After having her first child, Jane was inspired to clean up her diet. This inspiration evolved into a passion and today Jane practices as a Health Coach, helping others to clean up their diets and showing busy moms they don’t have to put their health last. Her interview inspires us to embrace our ups and downs, let go of perfectionism and dive in headfirst.

What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?

I had my first child almost 13 years ago and I knew that I had to clean up my diet. Little by little, I did just that. By the time she was 5, I enrolled in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition because I knew that this was going to be my life and also my career. I guess I would have to say raising my two girls and becoming a confident and calm mother to them has inspired me to work as a health coach. I love showing busy moms that they don’t have to be last on the list.

 

Tell us about your business or practice.

Being a health coach, I live and breathe food, well-being and supporting others. Each week brings something new. I coach private clients, run a group support program, coach incoming IIN (Institute of Integrative Nutrition) students and also work with a local company as their corporate wellness coach.   My day can include coaching clients, marketing my business, volunteering at schools and building connections in my community.

 

What is your current business model?

My current model is a six month program for private clients. They have 12 sessions throughout that time along with constant email support, personalized giveaways, food tour and endless resources and handouts. This format is ideal because we have time to build a relationship and implement healthy habits that ultimately turn into lasting behaviors. My group programs range from six weeks to eight weeks. Most clients in these groups, stick with the group for several months because they enjoy the close knit group, the support and the information. I believe it’s key to offer both of these formats because it gives people a choice in how they like to learn and grow. The groups are in person which give a great dynamic and the privates are conducted by Skype. I know my clients are busy, so Skype can save you lots of time and hassle while still getting a great connection.

Every client receives valuable handouts and unlimited email support throughout their time with me.

 

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

That’s a great question. My favorite moments have to be when a client emails me the good stuff, whether it’s weight loss, reduced cravings or they feel alive again! I see each small step as a building block to building a life they love.

 

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

I guess the biggest challenge has to be where to put my marketing dollars.

 

How have you overcome those challenges?

I have joined Beacon Women In Business to gather support and ideas to implement into my business.   It’s just what I needed to keep moving forward in my business.

 

How do you find new clients?

I run workshops in the community, reach out on Facebook and best of all receive referrals from some very happy clients.

 

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

We have one conversation about their health and by the end of the session, 9 out 10 people sign up with me. Between the listening ear, positive support and great questions, I empower them to make their health a priority. I hope in that one conversation that I can instill a sense of belief in themselves.

 

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

I typically work with a client for six months and throughout that time, we cover so much. We build quite a bond together. I offer maintenance sessions for clients and much of the time, clients stay engaged by attending a workshop or group session.

 

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

Anti-social app which blocks you from going to certain websites that may distract you. I use a calendar and I schedule everything in it from work, gym time, lunch break and family commitments. I know what’s coming up and I make to do lists, but also a TODAY list. I put a few things on the TODAY list that I know I can accomplish, therefore things get done and I feel productive!

 

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

Believe whole heartedly in my talents and gifts. It took me a while to release the “trying to do it perfect” mentality. I now am all in, and embrace the ups and downs. I would also reach out for moral support and build other like minded women around me like I am doing now. Don’t ever think you can do it on your own. Plus, it is so much fun with others on your “team”.

 

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

Don’t make big business decisions when you feel down and out about your business. Embrace the “down” periods and get creative with your business.   All the answers are within, no one knows your business like you do! Keep doing the work.

 

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

My Macbook, Acuity Scheduling, Canva.

 

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

Giving it all to each client and making sure they have a great experience. They then will tell their friends and family!

 

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

I wish I could say that I danced around in a kale costume, but I can’t. I am still waiting for a little crazy to come out.

 

What is your favorite indulgence?

Ice cream! Although, now I am making an amazing coconut milk and banana ice cream which is to die for!

 

Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?

Alligator in New Orleans

 

Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?

Santorini Greece on my honeymoon

 

Last book you read?

The Four Day Win by Martha Beck

 

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

Salad! (you were guessing ice cream?)

 

What is your go-to breakfast?

Toasted sprouted bread with almond butter, sliced bananas and cinnamon

 

What do you find most fascinating about the human body?

We can never out smart it. If we eat, drink, think, rest and move well, our bodies will respond and shine for us!

 

What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?

The freedom to be me. I love being the boss and making decisions. I have built a life I love.

 

Jane Savage is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach based out of Wallkill, NY. You can find out more about Jane and her business, Savage Health, by visiting www.janesavage.com.