We recently connected with Olivia Fledderman and have shared our conversation below.

Olivia, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I recently read the following quote by an unknown author: “Risk can be dangerous, but routine can be deadly. Comfort has killed more dreams than daring ever did.”

When I read this quote, I immediately connected to it. In June of 2022, I made the “risky” decision to leave my previous full-time position and to take a chance on my dreams. I left the comfort and security that comes with full-time employment to embark on the wild adventure and unknown opportunities of entrepreneurship. I mainly did this because I had and still have big visions and dreams, which I refuse to let die without a strong fight.

There were many aspects about my previous position which I really loved – my coworkers being just one of the many wonderful pieces. However, the constant routine and lack of creative opportunities were having a detrimental impact on my energy and passion for the nutrition and wellness profession.

I knew how I had been feeling in and about my position; however, it was while I was on a weekend backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail that I truly recognized how unfulfilled I was feeling with my position and how that negative energy was impacting other aspects of my life as well. I knew that I wasn’t serving my true purpose or using my gifts to their full potential. After having the opportunity to reflect, reconnect with myself, and truly recognize the feelings within myself during my backpacking trip, I returned home, continued to consider the decision I was about to make, and then dared to take the risks necessary to make my dreams come to life.

Now, it is nearing the end of 2023, and I am still living the entrepreneurial adventure as a registered dietitian nutritionist. It is a huge growth process, but I continue to work on building my dreams each and every day, and I couldn’t be happier than I am as I am able to create the programs that make me feel alive and share that positive energy with each of the individuals that I interact with!

Olivia, 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?

As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I operate my own business, Sprouted in Strength, LLC. I offer a variety of services including individual nutrition counseling as well as group nutrition education programming. I absolutely love working with groups and teaching about nutrition in fun ways such as cooking classes and other hands-on, interactive learning opportunities. I work with various populations including but not limited to school aged students, families, aging populations, and more. I also partner with and provide contract work for many organizations within my area such as Head Start, local schools, a facility serving clients with mental health diagnoses as well as alcohol and substance abuse and more.

I focus on disease prevention and health promotion. It is my goal to help to decrease the occurrence of diseases not only within my local community but also throughout America. Through my mother’s diagnosis of breast cancer, I have experienced the impact that nutrition and lifestyle habits can have on our overall health and wellness. As a registered dietitian nutritionist I hope to be able to provide individuals and communities with the knowledge, support, and encouragement which they need to live healthier and happier lives.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I absolutely LOVE being a dietitian and being able to break down the scientific side of nutrition and put it into simple terms and actionable ideas for the general public to implement into their lives. I also greatly enjoy all of the new people that I get to meet because of my job and the opportunity to support them and encourage them along their journey to a healthier and happier lifestyle. I have formed genuine relationships with many of my clients, and that is something that makes my heart happy!

Also, the field of dietetics is full of many different opportunities, which is wonderful. There are positions that focus mainly on writing, recipe creation, client interaction, program development, food service management, and so much more. This keeps things fun and allows me the opportunity to really find the focus that brings me the most fulfillment and happiness.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I strongly believe that networking and building relationships with other individuals is a very integral part of not only dietetics but many other fields as well. Especially as an entrepreneur, networking has been extremely important. I would say that I began networking through volunteer positions while I was in college, and then I have just continued to make sure I am involved in my local community as well as professional organizations. I believe that it’s not only important to connect and build relationships with individuals within your same profession, but to also do the same with those in various other fields as well. I have had so many opportunities come my way as a direct result of the connections and relationships that I have formed through networking. The more people that know your name and what you do, the more chances you have for opportunities to come your way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sproutedinstrength.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sproutedinstrength/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sproutedinstrength/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-fledderman-2852811a0/