Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Andrews, Owner of Sound Bites Nutrition, located in Cincinnati, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sound Bites Nutrition is a nutrition consulting business. I'm a seasoned, registered dietitian, and I do a variety of work, including freelance writing, presentations (webinars, cooking demos), and 1:1 counseling. I also have a line of food pun merch called Lettuce Beet Hunger. I have over 45 designs that are printed on tees, totes, cards, mugs, etc. I sell them in small shops in Cincinnati and online. Part of the proceeds goes towards food insecurity programs. My customers are organizations and companies that want speakers, health and wellness websites for writing, and food brands that may want a design for their company. Dietitians are also my customers. They often buy gifts for co-workers, friends, colleagues, or themselves.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business part-time in 2008 while I was still working as a clinical dietitian. Initially, it was mostly nutrition counseling, but it morphed into more community work, writing and education. I'm motivated by the joy of teaching people about food and nutrition and also selling my food pun merch in shops or individuals. I enjoy writing and love creating new food pun ideas.
Do you have daily rituals for work / wellness / fitness / mindfulness? If yes can you please explain your rituals so we can include them as well?
For my daily ritual, I drink a big glass of water when I first get up before having my morning coffee. I also make time in the morning to grab a 30+ minute walk. If the weather is too cold, I wait til mid-day or later to walk.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was the opportunity to write a few cookbooks. I wrote 3 of them during the pandemic. I'm also proud of the work I've done with La Soupe - a non-profit in Cincinnati that rescues, transforms, and shares food. I helped with one of their community programs and designed two tee shirts for them. I've also been interviewed on TV over 50 times in my career.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me - it's being a solopreneur. I'm not good at asking for help and would love to work in a team. It can also be lonely! I have a whole tribe of other dietitian friends that I connect with on a regular basis to bounce ideas and chat.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Figure out what you bring to the table. What makes you or your service valuable and unique?
- Network like crazy! Tell everyone you know what you're doing and what you want to accomplish.
- Ask for help if you need it. You don't want to be working 24/7.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://soundbitesnutrition.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundbitesnutritionllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrigirl/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nutrigirl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nutrigirl/
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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