Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in freelancing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brittany Lubeck, Registered Dietitian and Writer, located in Aurora, CO, USA.

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

I'm a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) offering nutrition writing services. I like to write about many nutrition topics, from supplements to women's health to intuitive eating. My favorite thing to write about and talk about as a dietitian is nutrition myths. I love to de-bunk fad science and common misconceptions about food and nutrition. I mostly write blog posts and short articles, but I have also written lesson plans and even a book (as a ghostwriter).

Tell us about yourself

When I first became an RDN, I worked in a cancer center as a nutrition counselor. While I mostly enjoyed my work, I never felt like I was really making a difference in these very sick patients' lives. Cut to 2020, when I was three months pregnant with my first child when the world shut down. I started working for the cancer center mostly from home, which opened my eyes to the kind of life I wanted, especially once my daughter was born. As soon as she was in my arms, I knew daycare wouldn't work for us.

During the pandemic, I went back to writing, something I had always enjoyed doing. I started a small nutrition blog where I could write about anything I wanted. And although that blog never gained any traction, it showed me that I still enjoy writing and was pretty good at it (at least according to family and friends who read my posts)! I soon learned that other RDNs were making a career out of writing about nutrition. As soon as I heard that, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Becoming a nutrition writer has allowed me to both love what I do and take care of my now two-year-old daughter.

Even though I no longer work in a clinic or hospital, writing keeps me in the nutrition world. I'm motivated by the fact that I get to research and write about topics I never got to talk about when working at the cancer center. Plus, my newfound career means I can spend as much precious time with my daughter as possible, which is pretty priceless.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My business is pretty new, especially since I am only working part-time for now. But I have had a few small wins since becoming an official nutrition writer. One accomplishment was definitely getting to ghostwrite a book. It was such an interesting and fun experience that I hope to write my own nutrition book someday. Other accomplishments have come with new clients from whom I've asked for higher rates that I felt I deserved as a nutrition expert. It's always rewarding to have others see and recognize your worth. I have also felt accomplished as a freelancer on more than one occasion in which I was able to say "no" to clients and contracts that didn't jive with my business. I've become a lot better at setting boundaries and using that two-letter word since starting my career as a nutrition writer, and I think it deserves a little bit of praise.

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

One of the hardest things for me is finding time to work and write. My number one priority is my family, which means any leftover time I have these days is devoted to my work. However, time is not something I have a lot of these days. Fortunately, I have a supportive husband and the motivation to find time to work every day, even if it's just for 30 minutes. I also realize that getting to work from home and take care of my daughter is a blessing, which helps me work through the sometimes stressful days and find time for everyone and everything that is important in my life.

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

  1. Take the time to figure out what you really want to do. Working for yourself is rewarding, but it can be challenging at the same time. But if you're passionate about your business, then you'll probably find a lot more reward in it.
  2. Don't be afraid to say no to prospective clients. Listen to your gut and be aware of red flags.
  3. Charge your worth. Not every client will want to pay your rate, but you'll always find someone who will. Clients who pay your rates (or higher!) are more likely to respect you and want to have a healthy working relationship.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://brittanylubeck.wixsite.com/website-2
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-lubeck-ms-rd-51569036/

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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