during all stages, including eating for two, healthy weight gain, postpartum weight loss, label reading, and smart shopping. We will also cover what to expect at each stage of pregnancy, a birth plan, healthy womb environments, physical activity, support and stress reduction, breastfeeding, and the importance of sleep.

As she steps into her role as a mother, we will filter through all of the overwhelming information to create a customized plan tailored to her specific wants and needs. Together, side by side, we will prepare her mind, body, and soul so she can show up not only for herself but for those who rely on her daily.

Tell us about yourself

During the pandemic, my industry struggled like many others. This created an opportunity for self-reflection and self-care. I was adamant about broadening my knowledge and diving deeper into the world of wellness. One thing led to another, and I finally enrolled in The Institute of Integrative Nutrition, graduating with a degree as a Certified Health and Nutrition Coach. Growing up in a medical household with parents who were raised on a Mediterranean diet, maintaining a "healthy" and balanced lifestyle was, fortunately, something I was exposed to from an early age. Our meals were always colorful, flavorful, and nutritious.

My most cherished memories were sitting around my family dinner table. It was an unspoken ritual that my mom, siblings, and I would wait until my dad returned home from work to eat dinner. This time represented more than just a meal. Food was the centerpiece that brought us together. It was during those precious moments that I realized how food was the essence of everything and was important to celebrate and be grateful for.

What motivates me as a coach is my connection with people. My approach will always be to meet you where you are and guide you through transformation and empowerment. As individuals, we transition through various stages of our lives.
Therefore, it is natural to face mental and physical roadblocks. Rather than avoid them, we must lean into the discomfort, allowing those moments to become a part of our story.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When I got my BFA in Graphic Design, I had no idea what my career would shape out to be. I knew I had to have my creativity stimulated and challenged. I knew I loved beauty and all things aesthetic. I knew that I had a passion for working with people. Since 2017, I have launched three businesses. Asaadi Graphics works with couples in bringing their vision to life by designing all of the design elements throughout the process of their wedding.

Lala By Nee, which was my pandemic baby, launched a platform for custom baby art and nursery decor. Finally, Soul & Spoons is a space for coaching and connection for those looking to take a holistic approach to their health and wellness habits, both on and off the plate. Each of these has been an evolution of my life and also of the world around me. I love how my businesses have grown with me over time, and I am so excited to continue building them and supporting my clients along the way.

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

The pandemic really challenged my business. Having worked in the wedding industry, helping couples plan their dream wedding, I, just like many other business owners, had to pivot and support my clients through the unknowns of those very unpredictable times. Luckily, we made it thru. I leaned on other business owners in the industry to grow from the experience.

From this "pause" in my wedding business, 'Lala By Nee' grew out of it. I started to design and create nursery art and decor. That project really inspired me to think outside the box and figure out a way to best serve my existing and prospective clients.

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

  1. Be true to who you are. No one else has what you are able to offer. So just remain true to who you are, and the rest will fall into place.
  2. Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Anything can be a learning opportunity, so if you give yourself grace and learn from those experiences, your perspective will completely change.
  3. Chase your dreams. There is no "right path." If you feel passionate every day when you wake up and feel energetically aligned with your purpose, the work will find you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.soulandspoons.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulandspoons/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/soul-and-spoons/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasaadi/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.