We recently connected with Ali Lobo and have shared our conversation below.

Ali , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was launching my own LLC as a holistic nutrition coach. At the time (2020), I had a stable job and a predictable income, but I felt this deep, almost nagging pull toward creating something of my own—something that aligned with my passion for helping people live healthier, more balanced lives.

I wish I could say the decision felt completely right from the start, but the truth is, it was terrifying. There were so many unknowns: Would people trust me as their coach? Would I be able to find enough clients? And honestly, what if I failed? Those questions haunted me throughout the process. Even after I got my certification and made the leap, I’d often wake up in the middle of the night second-guessing myself. Was I really cut out for this? Did I make a mistake leaving behind the comfort and security of my old career?

The first year was especially tough. Building a client base felt slow, and I remember moments when I questioned whether I should just go back to what I knew. But with time, I started to see small wins: a client reporting their first breakthrough, a kind word about how my guidance helped someone regain their confidence. Those moments reminded me why I took the risk in the first place.

Looking back, taking that leap didn’t always feel right in the moment. It was uncomfortable, uncertain, and riddled with doubt. But what I learned is that growth doesn’t always come from certainty or comfort. Sometimes, it’s about holding on to your vision and trusting the process, even when it feels hard. That risk has since paid off, and I’m now doing work that fulfills me in a way I never imagined. I am now looking into furthering my education to become a therapist to continue helping others and to dive even deeper into better health outcomes.

Ali , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a holistic nutrition coach, clinic manager, and future therapist with a deep passion for helping people improve their well-being. I carry a deep passion for helping people create healthier, more balanced lives. My journey into this field was driven by a lifelong interest in wellness and a desire to empower others to take control of their health. I believe that true well-being goes beyond just diet—it’s about nourishing the body, mind, and spirit in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling.

With a background in environmental science, I’ve always been passionate about the connection between human health and the world around us. Over the years, I expanded that passion into holistic nutrition, recognizing that the way we eat, move, and care for ourselves has a profound impact on both our personal well-being and the planet. Through my coaching, I help individuals make meaningful, lasting changes that support their energy, digestion, mental clarity, and overall vitality.

What sets me apart is my personalized, practical approach. I don’t believe in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all diets. Instead, I focus on helping my clients build a deeper understanding of their own bodies, develop intuitive eating habits, and create a lifestyle that supports their goals—whether that’s improving gut health, reducing stress, increasing energy, or simply feeling more in tune with their own needs.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing my clients experience those “aha” moments—when they realize that small, intentional changes can lead to profound transformations. Watching people regain confidence, heal their relationship with food, and feel their best is what drives me every day.

My ultimate goal is to be a source of support, education, and empowerment for those looking to make positive changes in their lives. I want people to know that they don’t have to navigate their health journey alone. Whether you’re looking for guidance on nutrition, stress management, or overall well-being, I’m here to help you create a lifestyle that truly supports you—inside and out.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in life was when I decided to shift from a stable career in management to pursuing holistic nutrition and ultimately, therapy. For over 15 years, I worked in customer service and management roles, focusing a lot of my time in leadership, operations, and creating positive client experiences. While I enjoyed aspects of my work, I always felt a deeper calling—to help people on a more personal and transformative level.

The realization that made me WANT to pivot was when it hit me hard during a particularly stressful period in my life. It was 2019, in the midst of pandemic – I was burned out, constantly putting others’ needs before my own, and feeling disconnected from my own well-being. I had always been passionate about health and wellness, but up until that point, it had been something I explored personally rather than professionally. As I started making my own lifestyle changes—prioritizing nutrition, stress management, and self-care—I realized how much of an impact these shifts had on my energy, mood, and overall outlook on life.

I knew the pain of being a people pleaser, high achiever, and someone who did not put themselves first. I needed to make the leap. I started school that year, and then started my holistic nutrition coaching business right after. While healing and learning, I immersed myself in learning how to guide people toward sustainable health changes. It wasn’t easy leaving the comfort of what I knew, but stepping into this new path felt right.

Now, I’m pivoting again! After years of coaching, I am feeling called to dive even deeper by expanding my focus to therapy so I can support people not just nutritionally, but emotionally and mentally as well. This journey has taught me that change isn’t something to fear; it’s something to embrace. Every pivot has brought me closer to my purpose, and I’m excited to continue evolving, growing, and helping others do the same. I also learned that the relationship we have to ourselves, in turn affects every other relationship we have. I am so excited to grow and learn even more!

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing—because I believe life is a journey, not a straight path. My career has been anything but linear, and I’ve learned to embrace that. Every twist, every pivot, every unexpected turn has brought me closer to where I’m meant to be. I used to put so much pressure on myself to have things figured out! It never helped me. I encourage readers to explore, learn, and be intentional but honor the times in life where there is uncertainty. Not knowing what will happen, but having the courage to try brings growth, new perspective, and opportunities.

I really used to think I had to have everything figured out, that I needed a clear-cut plan. Over time, I’ve realized we are the hardest on ourselves, and we are doing SO MUCH better than we think we are. I’ve learned that the best opportunities come when you’re open to change, when you trust the process, and when you let go of the pressure to have it all mapped out.

Maybe if I started my passion for holistic health and therapy earlier, maybe I would have pursued it right away. I considered it a few times. But I also think that if I didn’t pursue my college degree and have the experiences that I did, I may be on an entirely different path all together. I’m commend those who have always known their path, but I am definitely someone who learns by experiences, makes lots of mistakes, and takes the longer, winding path in life.

So, no, I wouldn’t go back and choose a different path. I would remind myself to trust the journey, to be open to change, and to know that sometimes the detours lead you exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissialobo/

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