We recently connected with Keiko and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Keiko, thanks for 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?

My journey into launching my own practice began five years ago, sparked by a deeply personal experience—my own recovery from breast cancer. While navigating life after treatment, I was struck by the lack of holistic, empowering support for women in the recovery phase. That gap inspired me to become certified as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and create Wellness After Breast Cancer, a space where women could feel seen, supported, and guided through cancer recovery, menopause, and whole-person wellness.

The initial steps were both exciting and daunting. Once certified, I began by sharing my story and insights on social media. It was raw, real, and driven by a mission to help others feel less alone. Those early posts helped me build a community before I even had a formal “business” in place.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the marketing side of things. Coaching came naturally—I was passionate and equipped. But learning how to attract clients, communicate my value, and build a sustainable business was an entirely different skill set. Owning a practice meant I had to be not only a coach, but also a content creator, strategist, and brand voice all in one.

If I could do anything differently, I wouldn’t wait so long to start. I used to overthink every detail and felt I needed to have everything “perfect” before launching. The truth? Clarity comes through action. I’ve learned more by doing than I ever did by planning.

To any young professional considering starting their own practice: Just start. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll pivot. But every misstep teaches you something essential. And if you can, invest in mentorship—hire a coach or learn from someone who’s been where you’re headed. It can save you time, energy, and unnecessary stress.

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.

I’m a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach who specializes in cancer recovery, menopause wellness, and women’s holistic health—especially in those transitional, often isolating seasons of life. My business, Wellness After Breast Cancer, was born out of my own healing journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer. After completing treatment, I was surprised by how little support existed for women like me—women trying to navigate life after the storm.That experience lit a fire in me. I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling lost, disconnected from my body, and uncertain about how to reclaim my health and identity. So I took what I’d learned, got certified, and started sharing my voice on social media. I offer 1:1 coaching, group programs, and digital resources that blend mindset work, nutrition, lifestyle shifts, and nervous system support—all tailored for women navigating post-cancer recovery or the transition of menopause. My work helps them feel safe in their bodies again, reconnect with their intuition, and step into their next chapter with confidence.What sets me apart is my lived experience. I’m not just coaching from theory—I’ve been there. I understand the fear, the fatigue, the identity shifts, and the quiet grief that can follow a diagnosis or hormonal change. I also understand how powerful it is when a woman feels seen, supported, and celebrated again.
I’m proud every time a client says, “I finally feel like myself again.” That’s the magic. That’s the mission.
If there’s one thing I’d love people to know about my brand, it’s this: You’re not broken. You’re not too late. Healing is still possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation grew because I chose to show up with honesty, consistency, and deep empathy. From the beginning, I’ve shared not just the “solutions,” but also the struggles—the messy, emotional, in-between parts of healing that often get left out of health conversations. That level of vulnerability resonated with women who were tired of being told to just “stay strong” or “eat better” without addressing the emotional and energetic toll of cancer or menopause.

Consistency also played a big role. I committed to showing up online—even when I didn’t feel “ready.” I kept sharing stories, tips, and encouragement through my content. Over time, that created trust. People knew I wasn’t just in this as a trend. I was in it because I get it, and because I truly care.

Also, I stayed in my lane. I focused on supporting a very specific type of woman in a very specific season of life. That clarity helped people immediately recognize if I was the right guide for them—and if I was, they referred others. Word of mouth and real results were powerful drivers for growth.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I launched Wellness After Breast Cancer, I was terrified. I remember sitting on my couch with a drafted post, questioning if anyone would care or if I was “ready enough.” My heart was pounding as I finally hit “publish.”

Within hours, I received messages from women saying, “This is exactly what I needed.” That moment taught me resilience isn’t just about surviving the hard things—it’s about choosing to show up, even when you’re scared. I’ve carried that lesson with me every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wellnessafterbreastcancer.com/
• Instagram: wellness_afterbreastcancer

Image Credits

Kat Carr Photography