We recently connected with Lesley Shelley and have shared our conversation below.

Lesley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

When I embarked on the journey of starting my own business as a nutritionist, it was a significant risk, but one that carried profound personal significance. At first glance, the health and wellness field might not appear risky due to its thriving nature and projected growth. However, the context in which I took this risk was marked by a tumultuous period of transition in my life.

I had recently overcome a physically debilitating ailment, which provided me with newfound perspective and a deep appreciation for the importance of nutrition and wellness. This experience fueled my passion to share my knowledge and make a meaningful impact. I had a clear vision for my business, but self-doubt clouded my initial steps. I questioned whether I could capture the interest of my target audience in a field saturated with trends and fads, and whether I could effectively convey the principles of nutrition and wellness in a way that would truly benefit everyday people.

Several factors contributed to my self-doubt. Establishing a social media presence was extremely intimidating, and the looming specter of imposter syndrome or being called a charlatan weighed on my confidence. Nonetheless, the essence of taking this risk lay in understanding that success was possible but not guaranteed. I refused to entertain the thought of failure; my unwavering passion for wellness was my driving force.

The early days were challenging, with moments of uncertainty and the temptation to seek fallback options through various job applications. However, every time I contemplated giving up, fate seemed to step in. Clients reached out for my services, and contracts provided a lifeline, reinforcing my belief in the path I had chosen. I had to remind myself to see it through and resist the urge to give up prematurely.

Today, I can confidently say that taking this risk was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The motivation to persist stemmed from the testimonials of satisfied clients, the transformative impact on communities and families I had the privilege to work with, and the tangible, life-changing results that validated my mission. It became clear that my work had a profound purpose, and I am on the right path.

Though moments of nervousness and doubt persisted, I’m grateful for the decision to stay the course. The journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. So far, so good, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact through my work as a nutritionist.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My awareness of the grand world of nutrition was ignited by deeply personal experiences. I struggled with digestive issues for many years, but it was becoming a mother that truly shifted the trajectory of my life. The desire to overcome my lifelong digestive battles, ensure a healthy pregnancy, and provide my child with the best possible start in life became the driving force behind my quest to understand the fundamental role of nutrition.

The transformative power of nutrition became increasingly evident during pregnancy and while caring for my child. It was through these pivotal life stages that I delved into extensive research, recognizing how nutrition fundamentally impacts our overall health and well-being. Through dedication and exploration, I not only conquered my digestive issues but also embarked on a journey of nutritional discovery that would shape my future.

I chose to deepen my knowledge by pursuing a Master of Science in Nutrition solidifying my commitment to the belief that food can serve as medicine and a potent healing tool. This foundational principle is at the core of my approach.
My mission is to empower my clients by guiding them toward a fresh, whole-food perspective on dietary maintenance. I firmly believe in the transformational potential of individualized, patient-centered strategies to attain nutritional wellness. Continuously seeking the latest insights in the field, I stay abreast of current nutrition trends through evidence-based educational opportunities, covering areas like mindful eating, functional medicine, emotional wellness, and more.

The services I provide encompass a range of offerings, including nutrition consultations, personalized meal planning, hands-on ‘cook with me’ sessions, specialized pediatric nutrition, and women’s health nutrition. In addition to services, my product line includes wellness journals for all ages, with more offerings in the pipeline for the entire family.

What truly sets me apart is my practical, real approach to nutrition and wellness. I firmly believe that what we consume and how we treat our bodies forms the bedrock of our overall well-being. I take immense pride in the work I’ve accomplished with families in underserved communities, women seeking natural conception, and clients who have successfully reversed chronic diseases. My brand is rooted in authenticity and approachability.

My overarching mission is to democratize nutritional wellness and ensure that educational resources on this vital subject are accessible to all, irrespective of age, health condition, or economic status. I’m here to guide and support you to optimal health and whole-body wellness.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that education is enough. I thought being highly educated was sufficient in my field. With a Master’s degree in nutrition and an extensive background in clinical experience, I initially assumed that these qualifications would open doors to various job opportunities in my industry. It wasn’t until I completed my clinical experience and embarked on my professional journey that I encountered a stark reality.

The expectations and requirements for jobs in the nutrition field varied significantly from state to state and even among different positions. This revelation was eye-opening. It made me realize that while education is undoubtedly crucial and serves as a foundational stepping stone, experience holds even greater value. Essentially, it’s experience that truly paves the way for broader opportunities and career growth.

In essence, I had to unlearn the notion that education alone would be enough to propel me forward. Instead, I came to understand that education acts as the key or gateway so to say, while experience is the bridge to success. Experience not only refines one’s skills but also provides a deeper understanding of the nuances within the field, making it an invaluable asset in my opinion.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As I mentioned earlier, there was a critical juncture in my journey where resilience played a pivotal role. There was a time when I faced a challenging period in my business, one that put my commitment and determination to the test. Initially, my business was flourishing, with a consistent flow of opportunities, workshops, and clients. However, as is often the case in any entrepreneurial endeavor, there came a time when the flow of clients and contracts dwindled for several months. I faced moments of uncertainty and doubt, wondering if I should reconsider my path.

I maintain my daughter’s education using a hands-on, real-life application approach. A particular incident at the bank stands out as a significant test of my resilience. While we were there for a transaction, a bank teller recognized me and inquired about the state of my business, noting that it had been thriving and then appeared to have just stopped. Her question struck a chord with me. Before I left, she said something encouraging that I do not remember to this day. Although she was well-intentioned, our conversation left me feeling disheartened. Though I responded with respect because she was my elder, her inquiry had hurt me to the core. It led me to question my choices and wonder if I was making the right decisions. However, despite the emotional setback, I chose to stay the course.

Over time, I managed to shake off the doubt and refocus my efforts. The experience taught me that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and resilience is the key to overcoming them. Today, I look back on that moment as a reminder of my resolute commitment to my path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://talknutritionwithlesley.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talknutritionwithlesley/