Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Natasha McLaughlin-Chaisson, Owner of NMC Nutrition, located in Moncton, NB, Canada.

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

My name is Natasha McLaughlin-Chaisson. I am a Sports Dietitian & owner of NMC Nutrition. I am a speaker and a consultant, and I also offer individualized sports nutrition coaching. I use my expertise to find & solve nutrition obstacles, helping athletes and teams optimize their performance and reach their full potential by applying scientifically proven solutions in a practical yet personalized way. I also help athletes correctly recover from injury. My clients range from amateur to professional and Olympic level in a variety of sports, including hockey, triathlons, baseball, ringette, cycling, basketball, golf, soccer, etc. I serve the sports community in French, English & Spanish.

Tell us about yourself

I worked for other companies for over a decade and felt the need, after having children, to have a more flexible schedule and to make my own business decision. Wanting to be a hands-on parent who prioritizes time with my children over all else, I assumed my business would be slow developing - that could not be farther from the truth. Becoming a mother enabled me to grow both personally and professionally. With regards to my profession, I didn’t have as much time to spend on my career or the energy to stress over the little things, so I learned and continue to learn, prioritize, and become more efficient (utilizing services from colleagues and companies) & listen to my gut.

I am motivated by getting to work with clients who have as much drive to succeed in sport as I do in helping them succeed from a science standpoint. It is truly an honor to get to know each athlete, team, and their sports culture. Knowing that they trust me to influence their performance is incredibly humbling.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am proud of having received the International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sports Nutrition. I am also proud that I am a woman in the field of sports science and that I work in elite sports (Hockey, Cycling, Paracycling, Boxing…), but most of all, I am proud that I can assist my clients in achieving their goals.

Being a business owner has forced me to listen to my gut, be creative, and think further outside the box. Being recognized by my community as an entrepreneurial leader has been a great accomplishment as well.

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

I am so passionate about my business that I want to take it in 100 different directions all at once, but there are not enough hours in a day. I also continuously focus on prioritizing my kids and work-life balance so that I can live a life without regret. That said, pacing my project goals in a realistic manner without letting myself be side-tracked by other exciting projects is certainly something I continue to work at.

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

  1. Become an educated professional in your field. Take the necessary courses. Don’t cut corners to get there. Credibility from clients will follow.
  2. Niche down. I used not to want to turn anyone away, but I was burning myself out trying to be everything to everyone. It’s important to refer out as needed and to focus on collaboration instead of competition with colleagues in your field.
  3. Under promise and over-deliver. Help clients feel how much you appreciate them with small gestures.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Create your brand around your values. Make it an extension of who you are and allow yourself to take on opportunities outside of your comfort zone if it aligns with these values.

Some of my core values include:
• Treat others as you would want to be treated.
• Never stop learning.
• Be genuine and honest in everything you do.
• Embrace what makes you unique.
• Always give your best effort.
• Focus on solutions.
• Actions speak louder than words.

Best of success on your entrepreneurship journey!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.nmcnutrition.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NMCNutrition
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmcnutrition/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NMCNutrition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nmchaisson/

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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