Fuel Your Body - A Dash of Dana

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dana Eshelman, Owner of A Dash of Dana, LLC, located in Erie, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a registered dietitian that works with endurance athletes in understanding how to level up their performance through optimizing gut health and hormone balance. We focus on improving the entire system so they can recover better, go harder in training sessions, and feel their best!

Tell us about yourself

I am Dana Eshelman, a registered dietitian, a triathlete, a runner, a coffee lover, and an outdoor enthusiast. As a young athlete, I experienced an eating disorder that forever changed my perspective on fueling my body for health and as an athlete. I saw a gap (and still do, though it is improving) in how diet culture affects the way athletes fuel their bodies for performance and recovery. I want to change the way athletes fuel their bodies so they can reach peak performance as well as feel their best for longevity and health.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, taking the leap to start my business and do something I love. Talking to my athletes every day and helping them navigate day-to-day nutrition, fueling strategies, and training nutrition lights me up! I've had the opportunity to see many athletes hit personal bests, gain confidence in their skin, improve their relationship with food + themselves and have the energy to live the life they want. I could not ask for anything more!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The behind-the-scenes work is HARD - finances/taxes, content creating, email campaigns, organizing calendars, etc. It has been a learning process that I am grateful to have had early on to understand the ins and outs of a business. I have a great appreciation and patience for all business owners!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. If you have a dream of starting a business, take the leap. It is scary as all get out, but you make it happen. Focus on progress over perfection. You may want to roll out different products or content. You are the expert in what you are doing, so you know best here! If you keep waiting until the "perfect" product, caption, time, event, etc., comes along... will you ever commit?
2. Set boundaries with your business and your personal/social life. Running a business is hard work and does take time to build. However, if you work at it day in and out, tirelessly without allowing for some fun + sociability, you run the risk of burnout. No one can run a business burnt out. Ask yourself: What do you need to do to recharge? How can you be sure your cup is overflowing?
3. Show up for your business consistently. Create routines for yourself. Develop processes + procedures. Allow yourself to have 3-4 most important tasks to get done today so you can accomplish them with confidence. This will keep you coming back for more!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.adashofdana.us/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3PTnF2m
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adashofdanardn/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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