We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Beth Kronenberg a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Beth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
On August 10, 2016, with $500 in my bank account, I signed a sub-letters renters agreement to a physical space for my business. As a health coach I had been operating out of my home, car and just about every coffee shop in town- meeting with clients and helping them improve their health through better eating choices. But I knew that the kitchen was an important piece to all of this. And I wanted to show my clients- in a hands on manner- that working their shift in the kitchen was one of the most meaningful ways to change their health (and their waistline) That year- Kitchen Shift was born. Since 2016- just 7 years later- I have my own brick and mortar shop. I have a certified kitchen where I instruct both in person and virtually. I have expanded to also have a retail space where you can shop (again- in person or virtually from my website) for the best supplements availble!
Taking a risk on myself that August morning has turned into a 6 figure business- and one that has helped hundreds of individuals shift their health to a better state!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Beth Kronenberg. I own a business called Kitchen Shift. I am a health coach and nutritionist who works with clients to improve their relationship with food (and themselves) through everyday lifestyle shifts. I use my 8 pillars of health as a foundation to guide my clients. I got into coaching 14 years ago (in 2008) after spending a decade in pharmaceutical and medical sales. I saw first hand how the current US healthcare system bandaids so many health issues- with pharmaceutical drugs- and rarely takes lifestyle changes- like nutrition, exercise and stress management into account.
When my husband was diagnosed with Celiac disease that same year- I began to see first hand how improving your food choices (and subsequently your gut health) can transform you life.
I am so proud of the community I have built- but most of all- that this community leans on me for trusted and honest information. The nutrition world is confusing- there are so many fad diets and programs out there that promise quick fixes without deeper change. But at Kitchen Shift, my clients know that true health is a journey. I offer programs virtually to anyone in the world that is ready to MAKE SHIFT HAPPEN!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2021, my daughter experienced a series of health issues that landed us in 2 different hospitals for 14 nights. During the six months that this occurred- my life was very stormy. As a small business owner with only a part time helper, I was very concerned my business would not survive. Financially and emotionally I was stretched to my limits.
Fortunately, I was able to step outside of myself and coach myself as I would my own client. I began to work on boundaries and seeking a “peace” state for myself. I made whole food nutrition and regular exercise a habit. Even when I was overnight in the hospital with my daughter- I would pack my workout clothes and ear buds and put together a workout using the bench in the garden of the hospital. I reduced my alcohol consumption (sometimes having no alcohol for stretches of weeks) and prioritized rest and sleep. I worked to block out toxic people and surrounded myself with a small circle of friends who would support me. I was vulnerable with my Kitchen Shift community and built trust with them as they saw me as a “real person” during this time
It is amazing what we can overcome when we DEEPLY care for ourselves. When we put the oxygen mask on ourselves FIRST- so that we can then love and care for those close to us.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Empathy. Empathy can be described in many ways- but the ability to listen and meet a client where they are is so important. Everyone enters their health journey in a different place and space. The ability as a coach, to meet them where they are with love and kindness- is critical.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kitchenshift.com
- Instagram: @kitchenshift
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kitchenshift
- Linkedin: Beth Kronenberg
- Twitter: @kitchenshift
Image Credits
Kristin Tatem photography