We were lucky to catch up with Maria Van Tiflin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

A First Client, a Family in Need, and a Life-Changing Journey
Starting a business is exciting, but nothing prepares you for the moment when someone trusts you with their health—and their family’s health—for the first time. It’s humbling, exhilarating, and nerve-wracking all at once. My first client beyond the circle of friends and family was a mom I had already been helping informally with holistic wellness. When I officially launched my gut health business and became certified in GI Mapping, I decided to reach out to her.

I sent her a message explaining my new journey into gut health and the advanced tools I now had to uncover the root causes of stubborn health issues. I let her know that if she—or anyone she knew—was struggling with gut problems, I’d love to help. Little did I know, she’d been silently battling severe issues herself.

A Story That Broke My Heart
She opened up about her struggles with gut health after contracting salmonella poisoning a couple of years earlier. Since then, her health had spiraled. She was throwing up at least twice a week for 24 hours straight, often for months on end. Food became her enemy—she was down to eating nothing but bone broth, potatoes, and rice just to survive.

Although she’d made some progress with a GI doctor, she knew she wasn’t truly healing. Then she told me about her 9-year-old daughter, and my heart sank.

Her daughter was suffering even more. She had stopped growing, was severely bloated, and felt abdominal pain every time she ate. Her bloating was so extreme that she couldn’t button her pants or comfortably wear her school uniform. It wasn’t just physical discomfort—her confidence was shattered. She was battling constant illnesses, her face and body were puffy with inflammation, and the whole family felt helpless.

This mom didn’t just want help; she needed it—especially for her daughter.

More Than a Client, a Mission
I could feel her desperation but also her determination to find a way forward. She told me they needed to eat healthier but felt overwhelmed about where to start. The idea of managing a complete lifestyle change with everything else on her plate felt impossible. She was willing to put in the effort but needed guidance, accountability, and a plan.

I knew I could help, and I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility. This wasn’t just about a protocol or a test result—it was about giving this mom and her daughter a chance to live fuller, healthier lives.

Uncovering the Root Causes
The first step was running a GI Map test for her daughter. When the results came back, they revealed what I had suspected: her daughter’s gut was in chaos. She had poor gut lining and gut integrity, virtually no immune system functioning in her gut, high levels of inflammation, and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. She also presented with SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), which explained her bloating, pain, and stalled growth.

We created a personalized protocol that addressed every aspect of her gut health. But more than that, I guided them in making realistic, sustainable changes to their diet and lifestyle. I taught the family how to do a pantry audit, replace inflammatory foods, and build meals that truly nourished their bodies.

A Transformation That Brought Tears
The results were nothing short of miraculous. Within weeks, her daughter started growing again—a moment her mom described as emotional and filled with hope. The bloating and abdominal pain disappeared, and the inflammation that had puffed up her face and body was gone.

For the first time in years, she could wear her clothes comfortably. She even started to make her own healthy choices, choosing apples over candy without being prompted—a small but powerful reflection of the mindset shift happening within their family.

This wasn’t just about physical healing. It was about confidence, joy, and a renewed sense of control.

The Bigger Impact
As I watched this mom and daughter transform their lives, I realized that what I was doing was so much bigger than “helping with gut health.” I was empowering a family to rewrite their story, to break free from cycles of pain and confusion, and to step into a future where health didn’t feel like a constant battle.

Yes, earning my first dollar was exciting—but what truly filled my heart was knowing I had made a difference. Knowing that this little girl could grow up healthy and confident and that her mom finally had the tools to support her family was the real reward.

And, just as I was able to help her daughter, I’m now working with the mom to create her own custom protocol over the next couple of months. I can’t wait to see the same transformation for her—to help her heal, feel energized, and regain control of her health as well.

That first client will always be special to me because it was the moment I saw the ripple effect of this work. When one family member heals, it transforms the whole family. And for me, there’s no greater honor than being a part of that journey.

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.

A Journey Rooted in Family, Health, and Hope
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stood in a grocery store aisle feeling overwhelmed, staring at labels and wondering, “Am I even making the right choices for my family?” That’s exactly where I was not too long ago. Growing up, I thought I was “healthy”—you know, choosing the low-fat options, avoiding too much sugar, and eating what I thought were balanced meals. But when I got pregnant with my first child, everything shifted.

Suddenly, I wasn’t just eating for me. I was responsible for this little life growing inside me, and I wanted to give my baby the best possible start. That realization sent me down a rabbit hole of research, and what I found shocked me. So many of the foods and products I thought were healthy were actually harming my body. I had no idea how much I needed to unlearn to truly nourish myself and my growing family.

But it wasn’t just about me. At the time, I was working with elderly patients battling serious illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. I began to notice patterns—so many of these diseases stemmed from years of lifestyle choices. I couldn’t help but think: What if someone had shown them a different path sooner? Could they have avoided all this pain?

Then, I came across a study by Blue Cross Blue Shield that hit me like a ton of bricks. It showed that people’s health was already declining as early as their late 20s. That’s my generation, I thought. That’s me, my friends, and someday, my kids. It was a wake-up call.

I realized that it wasn’t just about having access to health information—because, let’s face it, there’s so much out there. The real problem is that people don’t know where to start, and the systems meant to help them often just set them up to fail.

Turning Pain into Purpose
It started in my own home. I began making small changes—reading ingredient labels, swapping out inflammatory foods, and switching to natural home products. I began to see how these shifts affected not just our physical health but our overall energy and happiness as a family.

One thing became clear: it all starts with the gut. I learned that the gut is where sickness begins—and where healing begins too. I became obsessed with understanding how everything from bloating to autoimmune disorders could be tied back to gut health. And as I worked through my family’s health issues, friends and neighbors started asking me for advice.

That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t just about me and my family anymore. I needed to take what I’d learned and help other families find their way back to health too.

Building Programs to Simplify the Process
Starting this business wasn’t easy. There were late nights, mountains of research, and countless moments of doubt. But the driving force was always the same—I wanted to create something that simplified health for moms like me.

That’s why I designed the 14-Day Gut Reset, a program for busy moms who want to make lasting changes but don’t know where to start. It’s packed with daily lessons, easy-to-follow meal plans, recipes, and a grocery list that takes the guesswork out of eating for gut health. It’s designed to be manageable for even the most overwhelmed mom because I know what it feels like to be juggling a million things at once.

For those dealing with deeper issues, I offer the GI Mapping Program, which uses advanced testing to uncover the root causes of symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and digestive issues. Together, we create a personalized plan to heal the gut and restore balance.

What Sets Me Apart
What makes my approach unique is that I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel frustrated, confused, and stuck in a cycle of trying and failing. I also know how powerful it is to finally see results—not just for yourself but for your family. That’s why I walk alongside my clients every step of the way. Whether it’s answering late-night questions or celebrating small wins, I’m there because I understand what’s at stake.

This isn’t just about programs or meal plans—it’s about transforming lives. When a mom tells me she feels more energetic, her bloating is gone, or she’s finally confident about her food choices, it reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.

Why I Do This
At the heart of my work is a simple belief: when moms thrive, families thrive. And when families thrive, it creates a ripple effect that touches entire communities.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at this whole “health thing,” I want you to know it’s not your fault. The system isn’t set up to support you—but that doesn’t mean you can’t break free. I’m here to show you how, one small step at a time.

Because you deserve to feel vibrant, confident, and strong—not just for your kids but for yourself too. And if I can help you get there, it’s the greatest honor I could imagine.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The foundation of my business is built on trust—trust that’s earned through the relationships I’ve built with past and current clients. Word-of-mouth referrals are by far the biggest way I attract new clients. There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing a success story directly from someone who has walked the path of healing with me. When a client shares how their life has transformed through working together, it speaks volumes. That’s how I know I’m making a real difference, and it’s what keeps new clients reaching out to me.

I truly believe in the power of experience. When people see the changes others have made, it’s not just about offering a service—it’s about showing what’s possible. These stories are often what spark that first step toward change for someone who may have been struggling with gut issues or health challenges for a long time. So much of my growth has come from those personal referrals and the ripple effect of transformations that continue to inspire others.

Social media has also been a huge part of how I connect with my community. Through sharing value-driven content and personal stories—whether it’s my own health journey or the wins of my clients—I’ve been able to build a real connection with people. I love showing up authentically, whether it’s through educational posts, tips for better gut health, or sharing relatable moments from my day. By showing up consistently and offering helpful insights, I’ve been able to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions and reaching out for support.

But it’s not just about what I do on my own. Partnerships have been instrumental in growing my business. I’ve built strong relationships with other health professionals, which has helped me extend my reach to new audiences. These collaborations allow me to offer even more value to people who are looking for support in different areas of wellness. Whether it’s working alongside nutritionists, personal trainers, or wellness coaches, I believe in the power of community and collaboration to create holistic health journeys.

One partnership that I’m especially proud of is my collaboration with Crunch Fitness. By marketing through their gym, I’ve been able to connect with members who are already motivated to improve their health. It’s been an amazing way to integrate my approach to gut health with fitness and offer a more comprehensive wellness experience. These types of partnerships not only bring in new clients but also help build a community of like-minded individuals who are all working toward better health together.

For me, the key to growing my business isn’t about reaching as many people as possible—it’s about building deep, meaningful connections and creating an environment where people can trust me to guide them toward lasting change. Referrals, social media, and strategic partnerships all come together to allow me to do just that.

Have you ever had to pivot?

For over a decade, I had the privilege of working as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, which was an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding career. I got to help people move better, live pain-free, and improve their quality of life. But despite the rewards, I found myself feeling stuck. I had an amazing boss, a stable income, and a job that I truly enjoyed—on the surface, everything seemed perfect. But deep down, something was missing.

Every day felt like I was going through the motions, on repeat, day in and day out. The excitement I once had for my career started to fade, and I began to dread Sunday evenings knowing I had a full week of patients ahead of me. I loved the work I did for my patients, but I couldn’t see how I could grow, how I could continue to challenge myself in a way that felt aligned with my passions and my bigger dreams. It was a tough realization, but I had to admit to myself that I was yearning for something more. I wanted to make a bigger impact—not just in the lives of my patients, but in the world.

The turning point came when I realized that I wanted more than just a stable job. I wanted to create a legacy. I wanted to build something meaningful—not just for me, but for my family. I wanted the freedom to design my own life, set my own schedule, and ultimately be a present mom without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted by work. At the time, I had this deep sense that there had to be a better way to serve people, and to help them with their health, in a way that was flexible and empowering.

It was through a connection with another healthcare professional that I discovered a new path focused on wellness. The idea of helping people in a more holistic way, with natural products and personalized health plans, lit a fire within me. I started diving into this new direction, earning certifications and gaining expertise in GI Mapping and holistic wellness. And before I knew it, I was getting paid for my advice and helping people achieve real health transformations.

The pivot from physical therapy to this new business venture hasn’t been easy. I haven’t walked away from my career yet, but the more I explore this new direction, the more I realize I am being called to something greater. I’m continuing to build my business in wellness, focusing on providing solutions that help people achieve lasting health, while still balancing my current career. I’ve found the ability to work in both spaces, making a meaningful impact in a new way, all while being present for my family.

What surprised me most was how many other women were facing similar struggles—whether they were in healthcare or not, they too were seeking a way to build a business that allowed them to serve others while also creating a better life for themselves. I realized that it wasn’t just about health—it was about empowering people to take control of their lives and build something they could be proud of.

Now, as I continue to grow my wellness business alongside my career, I share my knowledge and strategies to inspire both my clients and my team. I’ve seen firsthand how a passion for helping others can become a profitable business that creates lasting change in people’s lives. Today, I’m living my dream—helping people, including my clients and my team, achieve their best health, while building a life that is fulfilling and balanced.

Looking back, the pivot wasn’t just about changing careers; it was about aligning my work with my values, creating freedom, and empowering others to do the same. And what I’ve learned through this journey is that service to others truly leads to greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wellnessbasedliving.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariavantiflin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariavantiflin3
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavantiflin/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariavantiflin

Image Credits

Myself: Maria Van Tiflin