After dramatically changing the quality of her life through food and lifestyle changes, Jennifer became a guide for other women who were feeling helpless with their own health challenges. Her interview inspires us to embrace new ideas that may be outside our comfort zone and to be our own best advocate.
What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?
After more than 10 years with chronic vertigo, I discovered that food and lifestyle choices could significantly improve my health and wellbeing. I was inspired to share this information and to be a guide for other women who were told by physicians that they were just crazy or depressed.
Tell us about your business or practice.
I am a health coach with a passion for helping moms make self-care a priority and to guide them in making positive changes in their family. When mom gets healthy so does the rest of her family.
What is your current business model?
I currently work 1:1 in person and am in the process of creating my first group program.
What has been one of your favorite moments as a business owner thus far?
When I client stated that in me she had found the perfect partner to help her meet her goals.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running your business or practice?
I find the marketing end daunting. I am also frustrated by website design.
How have you overcome those challenges?
Practice!
How do you find new clients?
I find clients by talking to other moms and through my writing.
What have you found to be most effective in securing new clients to sign up for your services?
I am still working on this one, but suspect that the writing will prove most effective as it is something I enjoy doing.
What do you do to keep your existing clients engaged in the long term?
Rather than planning to sit and talk at every meeting, I try to add interest by scheduling grocery store tours and walking meetings. This works on client goals as well as give her something different to look forward to.
As your own boss, what is your best strategy for staying focused and productive during your workday?
I have an hour of time a day (while my youngest naps) to work. The limited time forces me to have a task in mind for the day and get to work.
If you could start your business over again from the beginning, what would you do differently?
I would pick one method (writing) to focus on until it became a comfortable habit rather than trying three different marketing techniques at once.
What were some of the first mistakes you made that you would tell a new holistic entrepreneur to avoid?
I have a bad habit of talking myself out of ideas because they are outside of my comfort zone. It is important to remember that you are capable. Best your own best advocate not your worst enemy.
What are the top three business tools or resources you couldn’t live without?
- My peer coach – having someone to discuss ideas with is invaluable
- Calendar – I love my large scheduling calendar and rarely leave home without it.
- Notebook – When I am having trouble coming up with a plan, I like to sit and write in a designated notebook. I find this usually clears the cobwebs away.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Reading in bed on a Saturday morning.
Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?
Either fried alligator or EXO Bars (made with cricket flour)
Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?
Cinqua Terre in Italy
Last book you read?
Carry On Warrior by Glennon Melton. I cannot recommend it enough.
If you could only have one kind of food for the rest of your life, it would be…
Sweet potatoes
What is your go-to breakfast?
Leftover vegetables and protein from last night’s dinner
What do you find most fascinating about the human body?
The body’s innate ability to heal itself
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
Flexible hours that allow me to put my kids first.
Jennifer Ganey is a Certified Holistic Health Coach based out of Lacey, Washington. You can find out more about her and her business, Jennifer Ganey Health Coaching, at www.jenniferganey.com.
