Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meghan Field, Founder & Registered Dietitian of Field Nutrition, LLC, located in Scarborough, ME, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We offer people one-to-one personalized nutrition counseling/coaching with a registered dietitian nutritionist. My customers are adults who are looking to feel better through diet and lifestyle changes. Many of my customers are looking to improve their relationship with food and stop the yo-yo diets. Others are dealing with chronic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Another all too common customer is the person who has constant abdominal discomfort and bloating and cannot figure out the cause.
Tell us about yourself
I have been working as a registered dietitian for over 20 years, mostly in the hospital and rehab setting. When my family and I moved to the state of Maine, I had a hard time thinking of doing the same thing in the same setting for another 20 years and not being able to help people the way I really wanted to. I decided that it was a perfect opportunity to start my own nutrition business. Now I have the time to sit with each client and really get to know them and understand their lives, so together, we can make the best nutrition plan. Knowing that I am helping someone, even if just a little, is what keeps me coming to work every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a new business owner is when I get to tell a client that they no longer need my services. When someone has reached their goals, I know that I have done my job well.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is not knowing. Not knowing if you will make enough money to keep going, not knowing if people will like what you have to offer, and not knowing if this huge step you took will work out.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I have been told that it takes a good four to five years to really have a thriving business. I often have to remind myself of this, as I originally expected things to take off within the first year. This longer timeline is consistent with how my business is actually growing. Create realistic, measurable goals for your business. For example, I had a goal to reach out to one new potential client every day. I got myself out into my community by joining networking groups and even sitting on the board of the local small business support non-profit. It's not natural for me to sell myself so much, but if I want my business to succeed, that is what I need to do. How else will they know Field Nutrition exists? You are going to have days that you want to throw in the towel and go back to working for corporate. You are going to have difficult days and challenging days, but remember the big picture of why you started this. Stay true to your values and goals, and that will keep you going in the right direction.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fieldnutrition.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FieldNutritionPortlandME
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldnutritionmaine/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-field-rdn-ldn-fand-892a153/
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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