We recently connected with ARACELI VAZQUEZ and have shared our conversation below.
ARACELI , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
The Story of Building My Own Practice: From Butterflies in My Stomach to North Texas Success.
Starting my own practice was one of the most nerve racking moments of my career. I clearly remember the butterflies in my stomach as I prepared to sign my very first lease. I kept running the numbers in my head, wondering how many patients I would need to see to cover the rent.
My husband encouraged me to take the first leap fearlessly, and with his support, I signed my first office contract.
Only three months later, I had outgrown the space. An early sign of momentum was building when I moved into a larger office and hired my first assistant.
From there, my practice grew steadily, then exponentially. What began as a small step has become, more than 20 years later, a prosperous and respected nutrition practice serving North Texas.
It’s a journey marked by courage, wisdom, growth, and an unwavering compassion and commitment to helping others live healthier lives. And every time I walk into my office, I’m reminded of that first leap—and how far it carried me.
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.
As one of the few bilingual and multicultural Registered Dietitians in North Texas, I offer a unique perspective backed by over 20 years of clinical expertise. My career is defined by a deep technical mastery of clinical bariatric and renal nutrition. With a Master of Science in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University and a foundation in Chemistry and Biology from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, I bridge the gap between complex science and culturally resonant care. I am dedicated to providing specialized support in diabetes education and weight management, and family nutrition across the lifespan.
My ability to reach audiences with diverse cultural backgrounds and a variety of dietary needs allows me to provide patients with sound, practical advice. The most essential element is the heart‑to‑heart communication and genuine understanding I build with my patients. My passion for exploring the gastronomic traditions of diverse cultures has ultimately strengthened my ability to serve patients with empathy, cultural sensitivity, excellence, and outstanding quality.
Through each consultation, I empower my clients to improve their eating behaviors. Together, we build a foundation for a holistic lifestyle, healthful aging, and ultimately a vibrant and productive well-being.
Araceli Vázquez, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care Educator Specialist.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In the midst of the pandemic, I faced a life-altering breast cancer diagnosis. As I navigated a double mastectomy and impending radiation, my body was telling me to slow down. My office had transitioned online and our physical building was forced to close—a shift I initially welcomed as I focused on treatment. However, in June 2020, two of my youngest employees reached out; having just started their first jobs in January, they didn’t qualify for unemployment and were in urgent need of work.
Driven by a responsibility to them, I decided to reopen our doors. I began 8:30 AM radiation treatments, heading straight to the office afterward to work until 5:00 PM. Though the exhaustion was immense, the support I received when I finally shared my diagnosis with them was transformative. In retrospect, these young women helped me turn ‘poison into medicine.’ Their need for employment became my driving force, tapping into a well of resilience and humanity that kept me moving forward
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
In the Lone Star State, advanced certification is only part of the foundation. Providing bilingual services with humility, empathy, and respect is rooted in wisdom and knowledge.
To me, nutrition is more than a prescription—it is a heart-to-heart understanding that honors the unique cultural and ethnic heritage traditions of every client I serve. This recipe is essential to achieving lasting health and mutual respect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dietgenics.com
- Instagram: @dietgenics1
- Facebook: Dietgenics Nutrition Consulting, LLC
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/araceli-vazquez-ms-rdn-ld-cdces-ab71b514/
- Twitter: @Dietgenics
- Youtube: DietgenicsNutrition
Image Credits
The pictures belong to Dietgenics. We took those pictures at our office,