We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrea O’Donnell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Andrea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
Yes, you’re absolutely right. Naming anything, especially a business, can be quite a challenge. I recall the ordeal of naming my first dog, Rocky; it felt like my husband and I deliberated for ages before settling on a name. The struggle continued when it came to naming our children – it was so difficult with my son that a nurse had to intervene, and told us we had to choose a name or she would choose one for us because we couldn’t leave the hospital without one!
I’m someone who takes naming seriously. I believe names carry meaning and significance, evoking various associations for different people. Consider naming a child: certain names would trigger negative memories or associations for my husband or me, making the process even more daunting. I prefer names that have meaning or significance (like naming after a relative, memory, or meaning attached to it); or are easy to pronounce and remember, especially for a business, as I believe a business name should either resonate with people or be forgettable.
When it came to naming my Nutritional Therapy program, many suggested using my first name with a descriptor of what I do. While this approach is common and practical, it didn’t feel right for me. Firstly, my name doesn’t lend itself to catchy rhymes or flows like “Sarah’s Sweet Shop.” Also, I preferred to avoid lengthy names, especially with three syllables, as they can become cumbersome, particularly when adding the type of business (e.g., Andrea O’Donnell Nutrition). Moreover, I envisioned expanding my business and didn’t want my name to limit its potential.
As I was researching my business name, I wrote out all the reasons I wanted to create a business, including to help people get the root cause of their symptoms and support them on their healing journey, while listening, caring, and creating a trusting safe space. I also wrote out play on words I liked together – like the Double “R” and rhyming, etc. And I wanted something simple, clear, and concise for people to get a good idea as to what I do. I also wanted to keep the wording gender neutral, to not exclude anyone specifically. Finally, I wanted to keep the business specific, as a nutritionist, but not too specific, like a gut guru or blood sugar practitioner, to pigeonhole me into a specific area, mostly because I didn’t have a niche at the time. I do wish I could have added “wellness,” which I think is a bit more well-rounded with what I do, but maybe one day.
After several iterations and thorough research to ensure the name wasn’t already in use, I settled on “Rising Roots Nutrition.” To me, this name signifies empowering individuals to rise above their health challenges, addressing the root causes of their symptoms, and reclaiming control over their well-being.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve always been passionate about helping others, whether through counseling or transitioning into the health and wellness space. As a first-generation college student, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. However, my love for psychology led me to pursue a Masters in Multicultural Counseling and Diversity from San Diego State University. Despite growing up with many blessings, stress was a constant in my life. From a tumultuous childhood with immigrant parents and an alcoholic father to navigating college as a first-generation student, life was unpredictable.
During college, I faced digestive issues and weight gain. Initially, I normalized feeling “hangry” until I realized it wasn’t typical. Despite seeking medical advice, I felt unheard as doctors dismissed my symptoms or told me I was “normal” because my labs stated it, or just to work out a little harder.
Years later, my husband and I struggled to conceive, exacerbated by seven years of birth control use. Upon discovering thyroid issues, Eastern medicine provided the support I needed, leading to a successful pregnancy. However, postpartum, I continued to battle digestive issues, low milk supply, fatigue, and weight fluctuations, feeling isolated in my struggles. I was able to conceive my second child, but the quest to feel better remained.
Determined to find solutions beyond prescriptions, I delved into holistic health to prioritize my well-being for my children’s sake. Managing stress through practices like breathwork and yoga became essential. Recognizing the interconnectedness of health and lifestyle, I embarked on a journey to help other women facing similar challenges.
Transitioning from counseling and Human Resources to Nutritional Therapy allowed me to align my career with my passion. I decided to take a bold move and go back to school to do something that I was passionate about and live my purpose – to help other women who are struggling with health issues and not feeling heard. I became a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) and never looked back.
I started my own practice, Rising Roots Nutrition, LLC, which encompassed all of my beliefs, from a holistic, mind-body approach, to functional, root cause healing. I later was certfieid as a breathwork facilitator to help others regulate the nervous system. My mission is to inspire and empower women to harness their inner strength and to support and guide them towards a sustainable lifestyle that promotes resilient health and long lasting wellness.
Last year, my purpose was reignited by the passing of my mother. She courageously battled pancreatic cancer, but unfortunately, her fight was brief, and she passed away just 28 days after diagnosis. Her illness brought back memories of my lifelong struggle to help her overcome her addiction to sugar. While part of my journey into health and wellness was for the betterment of myself and my children, a significant motivator was my desire to support my mother in achieving optimal health. Since I was a kid I tried to help her quit sugar, and help her to find the will to live and lose weight. Her own stress and addiction prevented her from truly living to her full potential – and when she passed I was fueled by a new fire – to motivate, encourage and empower women to see their own true potential and to quit the sugar addiction through education and tools and reclaim their health! I truly believe that we have the ability to heal, if we look within – we just have to find our own “why” and go from there!
My main focus is working with women over 40 to optimiza their metabolism to alleviate symptoms, such as trouble losing weight, brain fog, bloating, anxiety, sugar cravings and so on. However, I do work with men as well. I believe that health is not just what we eat, but built upon multiple pillars, such as our sleep, stress, movement, and so forth. What sets me apart from others, in my point of view, is that I don’t just give people a handout and send them on their way – I believe in education and that the more we know the better choices we can make. I also take the time to listen to each person, hear their story and understand where the root is, and then work together to heal from within. I believe that you can have your cake and eat a BITE too! I am truly passionate about what I do and supporting the community that I do!
I am most proud of being a mom to two amazing kids, and being able to teach them about making healthy food choices. I am also proud of being able to build a business from nothing, and no one – but on a simple dream and determination.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
There are several key factors that have contributed to building my reputation in the market. First and foremost, integrity, determination, and providing a safe space for my clients are paramount. I prioritize creating an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and know they are truly heard. Honesty is fundamental to my approach; if I don’t believe I’m the right fit for someone, or if my services aren’t what they need, I won’t hesitate to communicate that. I don’t engage in cold sales tactics just to secure a client; I want individuals to feel genuinely cared for. Additionally, I’m transparent about my knowledge and limitations, openly sharing resources and committing to research when necessary.
Secondly, I recognize the importance of networking and fostering relationships within the community. I highly recommend involvement in groups like the Chamber of Commerce or BNI (Business Network International) to establish meaningful connections.
Lastly, positive feedback from satisfied clients shared on platforms like social media and Google reviews has significantly contributed to the growth of my business and the solidification of my reputation. Their endorsements serve as valuable testimonials that reinforce trust and credibility in my services.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Throughout my life, I’ve found myself navigating numerous shifts – from the uncertainties of my childhood to various career paths. I consider resilience and drive among my strengths, attributes undoubtedly influenced by my upbringing. As a first-generation college student, I lacked clarity about my future aspirations, constrained by limited room for imagination. Initially drawn to acting and dance, then fashion marketing, and later considering sociology/psychology, I was often steered towards more ‘practical’ fields like business for financial stability. It wasn’t until my senior year that I discovered my passion for psychology, prompting a swift pivot towards earning a master’s in multicultural counseling.
For a decade, I immersed myself in counseling, only to feel restricted by institutional norms that stifled creativity and independent thinking, relegating such pursuits to the realm of professors. The desire for more autonomy and creativity led me to transition into training and development within the private sector, specifically Human Resources at a startup. However, the demanding hours and limited time with my children prompted a reevaluation.
Driven by a longing to support others facing similar challenges, I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship, balancing full-time work, parenthood, and academic pursuits. Running a business proved to be a demanding yet fulfilling endeavor, necessitating constant adaptation, whether in client interactions or exploring innovative approaches to wellness through supplements and protocols.
Amidst navigating a new practice, I encountered numerous barriers – financial constraints, lack of support, wearing multiple hats, and the absence of mentorship. Last year, I suffered the devastating loss of my biggest supporter, my mom, to pancreatic cancer. Her passing coincided with the initial growth of my budding business, plunging me into a whirlwind of exhaustion, grief, and overwhelm. Despite the immense emotional weight, I persevered, drawing strength from her memory and fueled by a fervent desire to spare others from enduring similar hardships.
In her honor, I resolved to actualize a long-held dream, embarking on the creation of a program aimed at alleviating the struggles my mom endured. This endeavor has been marked by countless tears, moments of despair, and the daunting task of navigating personal upheavals, including relocation to a new state with my husband and two children amidst the holiday season. Presently, I confront fresh challenges, such as networking and forging new relationships, all while diligently advancing my business.
Through it all, I remain resolute in honoring my mom’s legacy and dedicated to manifesting positive change, even in the face of adversity. Each circumstance along this journey has deepened my understanding of grit, determination, and resilience, enriching my personal and professional growth immeasurably.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.risingrootsnutrition.com
- Instagram: risingrootsnutrition
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingrootsnutrition
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTTJSYykLLXa0ZPUGB1ctJA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@risingrootsnutrition https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rising+Roots+Nutrition,+LLC/@34.1680349,-113.5964889,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x42fa127a1571e635:0x85a334ff6b5f601a!8m2!3d34.168035!4d-113.5964889!16s%2Fg%2F11sqcwyct4?entry=ttu