We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Bernick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

In 2017 I read a story about Paul Chatlin, the founder of Plant-based Nutrition Support Group. I was so inspired by him and his health journey, that I wanted to know him.

He almost died from heart disease; declined a triple bypass opting instead for a plant-based diet. It saved his life and he now runs a non-profit organization dedicated to helping others find health through nutrition.

That is what I wanted to do since I had nearly the same experience. I just didn’t know where to start.

I sat at my desk debating if I should reach out to him. I was nervous but I knew, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Ultimately, I found his phone number, picked up the phone, and called him.

He could not have been nicer and more receptive. I told him how much I admired his work and that I would like to work with him. He gave me a project on the spot!

Today I regularly work for PBNSG, mostly as a volunteer because they are a non-profit. However, I have gotten to interview and work with many of my health idols, including Dr. Esselstyn, the man who I credit with saving my life. He literally wrote the book on reversing heart disease.

I get to promote my business through my volunteer work with PBNSG. The people who attend meetings at PBNSG are my targeted audience so it works out perfectly.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2015 I was diagnosed with very serious coronary artery disease. I was told that I would likely have a heart attack in the next 5 years. The cardiologist only had pills and procedures to offer me. I wanted to reverse the disease which he said could not be done.

I found a book called, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. It advocates for a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet. I have been following the plan faithfully since I read the book and I love eating this way.

More importantly, I just got some very extensive testing done which shows ZERO sign of cardiovascular disease or inflammation in my body. I reversed my disease, lost 20 pounds, dropped my blood pressure, and I feel better than when I was 25 years old.

I now help others reverse their diseases through an online class. This way of life reverses heart disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disease, bowel diseases, etc. and keeps you at your ultimate weight.

My main goal for my clients is that they NEVER feel deprived and that they become healthy, glowing, badasses.

I love eating this way because you get to eat a lot of delicious foods, all guilt-free. I never thought I would be able to eat pancakes, tacos, pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and bread and still lose weight and reverse disease.

I have developed an online class called ACE Plant-based Eating. ACE is an Acronym. A stands for AMEND the recipe (take any recipe that you loved before going vegan and make it compliant), C is for COOK without oil (oil is artery clogging and keeps you from losing weight), and E stands for Eat on the go (how to never feel deprived when you’re socializing). That’s all you have to know how to do to master plant-based eating.

The class is fun, quick, and easy. It sets you up for success and covers the main problems people face when trying to eat whole-food, plant-based such as unsupportive family members and not knowing what to eat.

Good-bye low carb life. Hello eating like a normal person. It’s astonishing the lies we have been told in order to sell us things in the name of “health.” I tell the truth; what I wish my doctor had known when I was diagnosed with heart disease. I want people to be healthy and I make it super easy.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I had to unlearn is that I needed “expert” help to grow my business. I realized that I am the authority and that I need to look to myself for what feels right. I know in my heart who my client is and what they need because I went through the same experience that they are going through.

I once paid a marketing person to help me redo my automated email campaign. She came highly recommended. We talked and hit it off and I hired her. She convinced me that I was being too nice and I had to really show people their pain.

I didn’t like or feel comfortable with the email campaign that she came up with but I implemented it against my better judgment.

I started having people unsubscribe to my list and I did not gain sales. I reverted back to my old way of doing things with some tweaks and things stabilized and started growing again.

I learned to listen to myself on matters like this. Yes, there are times when you need an expert, but you know your audience. You know how to treat them. You have to feel comfortable with what you are putting out to them. YOU are the authority.

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

People can see that I really care about their health and I’m not just trying to sell them a class or a cookbook. They can feel that I am invested in them. I am accessible to my clients and followers. I answer every email or question that comes my way whether someone buys something from me or not.

I have also built a reputation for being a reliable and entertaining guest or host. I often go on people’s YouTube cooking channels to demonstrate how to cook plant-based meals or do guest Zoom or live presentations.

I was a stand-up comic years ago and I know how to keep things light, funny, and engaging (especially if there is a two drink minimum). I know how to listen well, respond, and think on my feet.

There is nothing worse than a boring guest or host. Zzzzz. I want people to learn from me, but I want them to be so engaged that they forget that they are watching something educational.

Talking about what people eat is a loaded subject. I have found that I have to meet people where they are without judgment and with a lot of love in my heart. That has definitely sealed my reputation in my market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wellelephant.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenbernick_well_elephant/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellElephant
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/laurenbernick/videos
• Other: How to videos on my website https://wellelephant.com/how-to-videos/

Image Credits
Lauren Bernick