We recently connected with April Flynn and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, April thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission stems from witnessing my father’s health decline over the years, with little help from the traditional healthcare system. In my opinion, the system failed him, and it’s a pain I carry in my heart to this day. He battled preventable illnesses and mental health conditions that, with the right support and resources, could have been managed better, possibly saving his life. Losing him to Covid in December 2020 was a devastating blow.

His passing was a wake-up call that pushed me to become a Health Coach, determined to help others regain their health through lifestyle habits, mindset shifts, and meditation. In 2018, I shared my dream of becoming an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with my father, and he wholeheartedly supported me, offering to pay for my certification. I refused, wanting to pursue it independently, but fate had different plans.

After 2020’s tragic events, I realized I couldn’t wait any longer to chase my purpose. I left my unfulfilling corporate job and dove into my passion, starting my health coaching journey in 2021. With the support of my loving partner, I enrolled at IIN and completed the accelerated 6-month course. The journey was tough, but I felt my father’s guiding presence, pushing me to make my dreams a reality.

By the end of 2022, I launched my business, Nourished by April Flynn (aka Nourished AF), helping people manage their nutrition, stress, sleep, movement, and overall well-being through an integrative and holistic approach. I recently joined The Wellness Way of Sarasota as their Health Coach, grateful for the opportunities life has bestowed upon me.

I believe we all have the power to reclaim our health with the right support and resources. Health and wellness are about more than appearances; it’s about feeling vibrant and alive. My goal is to guide and support others in feeling their best selves, preventing needless suffering as my father experienced. I honor his memory through my work, driven to make a difference in the lives of others, just as he did in mine.

April, 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 entered the Health and Wellness industry fueled by my passion for understanding and addressing my own health concerns related to generalized anxiety and panic attacks. While living abroad in Bermuda from 2009 to 2014, I experienced debilitating panic attacks, and traditional medical advice of just managing stress with medication wasn’t enough for me. I was determined to delve into the root cause of my anxiety and find a more holistic approach to healing. This journey became the foundation for my own transformation and eventually led me to help others on their wellness journeys too.

Through self-care, meditation, breathwork, and adopting a healthier lifestyle, I found ways to cope with my anxiety. Yet, I knew there was more to explore. I delved deeper into the role of gut health and its impact on overall well-being. As I experimented on myself and shared my experiences with others, I realized that there was a gap in the healthcare industry. Even with testing and answers, implementing lifestyle changes proved to be the most challenging part.

And that’s how Health Coaching and Nourished AF came to be. Nourished by April Flynn is my health and wellness program, where I serve as a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. My mission is to help individuals improve their overall health and well-being through a holistic approach that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. My personalized program may include nutrition coaching, exercise guidance, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client and help them achieve their specific goals.

As a health coach, I provide unwavering support, expert guidance, and accountability, empowering my clients to stay on track and transform their lives. My journey of self-discovery has inspired me to make a positive impact in the lives of others, guiding them towards a path of holistic wellness, just as I found my own way. Together, we embark on a transformative journey, creating lasting change that nourishes and uplifts every aspect of their well-being.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A powerful lesson I had to unlearn was the scarcity mindset that had gripped my life. I found myself trapped in a fear-based mentality, constantly believing that there would never be enough – not enough money, time, connections, attention, rest, health, happiness, credentials, power, or love. It was as if I had internalized this outlook from somewhere along my life’s journey, and it was holding me back from reaching my fullest potential. I realized that this mindset wasn’t truly mine to carry, and I made a conscious decision to release it.

Confronting this scarcity mindset required deep inner work and self-reflection. I had to challenge the limiting beliefs that were ingrained in me and replace them with empowering thoughts. It was a transformative process, and as I gradually shifted to a mindset of abundance and love, my entire world transformed with it.

Living from a place of love, rather than fear, brought a newfound sense of ease and gentleness to my life. It allowed me to heal and extend a helping hand to even more people. I began to see the abundant possibilities surrounding me and recognize the blessings that were already present in my life. As I shifted my perspective, my life began to blossom in beautiful ways.

A book that has been instrumental in my journey is “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay. This profound read has guided me through my unlearning process and provided valuable insights into healing and personal growth.

Today, I embrace the abundance that life has to offer, knowing that I am worthy of all the goodness that comes my way. Releasing the scarcity mindset has opened doors to opportunities I once thought were out of reach. I am forever grateful for this transformation, and it continues to inspire me to live authentically and fearlessly, embracing the limitless potential that resides within me.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth has proven to be the most powerful source of new clients for my business, and I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my amazing friends. From the very beginning, they have been there for me, championing my work and referring clients with genuine enthusiasm. One of my closest friends, Gail Gerbig, who is a therapist, played a pivotal role in helping me secure some of my first clients. Our collaboration has been mutually beneficial, as her clients have experienced incredible results through our combined efforts.

Networking in the community has also played a significant role in gaining traction for my business. The support and referrals from my best friend, Felicia Bryant, the owner of Siesta Glow Spray Tanning, have been nothing short of heartwarming. Felicia’s encouragement and enthusiastic recommendations have introduced many new clients to my services.

The power of friendship and collaboration in business cannot be underestimated. It is through these genuine connections and partnerships that I have been able to reach more people and make a positive impact on their lives. I am incredibly fortunate to have such incredible friends who not only believe in me but actively contribute to the growth and success of my business. Their unwavering support has been the driving force behind the expansion of my client base and the realization of my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nourishedaf.biz
• Instagram: @nourishedaf_

Image Credits
Cassie Wegeng Photography