Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jinan Banna, Nutrition Coach based in Honolulu, HI, USA.

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

As a registered dietitian, I offer nutrition education to busy working women throughout the state of Hawaii and beyond. My coaching via telehealth focuses on empowering clients with information, skills, and confidence to choose healthy foods, as well as to cook simple, plant-full meals and lose excess weight by reducing less healthy foods and empty calories. I embrace the philosophy that food should be enjoyable, delicious, and health-promoting. This easily accessible and fact-based coaching is greatly needed in this age of misinformation. My business also involves a blog, which similarly guides busy women to be able to eat a healthy diet in a simple way. I help to dispel myths, such as the idea that carbohydrates are not healthy. My blog post on rye bread, for example, helps you see why! In addition to working with people via telehealth, I also serve the community by giving talks through hotels and fitness centers.

Tell us about yourself

One could say I’ve been building up information and passion for my clients for many years. I have spent many hours teaching as a professor of nutrition at the University of Hawaii, instructing students in nutrition classes, mentoring graduate students, and inspiring the next generation of nutritionists. In 2020, I recognized the need to disseminate factual information on nutrition during the pandemic, especially given the increased risk of health problems that comes with consuming a poor diet. I started with a blog that provides tips that are relevant to healthy eating these days, such as various posts on healthy snacks like trail mix.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was very proud that Pacific Edge Magazine recognized me as a finalist in the categories of “Healthcare leader of the year” and “Best new business.” This was a great honor and reflected some of the work I have put into my business.

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

One of the hardest things has been learning how to market my offerings. I would much rather talk and write about nutrition than market myself, so this has been a challenge.

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

  1. Be sure not to take on everything yourself. It is important to outsource some tasks to be able to function. I have outsourced various tasks, such as the development of my website, and this has served me well.
  2. Connect with others in your community. Networking leads you in so many wonderful directions. As a result of networking, I have been able to work with hotels to serve their clients, as well as fitness centers.
  3. Be generous. It’s great to offer freebies to be able to serve everyone in the community. I offer a comprehensive guide to weight loss free on my website, as well as tons of free information on my blog.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jinanbanna.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JinanBannaNutritionist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinanbannanutritionist/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JinanRd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinanbanna/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.