Inspired by her journey overcoming her own chronic health issues, Mary became an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach to help others in their own health journey. Her interview inspires us to get good at making decisions and acting on them as well as to simplify what we are trying to take on in order to make real progress in our businesses.

What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?

Having overcome my own chronic health issues, I love being able to share what I’ve learned, and save people time and energy trying to figure things out the hard way! When I discovered the Institute for Integrative Nutrition®, it just clicked that this is something I could really see myself doing professionally.

 

Tell us about your business or practice.

I’m an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, which means I help clients reach their health, fitness, and lifestyle goals through a holistic approach. There are so many factors in our lives that affect our health, it’s not just the food on our plate.

 

What is your current business model?

I coach clients 1:1, offer a 15 day detox program, and also accountability coaching through the Nudge app.

 

What has been one of your favorite moments as a business owner thus far?

Seeing clients have breakthrough. It’s the best feeling to watch someone have an ‘aha’ moment, or to have them physically feel so much better.

 

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running your business or practice?

Staying focused and not running away with a million new ideas!

 

How have you overcome those challenges?

Writing lists, priotitising, and being real with what I can expect of myself.

 

How do you find new clients?

Family and friends, and word of mouth.

 

What have you found to be most effective in securing new clients to sign up for your services?

Follow through! So many people I meet are interested in what I do, but often find it difficult to initiate the coaching process. I really encourage anyone who’s seeking clients to make it really easy for them to sign up with you. Don’t be pushy, but also don’t just hope they’ll decide to follow through. The ball is always in your court.

 

What do you do to keep your existing clients engaged in the long term?

My feeling is that creating trust and being genuinely invested in them as a person makes all the difference. Doing things that they don’t expect you to do, and going the extra mile, really shows that you’re committed to their wellbeing. See them as a person, not a paycheck.

As your own boss, what is your best strategy for staying focused and productive during your workday?

I need to mix it up and keep things creative. That’s what gives me energy to stay focused. Whenever I’m creating something I can hardly pull myself away until what I envision comes into reality. (That can be a difficult thing at times!). Also, when I’m not seeing clients, I’m working alone. I’ve found I need to connect with people during my day so I don’t crawl into my introverted head space to never return again.

 

If you could start your business over again from the beginning, what would you do differently?

I would have simplified what I tried to take on. I was, and still am, brimming with ideas and the big picture plan, which has been a bit of a distraction to just putting my head down and getting done what’s important right now. I get so excited by what I see for the future that I can neglect where I’m at! I would have started out with more simplicity.

 

What were some of the first mistakes you made that you would tell a new holistic entrepreneur to avoid?

1) Stop thinking you need to be ‘ready’ (aka ‘perfect’) before you can get out there and start changing the world. You’ll never be as ready as you want to be, because life is unpredictable and you can’t plan for everything.

2) Get good at making decisions and acting on it. No one is going to decide it for you, you’re the boss!

3) Let go of multitasking and be single focused. Trying to juggle everything is not productive.

4) Make your peace with imperfection. Be ok with mistakes.

 

What are the top three business tools or resources you couldn’t live without?

My group of incredible Health Coaches who are an amazing resource of wisdom and support. Also MailChimp and my Google calendar.

 

What has been your most effective method for growing your business?

As simple as it is; talking to people. And not being afraid to put myself out there.

 

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever for done for your business?

I feel like starting my own business is the craziest thing I’ve done for my business! It’s a massive undertaking, I’m realisng more and more. Every day has a little bit of crazy in it.

 

What is your favorite indulgence?

Raw chocolate caramel slice (dates, cacao, cashews, coconut, Heaven)

 

Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?

Escargot! If that can be classified as exotic.

 

Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?

Paris

 

Last book you read?

The Body Ecology Diet, by Donna Gates

 

If you could only have one kind of food for the rest of your life, it would be…

It’s so hard to choose! Probably raw chocolate, let’s be honest.

 

What is your go-to breakfast?

Coconut Chia Pudding.

 

What do you find most fascinating about the human body?

That so much of it is still a mystery! The brightest minds are always discovering new things about the body and how it works, I just love that.

 

What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?

I love the freedom of creating my own vision and plan, and I get to help people do the same thing in their own lives!

 

Mary Mackie is a health coach based out of Terrigal, Australia. You can find out more about Mary and her business, Renew Health Coaching, by visiting www.renewhealthcoaching.com.au.