Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paris Heinen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Paris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

In 1991, I was newly married, and like most newlyweds, my husband and I indulged in plenty of good food and drink. He was naturally thin, but I gained weight easily. As the numbers on the scale crept up, I decided to take action. That March, I joined Weight Watchers and lost 55 pounds in just eight months. Feeling triumphant, I left the program, convinced I had it all figured out—only to gain all the weight back.

At the time, I unfairly blamed Weight Watchers for my rebound weight gain. I had interviewed for a job with them, but they told me I was “too spunky” to work there—a rejection that left me feeling bitter and disillusioned. I quit the program entirely.

Fast forward to 1999. I knew Weight Watchers had worked for me before, so I decided to return. This time, I was armed with a new mindset: once I lost the weight, I was determined to learn how to keep it off for good. With 55 pounds to lose again, I committed wholeheartedly and went on to lose 65. That’s when they asked me to interview for a job.

I was hesitant, to say the least. My personality hadn’t changed, and I worried I’d face the same rejection as before. But to my surprise, I was hired on the spot and started the new year with a new job. At first, I weighed people in and supported them at meetings. Within a month, my boss encouraged me to become a Leader.

My immediate reaction? “No way!” The idea of standing in front of a room and speaking to a group terrified me. But my boss didn’t give up on me. After some persistent encouragement, I finally agreed to try—though I backed out of the intensive Leader training twice before mustering the courage to attend in September 2000.

Little did I know, that three-day training would change my life. I emerged from it a transformed person, brimming with confidence and purpose. My career with Weight Watchers took off like a rocket. I was good at my job—really good. My meetings consistently filled rooms, and at one point, I was leading 26 meetings a week. I became one of the top Leaders in the organization, inspiring countless people on their wellness journeys.

I stayed with Weight Watchers for 20 incredible years, gaining invaluable experience and developing skills that shaped the coach I am today. I left on my 20th anniversary, a decision rooted in my personal philosophy: I would stay as long as I believed in the program. By then, I was ready to strike out on my own.

Starting my own business, Always On Your Side Coaching, was a natural next step. I took with me the knowledge, expertise, and confidence I’d gained over two decades. While I’m forever grateful for my Weight Watchers career, I have no regrets about leaving. It was the right time to take everything I’d learned and build something of my own—a business that reflects my vision and values.

Today, I coach others with the same passion and purpose that drove me as a Leader. My journey, with all its ups and downs, has been a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of transformation. I wouldn’t change a thing.

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

As I mentioned, my career began with my own 65-pound weight loss and evolved into coaching others to achieve the same. When I left Weight Watchers in 2020, I knew I needed a core plan to guide my next steps. One of the main reasons I chose to leave was my belief that one plan doesn’t work for everyone. I wanted to create a framework that focused on universal principles—fundamentals anyone could follow to live a healthy lifestyle, lose weight, and keep it off without resorting to extreme deprivation.

That’s how the Power of 13 was born. Sitting at my desk with a yellow legal pad, I reflected on everything I had learned from 20 years of coaching. I wrote down the core habits I believed were essential for lasting health and weight management. By chance, the list ended up with 13 items. And so, the Power of 13 became the cornerstone of my new business.

I launched Always On Your Side Coaching on January 4, 2021. My company is entirely virtual, allowing me to support people no matter where they live. I don’t just talk the talk; I walk the walk. In 2024, I was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, a condition that reminds me daily of the ongoing work required to maintain my health and weight. I know firsthand that weight loss is hard—it’s about consistent effort and making mindful choices every single day.

In 2023, I published my book, The Power of 13: Your Common Sense Guide to Health and Wellness. This book is a reflection of my years of experience, offering readers a straightforward, practical approach to building healthy habits and creating sustainable change. It’s the perfect companion to my coaching, empowering individuals to embrace the principles of the Power of 13 at their own pace. The other benefit of the book is it can work with any weight loss plan or stand on it’s own.

My coaching philosophy is built on the belief that everyone has the capacity to embrace a healthy lifestyle. I take a no-nonsense approach, rooted in the conviction that shedding excuses leads to clarity and results. My coaching emphasizes balanced nutrition, focusing on portion control, reducing sugar intake, and moderating saturated fats.

At the heart of my work is the Always On Your Side Power of 13—a guide of 13 essential principles for achieving health and wellness. These practical, common-sense habits are designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life, creating a balanced and sustainable pathway to long-term well-being. Unlike cookie-cutter plans, my framework gives you the flexibility to choose a dietary path that works for you while staying grounded in these proven fundamentals.

Mindset and action go hand in hand. Together, we tackle challenges head-on, simplify the process, and remove the unnecessary barriers we often place in our own way. A question I often ask my clients is, “How can you make this easier for yourself?” It’s a simple yet powerful mantra that guides us as we navigate your journey.

In my coaching, we work to recognize self-imposed limitations and turn them into stepping stones for growth and evolution. Everyone’s path is unique, and I’m here to help you uncover yours. Through clear goals, practical strategies, and unwavering support, I empower you to achieve true transformation—on your terms.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Books That Made an Impact
Jen Sincero – You Are a Badass at Making Money
This book gave me the skills to understand money in business and, most importantly, to recognize my worth. It shifted my mindset around finances and empowered me to take charge of my success.

Denise Duffield-Thomas – Chill and Prosper
I call this the women entrepreneur’s bible. It’s all about relaxing, managing your time, and finding work-life balance. Denise’s advice is practical and empowering, making it a must-read for anyone juggling business and personal life.

BJ Fogg – Tiny Habits
This book changed not only the way I coach but also how I approach relationships as a friend, mother, and wife. One statement from this book has become my mantra: How can you make this easier for yourself? It’s a game-changer in both personal and professional settings.

Don Miguel Ruiz – The Four Agreements
This is one of the best books for any business owner. I often remind myself of one powerful principle: Don’t take anything personally. It’s a lesson that has saved me countless times from unnecessary stress and self-doubt.

Podcasts That Keep Me Grounded
Denise Duffield-Thomas – The Chill and Prosper Podcast
This podcast is my constant reminder to relax, manage my time effectively, and maintain a sense of balance. It’s the perfect companion to her book and offers fresh insights to stay aligned and thriving.

These resources have shaped my mindset, my business, and my life. The key is to find the ones that speak to you and let them guide your journey—while knowing it’s perfectly fine to leave behind what doesn’t serve you.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Good Coaching with a No-Nonsense Philosophy

I pride myself on being a good listener who asks quality, thought-provoking questions. I love digging deep and truly getting to know my clients—their goals, challenges, and motivations. But let me be clear: I will challenge your “reasons,” which are often just excuses in disguise.

My goal is to help you find your easiest way to success, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let you off the hook. Together, we’ll confront obstacles head-on and create a plan that works for you, without shortcuts or sugarcoating. Transformation happens when accountability meets action, and I’m here to ensure you stay on track.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Alwaysonyoursidecoaching.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwaysonyoursidecoaching
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwaysonyoursidecoaching
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisheinen/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnPx0iNboQZ-PX7fwudypdQ