We were lucky to catch up with Earl Monkou recently and have shared our conversation below.
Earl, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The initial idea came from my mother, who suggested selling granola. At first, I was hesitant and filled with questions, but I decided to give it a try. I remember telling my girlfriend about my new venture, and while she had her concerns, she eventually supported me.
A pivotal moment came when my mentor took me on a vision session, helping me see the broader potential of being a business owner. He encouraged me to view the business not just as selling granola but as an opportunity to educate and inspire others. This perspective excited me and made me passionate about the possibilities.
Education and inspiring people to live healthier lives is my passion. I’ve helped individuals with chronic conditions either reverse or improve their health through the plans I’ve provided. I never imagined that selling granola would lead me on this journey, but my mentor was right when he said, “Earl, this is more than just selling granola.” Education is key, and sharing the benefits of ingredients and inspiring people to live healthier lives has become my mission ever since.
Earl, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I entered this industry thanks to influential people in my life: my mother and a close family friend who became my mentor. Though he passed away years ago, his teachings remain invaluable to me.
My business began with selling granola and educating customers on the benefits of the ingredients. I started selling at farmers’ markets, but over time, my focus shifted towards helping people with their health issues. I began giving presentations at churches and events about healthy living. With a degree in health science, I could speak on various health topics, which led me to enroll in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a health coach. This was the beginning of my journey to assist people with diabetes.
As I gained certifications, I introduced new products. I started selling wellness shots to my coworkers, who convinced me to offer larger bottles. This led to adding juices and juice cleanses to my product line.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come and the lives I’ve positively impacted. Today, people respect and value my health advice.
One lesson I’ve learned is that this journey isn’t easy. When motivation wanes, discipline is crucial to keep going.
My goal is to simplify people’s health goals. Many people find it challenging to adopt a healthier lifestyle, especially if they’ve lived a certain way for a long time. I’m here to make that transition easier.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe in being honest with clients, never cutting corners, and always putting my best foot forward. This commitment to integrity and excellence has helped me build a strong reputation in the market. By consistently delivering high-quality products and valuable health advice, I’ve earned the trust and respect of my clients. Word-of-mouth referrals and positive feedback have played a significant role in expanding my business and establishing my brand as a reliable source for health and wellness.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I stay connected with clients through social media, where I do a lot of my education, announce sales, and run challenges. It’s amazing to see the impact when people recognize me and say they are participating in my challenges or eating more of the fruits I recommended. I also receive direct messages from folks asking health-related questions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.natureshype.com
- Instagram: @natureshype
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natureshype
- Twitter: @Natureshype
Image Credits
Image credit to Evan Morsell