We recently connected with Denali Lord and have shared our conversation below.
Denali , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
I knew what I wanted to offer was not yet available in the Denver / Boulder area. I wanted to provide comprehensive services that focused on the overall well-being of an individual including nutrition, pilates, training and fitness, as well as focusing on an individual’s mindset as it pertains to the individuals’ health.
The initial challenges included filing my business, establishing where and how I would offer services, what I would charge, and who my target audience was. What I would do differently is to really push social media and marketing my business to get it out there.
My advice for anyone starting their health and wellness practice is to first know exactly what you want to offer and who you want to offer it to.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As a teenager who struggled with disordered eating, I knew I wanted to study nutrition and the impact our mindset has on our relationship with food and ultimately, with ourselves. Fast forward to college and graduate school where I obtained Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nutrition/ Dietetics from Auburn University. I then obtained my Registered Dietitian credential after completing my dietetic internship through the UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham).
It was during college that I started teaching fitness and realized that I ultimately wanted to create a company that provided a complete wellness spectrum that included nutrition, mindset, and movement as a means for optimal health. I have taught a variety of formats including step aerobics, kickboxing, water aerobics, cycling, HIIT, Les Mills classes, strength classes, yoga, pilates, and Lagree. I have also obtained multiple certifications in personal training, health coaching and wellness.
Denali Lord Nutrition & Wellness is designed to meet individuals where they are currently are in order to create lasting behavior change. I offer both in person and virtual nutrition, pilates, personal training, as well as health and mindset coaching.
What makes me unique from others is my comprehensive approach to wellness and health. I believe that health is multi-dimensional and includes out mental, emotional, physical, environmental, relational and financial health. It is difficult to be “healthy” when one of these aspects is lacking. A balance amongst the dimensions must be obtained. I help individuals find that balance while overcoming self-doubt, fear and any other perceived barriers so that they can achieve their health goals and love their best life yet.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Word of mouth referrals. Client referrals have the biggest impact on my business. When we do an amazing job of helping others, clients naturally want to share about how amazing you are and how you have helped them.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Absolutely! My entire world revolves around wellness and nutrition and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
The only thing I would go back in time to change is my mindset about it all- for years I doubted myself when there was nothing to doubt. If I had the same self-confidence that I do now, there’s no telling where my business could be!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.denalilord.com
- Instagram: denali_lord AND wellness_with_denali
- Linkedin: Denali Lord
- Twitter: N/A
- Yelp: N/ A
- Other: Podcast- Denali Lord Nutrition & Wellness
Image Credits
Chelsea Reynolds Artistry- please do not add any kind of filter to image.