After a significant battle with her own health crisis, Rosie transformed her health and life through a natural approach, using food as her medicine. Today, she serves others as a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Wellness Mentor, facilitating transformation in the lives of her clients. Rosie’s interview inspires us to emphasize focus in our practices and to lead a conscious, intentional life.
What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?
Several years ago, I became chronically ill and was hit with a whole host of health issues; Meniere’s disease, chronic fatigue, Graves, migraines, digestive problems, not to mention hearing loss and anxiety.
It took a serious dance with the other side of wellness to realise that there must be more to this life than battling through, day-by-day and fighting against myself in every way.
I realised the way I was living my life and treating my body was not ok. I took accountability for my illness and transformed my entire health and lifestyle through natural approaches. My journey took me into a deep learning process where food became my medicine, I learned to listen to my body and every step I took, I started to feel more open, lighter, aware… and happy.
The transformation I went through was so huge for me that I knew I had to share everything I learned and experienced with others. Step by step, my mission became my business. Fast-forwarding a few years later, I started my training to become a nutrition health coach, life and wellness mentor, and launched myself full time in to building my own coaching practice.
Tell us about your business or practice.
I practice a holistic approach to health and wellness, which means that I look at how all areas of people’s lives affect them as a whole, and work with them to create a nourishing and peaceful life. This isn’t just about nutrition; this is a complete health transformation that begins with a proper mindset.
Through my blog, eBook, online programs and 1:1 health coaching, I guide individuals to take back their health and happiness, heal their body from chronic disease and find emotional freedom. My clients develop a deep understanding of the food and lifestyle choices that work best for them and implement lasting changes that improve their energy, balance and health.
What is your current business model?
Happiness Lifestyle currently offers 1:1 virtual health coaching and mentoring services (via Skype or phone). I’m also in the process of incorporating digital products and programs, and am slowly transitioning toward an information product-based business model for an eCourse I’m working on.
What has been one of your favorite moments as a business owner thus far?
I feel incredibly blessed that I get to work so closely with my clients who are eager to carve out a better existence for themselves. There is nothing more rewarding than arming someone with the tools to make real, lasting change and watching the healing and transformation unfold. Priceless.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running your business or practice?
Being able to wake up each day and believe in myself, and not give up. It can be a long and sometimes very lonely road, and I’ve definitely had a lot of fear get in the way of giving it my all. The first few months were incredibly scary, stressful and challenging. My ego amped up 10 fold, creating a lot of self-doubts and second-guessing – but there was something deep within me telling me it was right. I’ve learned not to believe most thoughts that arise. I find that awareness is key and observing them without judgment is incredibly powerful.
How have you overcome those challenges?
I constantly remind myself who I really am at my core, which is powerful and made of love. The idea that I would be less than, is my Ego talking. I love Byron Katie’s The Work – questioning the validity of your thoughts. (You can download her worksheets from her site www.thework.com)
I practice meditation and moment-to-moment presence. I take notice of what some may consider ‘small things’. Awareness. How does the wind sound in the trees today? The whitewash of the ocean. How do I feel?
When I feel myself slipping into behaviours that don’t nourish me, I move back into my practice. I also have a mentor and peer coach (I’m a big believer in getting the support we need). To have that guidance, that fresh perspective and clarity outside of yourself – really is the greatest blessing.
How do you find new clients?
Word of mouth and referrals have been my biggest source of marketing to date.
What have you found to be most effective in securing new clients to sign up for your services?
I speak openly and honestly with potential clients. I am very clear about whether or not I can help them and what my terms of working together and participation requirements are. I find that coming from the heart and not from a sales perspective helps guide them to a clear decision to move forward.
What do you do to keep your existing clients engaged in the long term?
I over deliver, hands down. Each month, I set aside a couple of hours to check in with them. I create content, products, free handouts and send out regular newsletters that keep them inspired and engaged. My clients are members for life and are the first to receive any special offers, new products and discounts.
As your own boss, what is your best strategy for staying focused and productive during your workday?
Meditation every day! It’s the force that allows me to do all the things I need to move my business forward. It ramps up my creativity, boosts my productivity and is seriously the best strategy for staying focused and productive. Plus, it decreases stress levels and helps deal with fear. Bonus!
Many people see meditation as this ‘new age’ thing that’s reserved for mystics and gurus, not something that belongs in an entrepreneur’s busy schedule. But believe it or not, even the world’s most successful entrepreneurs meditate every day. Take Jack Dorsey, Tim Ferris, Oprah Winfrey – they all meditate every morning before starting their workday, as it helps them perform to their full potential.
If you could start your business over again from the beginning, what would you do differently?
I would invest in myself and build my website via an independent platform (wordpress is the one and only for me), and save all the time and energy of having to majorly upgrade and start from scratch again – which I’m in the process of doing.
What were some of the first mistakes you made that you would tell a new holistic entrepreneur to avoid?
In the beginning, I tried to help EVERYONE – but doing this didn’t allow me to help anyone. In order to really serve others, you need to be specific with which customers you’re targeting. The narrower your niche, the better. I used to think it was labeling or putting people in a “box” as I didn’t want to exclude anyone, but actually, I have been better able to help MORE people this way.
What are the top three business tools or resources you couldn’t live without?
Only three? Sorry, but it has to be four!
- Marie Forleo + B-School = Changed my life. Unquestionably. It has seriously been the most intense 8-week online course of my life to date. And it has been the catalyst for a scary-awesome shift that is happening in my business right now – well ahead of the timeline I had anticipated. A community that is filled with supportive, world-changing, big-hearted creatives and entrepreneurs – it’s seriously a no-brainer.
- The Desire Map – THIS is a total game-changer. My goals have never been the same since reading Danielle LaPorte’s wisdom on goals with soul and living from a place of desire.
- The Coaching Blueprint – Jam-packed to the max with how-to’s and first hand stories, case studies, interviews… if you’re a coach, you’ll love it! I’ve scribbled notes all through mine.
- Evernote – This has seriously been the carrier of my random epiphanies. If you are a writer, blogger or have big ideas you need to capture immediately, Evernote is the answer. I have the app on my iphone, my ipad and the desktop version on my mac. With a simple click I can sync all three, ensuring none of my moments are ever lost.
What has been your most effective method for growing your business?
Launching my free eBook via my opt-in newsletter. It instantly boosted my list and established trust, goodwill and reciprocity. It’s an automated and very leveraged way that has helped build my list and develop a real relationship with my tribe.
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever for done for your business?
I’ll be sure to let you know, Jess! 🙂
What is your favorite indulgence?
I do love my Loving Earth Chocolate or my homemade bliss balls. Generally, when I crave a sweet treat, all I do is mix together a big dollop of coconut cream, some raw cacao powder and a few macadamia nuts. It tastes incredibly decadent, but is loaded with natural, good fats and is completely sugar free.
Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?
I first discovered the joy of eating Dragon Fruit in Ubud, Bali. This fruit was SO fresh, I’ve yet to taste better.
Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?
The Yasawa Islands in Fiji – just magic. Brilliant sunshine and sparkling white sand beaches with swaying coconut palm trees and blue lagoons, teeming with coral and tropical fish of every colour of the rainbow. It’s like a fictional land, not to mention the people…! I can’t wait to go back.
Last book you read?
The Big Leap By Gay Hendricks + Getting Into Life & Love by Lisa Messenger
What is your go-to breakfast?
I always have a green juice and/or smoothie or alternatively, a Chia pudding. They are jam-packed with so much goodness!
What do you find most fascinating about the human body?
Our body is one big healing mechanism and given half the chance, can heal itself by itself. It knows when to sleep, when to wake up and when to go to the bathroom. It maintains its temperature of 98.6oF, repairs itself when wounded & knows the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth. Our heart never misses a beat. Our lungs are always breathing. It never makes mistakes. We’re the ones who get in there and make them not work so well. Our body knows exactly what it needs for it to heal and perform at its best. We just need to learn to listen! We can literally transform our bodies just by changing the way we eat and tuning into its needs. Pretty cool, huh?
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
I get to combine my deep longing for FREEDOM with an equally deep urge to SERVE. I love that my work not only brings out the best in me, but also leaves me feeling insanely grateful on a daily basis. On a much deeper level – it’s all about generosity. I get to help people every day. I can change lives, help facilitate healing and bring joy; unlock freedom, release fear in people who need to let go. And I have never felt so much inner ‘stillness’ and more in line with my truth.
Rosie Chehade-Aiello is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Wellness Mentor based out of Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. You can find out more about her and her business, Happiness Lifestyle, at www.happinesslifestyle.com.au.
