We recently connected with Denise Woods and have shared our conversation below.

Denise, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Taking a risk to bet on myself. It seems so easy when you have the knowledge and belief in what you’ve learned and want to share with others. But, imposter syndrome can halt you from moving forward. I experienced this for quite some time. It stopped me from betting on myself and moving forward with my vision. Eventually, I gained confidence in myself because others believed in me and it helped me to believe that I can create a business.

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?

I am a certified health coach and gut specialist and budding herbalist. I also created an e-commerce business where I offer teas that focus primarily on immune support and digestive health. I’ve since branched out to offer more herbal products that will be on my website fairly soon. My tea business is called Arawak Herbal Blends. The name represents my South American lineage. I grew up learning that herbal healing remedies were paramount.

Understanding natures remedies and all its benefits has played a major role in my studying herbalism. It makes my vision for my business full circle. I focus on healing the gut by making small habits with lifestyle changes which include tasty herbal teas.

My coaching business was born out of my own experience with digestive issues. I was a figure fitness competitor who was constantly constipated. I looked fit on the outside, but was suffering internally.

I had a routine colonoscopy and was diagnosed with a polyp. I had to have surgery. Thankfully the polyp was benign. This led me on my journey to improve my digestive health. I learned that it all starts with a healthy gut.

I studied at INN and got certified as a Health Coach. I continued my studies and got an advanced certificate in Gut Health. I began teaching about gut health via social media and progressed from there. This led me to creating digital products, courses, speaking at workshops and training others. I am enjoying the journey and excited for what’s ahead.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my audience on social media through trial and error. I tried following trends and other people. In the end, authenticity prevailed. I don’t use filters and I don’t dress up for social media. I give people the real version of me and my business. I don’t know anything about the algorithm. I know that people reach out to me and I respond. I know that I am genuinely helping others. I also know that as my business evolves I’m continuing to learn and evolve. I’m definitely getting better at social media, but I do not let it stress me out or overwhelm me. I go at my own place and I let my audience tell me what they need.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Creating my herbal business was daunting because I did not have a clue what I wanted to create. I knew I grew up using herbal remedies, but was unsure of my next steps. I went back to my roots. I drank tea in the morning and before bed daily. This was a natural routine in my culture. It was like a V-8 moment, make teas I told myself.

I started studying herbalism, and product formulation. I used my husband and family as taste testers. I created my first blend almost 2 years ago and I’ve continued to add to my product line.

It has not been easy, but I definitely have support. I joined a few herbalist memberships where I feel safe asking questions and enjoy learning. This was one of the best decisions I’ve made as an entrepreneur. I also bring to a small cohort of female entrepreneurs who meet weekly via Zoom to discuss our businesses and support each other. We have been together for over 3 years now. Each member has a different background and come from all over the world. This was the community that helped me emerge from Imposter Syndrome. I am grateful for both communities. They have helped me grow as an entrepreneur, and develop partnerships.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.denisevannootenhealthyliving.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisevannootenhealthyliving
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisevannootenhealthyliving/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@denisevannootenhealthyliving
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dvnhealthyliving

Image Credits
@crysralonbrand