We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emily Kyle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emily below.

Emily, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Starting my business, especially a business in the cannabis industry, wasn’t something I planned from the beginning. It all started as an enjoyable hobby. At the time, I was working full-time as a registered dietitian in a hospital. While the work was meaningful, it always felt like something was missing. There was this quiet restlessness inside me, a yearning for something more, but I didn’t quite know what that looked like yet.

It all started on the side. Every night after work, every weekend, and even during those precious nap times when my kids were asleep, I would carve out time to build something of my own, my website which offered nutrition and cannabis education. It was messy and exhausting, but I was determined to see where this would lead. Back then, I wasn’t thinking about turning it into my full-time career—I was just curious and wanted to explore a new path.

For nearly three years, I juggled my life at the hospital with my side hustle. The days were long, and the balancing act often felt overwhelming. Some nights, I barely had the energy to sit at my laptop, but I had this vision of building something bigger, and I didn’t want to let it go. There were moments during those three years when it felt like I wasn’t making any progress at all, but with every small step forward, that spark of hope grew brighter.

Eventually, I reached a breaking point at the hospital. I wasn’t feeling fulfilled, and I realized that staying in my job was holding me back. I decided to quit, and it wasn’t something I had fully prepared for. Walking away from a steady paycheck and financial security was terrifying. I remember feeling completely untethered, wondering if I had made the biggest mistake of my life. But instead of falling apart, I started to believe in the process. I told myself that I could build the safety net I needed on my way down, and that belief became my anchor.

Those first few months after leaving my job were a whirlwind. I had to figure out how to generate income consistently, piece together systems, and learn by doing. There were plenty of mistakes, but there were also small victories, and with each win, I gained confidence. I was creating something I had control over, and while it wasn’t easy, it was deeply rewarding.

Looking back, those three years of side hustling were the foundation for everything I have now. During that time, I was building skills, learning resilience, and proving to myself that I could make it work. What felt like an eternity back then now feels like a blink, and the results have been more than worth it.

Since leaving my hospital job, I’ve not only built a business capable of supporting me but one that’s allowed me to retire my husband, provide for my two sons, and travel the world. It’s the kind of freedom and fulfillment I never imagined possible. If there’s one thing I want others to take away from my story, it’s that it’s okay to start small. Work on your side hustle steadily, even if it takes years. The progress might feel slow while you’re in the trenches, but those small, consistent steps can lead to something incredible. And when you’re ready to leap, trust yourself. You’ll figure it out on the way down, and what feels like the end of security might just be the beginning of something limitless.

Emily, 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’m Emily Kyle, a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified holistic cannabis practitioner, and entrepreneur. My mission is to empower individuals to reclaim their health and well-being in a natural and holistic way. My work really began from a passion to help others and a desire to transform the way people think about nutrition, plant medicine, holistic health, and how they care for their bodies.

I got into this field after years of working in traditional health settings, where I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. While I valued my work, I knew there was a more natural, holistic way to help individuals take charge of their wellness. I began exploring nutritional therapies, holistic practices, and eventually the powerful possibilities of cannabis as medicine. From there, I was inspired to build a business that could combine science-backed nutritional expertise with practical, approachable solutions for people looking for a different way to feel better.

Today, I provide a variety of services, tools, and resources to help my clients and community live healthier, more vibrant lives. Whether it’s educational content and innovative recipes to Masterclasses and online courses, I aim to meet people where they are in their wellness journey. I specialize in helping individuals explore the therapeutic benefits of cannabis alongside other natural lifestyle practices. My work helps clients manage stress, improve their mental health, and take back control of their bodies through whole-person wellness practices.

What sets my business apart is the emphasis on empowerment and education. There’s so much misinformation out there, especially when it comes to nutrition and cannabis. I believe in equipping my community with the resources and knowledge they need to make informed, confident decisions about their health. Every tool I create, every recipe I share, and every course I provide is designed to inspire sustainable changes that align with my clients’ unique needs and goals. I focus on blending evidence-based strategies with a compassionate, judgment-free approach because I know firsthand how overwhelming the wellness space can feel.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built through my work. Helping people feel seen, supported, and capable has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Alongside that, I’m especially proud of pioneering educational tools that help make cannabis and holistic nutrition accessible to everyday people. From my 5 best-selling cookbooks, to my online guides and resources, I’ve been able to support tens of thousands of people in taking meaningful steps toward their own personal health goals.

At the heart of my mission is the desire to show others that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Whether it’s introducing easy, nourishing recipes, teaching the science behind cannabis, or offering real-world wellness solutions, my goal is to make holistic health approachable and achievable. I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is personal—I care deeply about the people I serve, and seeing them thrive is what drives everything I do.

If there’s anything I want others to take away from my story, it’s this: You have the power to change your life, starting right where you are. With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can make small, sustainable changes that result in big transformations. My work is about helping you find that path, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been a decade-long journey of patience, persistence, and authenticity. As I near the incredible milestone of 500,000 Facebook followers, I want people to know it wasn’t an overnight success or a quick viral moment that got me here. It took me TEN years to grow this platform. Ten years of showing up, putting out content, adapting, and staying consistent through all the challenges.

To give you an idea of how much perseverance this took, it was nine years before I reached 50,000 followers. For years, I posted content that barely received any likes or comments. There were countless days when it felt like no one was paying attention. But I made a decision early on to focus on playing the long game. Instead of chasing instant gratification or trying to create “quick wins,” I leaned into authenticity and thought about building a community that would stay engaged with me for the long haul.

My goal was never just to grow the numbers, but to create meaningful connections with my audience. This approach required me to stay true to myself and my message, even when the algorithms or trends suggested doing otherwise. It also pushed me to continue posting content that I felt strongly about, even during those times when the interaction was nonexistent. It wasn’t glamorous, and I’ll be honest, there were moments when it was hard to stay motivated. But those quiet years taught me the value of patience, consistency, and trusting the process. Eventually, the results started to come, and it was all worth it.

For anyone just starting to build their social media accounts, here’s some advice based on what I’ve learned over these past ten years of growth:

1. **Play the Long Game**
Social media success, especially if you’re looking for authenticity and sustainability, is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing your chapter one to someone else’s chapter ten. Set realistic expectations, and remind yourself that meaningful growth takes time. Think about what kind of audience you want to attract, and commit to pursuing that vision, even if it feels like progress is slow at first.

2. **Stay Consistent, Even When It’s Quiet**
One of the hardest things for me was showing up when it felt like no one was listening. But consistency is key. It tells your audience (and the algorithms) you’re there for the long haul. Even if you’re posting to a small audience or there’s little engagement, keep sharing content that reflects your values and expertise. Consistency builds trust and familiarity, which are essential for growing an engaged community.

3. **Focus on Authentic Connections**
People can tell when you’re being genuine, and authenticity creates a connection that no gimmick or trend ever can. Think of your audience as individuals, not just numbers. Engage with them, reply to comments, and take an interest in what they’re saying. This will help build relationships, and those relationships are what keep people coming back.

4. **Be Willing to Start Small**
When you’re just starting out, focus on creating quality content for the people who are already following you. Even if it’s just a handful of supporters, remember that every audience starts small. Create for them like you’re speaking to a room of friends. If they feel appreciated and valued, they’ll help spread the word.

5. **Don’t Chase Trends at the Cost of Your Values**
It’s tempting to hop on every social media trend in an attempt to go viral or boost your numbers. While trends can sometimes help, they should never compromise your values or your message. Stay true to who you are and what your brand represents. The right people will connect with that, and they’ll stay with you because of it.

6. **Keep Learning and Adapting**
Social media platforms are always changing. Algorithms shift, new tools emerge, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Be open to experimenting with new strategies or platforms, and don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t working. Staying curious and adaptable has been one of the most valuable lessons of my social media growth.

Looking back, there were times I wondered if it was all worth it. But now, having built a supportive community that trusts and values what I share, I can confidently say yes. The rewards don’t always show up right away, but when they do, they make every moment of hard work worth it. If you’re starting out, remember that building something meaningful takes time. Be patient, be true to yourself, and keep going—even on the days when it feels like nothing is happening. Eventually, you’ll reap the rewards, just like I have.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of social media and email marketing. Each plays a critical role in my overall approach, but together, they create a system that consistently drives engagement, builds trust, and converts casual followers into loyal clients.

I see social media as the entry point to my business. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give me the opportunity to connect with a wide audience and share content that aligns with my mission and values. Through social media, I can meet people where they are, spark their interest, and start a conversation about the topics that matter to them. However, my ultimate goal with every piece of content I post is to guide my audience closer to subscribing to my email list.

Why? Because social media is rented space. I have no control over algorithm changes, platform updates, or other factors that could impact how or whether people see my content on these platforms. On the other hand, my email list is something I own. It’s a direct line of communication with my audience that no algorithm can interfere with. That’s why I prioritize using social media not just to engage, but to encourage my followers to sign up for my email list.

Building a strong email list has completely transformed my business. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about what happens after someone joins. I’ve focused heavily on how to support and nurture my subscribers once they’ve opted in. From welcome emails to newsletters filled with tips, resources, and personal updates, I make a point to deliver consistent value. By doing so, I’ve been able to build a relationship with my email subscribers that goes beyond a one-time interaction, fostering trust and a genuine connection that leads to long-term clients.

This strategy works because it’s not reliant on any one channel. Social media generates initial interest and builds visibility, but email marketing is where I really get to create a sense of community and provide deeper, more tailored support. It’s this combination that has made all the difference, and I encourage other business owners to think about how they can use these two tools together effectively.

If you’re looking to grow your leads, my advice would be to start thinking about how you can move your audience from one platform to another in a way that feels natural and provides real benefits to them. Always focus on giving value at every step, whether that’s through your social media content or the emails you send. And remember, building and nurturing your email list isn’t just a strategy; it’s an investment in the long-term success of your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emilykylenutrition.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilykylenutrition/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilykylenutrition/

Image Credits

Cassi V Photography