After going through her own incredible and dramatic health transformation, Cindy was inspired to share her passion for new found health with others. She now supports clients with weight loss and other health issues through one-on-one counseling and through cooking classes, demos and workshops all over northern Virginia. Her interview inspires us to walk our talk and to focus on honing in on our target market.

What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?

I went through an amazing personal health transformation a few years ago when I sought help from a Health Coach. I lost 50 lbs, lowered my high cholesterol, got rid of my allergies, frequent colds, migraines and low energy when I changed my lifestyle. I wanted to share this passion for my new found health with as many people as possible.

 

Tell us about your business or practice.

I help clients lose weight or overcome minor health issues like prediabetes or high cholesterol. I see clients in my home office or via phone. I also do cooking classes, farm market demos and lead workshops all over Northern VA.

 

What is your current business model?

I prefer 1:1 coaching in person. I also offer an online program called the 6-Week JumpStart.

 

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

Publishing my first book, Unprocessed Living, and sharing that with hundreds of people.

 

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

Challenges include getting clients and the back-end paperwork.

 

How have you overcome those challenges?

I’ve have had luck with clients referring friends to keep a constant stream of clients coming in through the door.

 

How do you find new clients?

Referrals, word-of-mouth, speaking at different locations and my Meetup group.

 

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

I host a monthly Meetup club called the Clean Eating Support Club of NoVa and once they meet me, they feel comfortable hiring me.

 

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

By continuing to offer new programs and workshops and creating new programs.

 

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

Creating lists of things that need to get done, but it’s very easy to get sidetracked by social media.

 

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

Have no fear – I feel it held me back in the beginning. Just get out there and do it.

 

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

Don’t do too much – hone in on your target market and make that a priority.

 

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

Not sure I really have any favorite tools. I like google analytics though.

 

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

My Meetup group.

 

In building your business, was there any specific mistake you made, “oops!” moment, or “I can’t believe I did that!” time that you look back and laugh at now?

I took on too many clients at once last summer and couldn’t keep up with them. Unfortunately, I lost a few of them because of that.

 

What is your favorite indulgence?

French Macarons.

 

Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?

Octopus

 

Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?

Paris

 

Last book you read?

My own – 7 times to proof it!

 

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

Well, I love scallops, so perhaps those.

 

What is your go-to breakfast?

My Chia Seed Pudding recipe from my book – I have it almost every day!

 

What do you find most fascinating about the human body?

That if you allow it to heal by removing the inflammation, it will do so on its own.

 

What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?

Having time for my family when they need it. I love being able to take off during the day to have lunch with my kids at school or volunteer in the classroom.

 

Cindy Santa Ana is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach based out of Bristow, Virginia. You can find out more about her and her practice, Unlock Better Health, at www.UnlockBetterHealth.com.