Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelly Schmidt, founder of Kelly Schmidt Wellness, located in Bexley, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
A functional nutrition wellness business changing the landscape of blood sugar management with holistic nutrition strategies for busy women. While eating is a necessity, knowing how to eat well is an art. Let me guide you on how to craft your healthiest recipe for life.
Tell us about yourself
My Why/My Type 1 Diabetic Dietitian Story:
When I was a senior in high school in 2002, I stared at myself in the mirror with tears coming down my face as I held it together all day, trying to be strong. While my older siblings were at college, I felt like I needed to be a backbone for the family and remain optimistic.
I spent the earlier 10 hours unexpectedly sitting at OSU Medical Center as my dad was undergoing a double organ transplant as a result of what type 1 diabetes did to his body. Even though I was fighting the same disease, his health stance is what has driven me to do everything possible to learn the most, articulate the best, and help as many people with diabetes as possible to use nutrition in a holistic way to have exceptional health.
On February 5th, 2002, a fire was lit within me, and today it only burns brighter to become an outspoken dietitian preventing any daughter, father, and anyone in-between from ever being in that same position. Having a chronic disease can be tough, but it shapes us into the heroes we are. I know in my soul I was meant to have type 1 diabetes, so I can better help YOU.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I was the keynote speaker for a local non-profit event for type 1 diabetes, and closing my speech; I helped the organization break a record in fundraising ever in the Cols OH JDRF history.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The balancing act of business owner, mother and setting boundaries of who I can help. I want to help all those my talents can benefit, but I often need to revisit who and what I say yes to. I empower my clients to only say yes to HELL yeses.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be an eager learner, and invest time and money in courses, webinars, and publications to continue to niche your skills. I try to take off every Friday afternoon for learning, creative work, and/or self-care so I can be the best coach for my clients.
- Find a mentor and others who are in the same field to mastermind with monthly. It's amazing how conversations can really reveal exactly what you want, need, and could pivot on for your business.
- Define what personal rest is to you, and make space for it. In healthcare and as a coach, it's far too easy to give too much of yourself away. I often need to revisit the boundaries I want to set for myself and my work.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Follow your gut. I had little to no exposure to any entrepreneurs growing up, but I saw this business I now have in my dreams at a young age, and I knew I needed an education and a few roles to learn communications skills, business, and more, before getting to where I am. What is your gut telling you? Do you ever pause and sense what it's trying to tell you?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kellyschmidtwellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyschmidtwellness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diabeticdietitian
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellyoc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kswellness/
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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