We were lucky to catch up with Sharon Nguyen And Danielle Mortell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sharon Nguyen and Danielle Mortell, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
Danielle: “As nutrition students, we’re always looking for ways to immerse ourselves in the nutrition and dietetics community – whether it’s gaining hands-on experience, learning from seasoned professionals, or exploring the diverse opportunities this field has to offer. Dietetics is such a broad profession, with dietitians working in areas like community health, clinical settings, eating disorders, sports nutrition, food service, and more. Because of that, I’ve made it a priority to put myself out there, try new things, and soak up as much knowledge as I can.
One day, as I was scrolling through Instagram (a favorite pastime, of course), I stumbled across a volunteer mentorship opportunity with a registered dietitian entrepreneur. It felt like fate. I applied immediately and was thrilled to be accepted into the program. During that mentorship, I picked up so many invaluable skills. It wasn’t just about learning, though. I also got to share my ideas and dreams, including my vision of supporting dietitians with business optimization and becoming their go-to resource.
I vividly remember one particular conversation with the RD mentor where I nervously shared my idea, wondering if it was even viable. She didn’t just reassure me – she got excited. She told me this kind of support was exactly what the dietetics community needed. That encouragement gave me the confidence to turn my vision into reality.
Over the next few months, I dove headfirst into building The Optimized RD from the ground up. I spent countless hours creating systems, refining procedures, and putting the pieces in place to operate as a legitimate business. By the time the mentorship ended, I felt ready to take the leap and start accepting clients. But I’ll admit, the imposter syndrome was hitting hard: Would anyone actually hire me? Was this going to work?
Then, it happened. I got an email from none other than that same RD mentor. She needed help with her business and believed I was the right person for the job. It felt so great to have someone believe in me like that. Not only was she my first client, but she was also a dream client. That first experience taught me so much about working with clients: the trial and error of figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and how to continually improve.
Shortly after, Sharon joined the team, and that’s when The Optimized RD truly began to flourish. Sharon brought fresh ideas, expertise, and energy that elevated our services to the next level. Her social media skills and creative mind have been game-changers, allowing us to craft strategies and content that resonate deeply with our clients and their audiences. Together, we’ve built a business that not only supports dietitians but also empowers them to grow, thrive, and focus on their passions.
Looking back, that first client wasn’t just a milestone – it was the spark that turned a dream into reality. It’s a moment I’ll always cherish and a reminder of why we do what we do.”
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
We’re a dynamic duo here at The Optimized RD- Danielle and Sharon. Together, we wear many hats: nutrition science master’s students, virtual assistants, entrepreneurs, and soon-to-be registered dietitians. Our mission is simple but impactful: we aim to make life easier for registered dietitians by helping them streamline and grow their businesses.
Let’s rewind a bit to how we got here. As aspiring dietitians ourselves, we know firsthand what it takes to earn those credentials. Dietitians are the leading experts in nutrition and health, but the path to becoming one is no small feat. It requires a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, 1,200 hours of supervised practice, and passing a rigorous board exam. It’s a journey that’s heavy on clinical expertise but light on the business and marketing skills needed to thrive in today’s world.
That’s where we come in. We’ve seen the struggles dietitians face when juggling patient care and the behind-the-scenes work of running a business – tasks like managing social media, marketing, and creating engaging content. These aren’t skills you pick up in organic chemistry or clinical nutrition courses! We bridge that gap by providing tailored support, from crafting standout social media content and building cohesive brand kits to streamlining operations with organized systems and administrative expertise.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just understand the dietitian experience; we’re living it. This unique perspective allows us to tailor our approach and anticipate the needs of our clients. Whether it’s creating a seamless follow-up system for patient referrals or designing a content strategy that aligns with their mission, we’re here to make their lives easier so they can focus on doing what they love: helping others.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve built a business that aligns with our values. For me (Danielle), the decision to switch careers and pursue nutrition was deeply personal – I left a full-time job in an industry that didn’t resonate with me because I wanted a career that made a difference. The Optimized RD combines my passion for nutrition, my love for creativity, and my knack for organization in a way that genuinely helps people. Similarly, I (Sharon) have always been a creative at heart, which is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about food and nutrition. Cooking has become one of my favorite forms of self-expression, along with creating content for my clients as well as my own nutrition page, @SharNutrition.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know about us, it’s this: we’re not just here to check boxes or complete tasks. We’re invested in your success. We want to see dietitians thrive—whether that means helping you reach more people, save time, or create the work-life balance you’ve been craving. Two brains are better than one, and we love collaborating to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to help our clients succeed. Our goal is to make your vision for your business a reality, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
We first crossed paths while pursuing our Bachelor of Nutrition Science degrees at The University of Illinois Chicago. Our connection began through the university’s Student Nutrition Association (SNA), where Sharon was serving as President, and Danielle was an active member who later became Treasurer. From the start, we recognized a shared passion for combining creativity and nutrition, and that common ground quickly turned into a genuine friendship.
During our time in SNA, we had plenty of opportunities to work together. Whether it was organizing campus events, brainstorming fundraisers for the club, or cramming for exams, we began to see how well our strengths complemented each other. One moment that really stood out was a semester-long group project we tackled in one of our classes in which we were tasked with designing a nutritious yet non-perishable food product. The project was intense – it challenged us to stay organized and think outside the box. But it also showed us something important: when we put our minds together, we could create something amazing.
That project wasn’t just a grade on our transcripts – it was the spark that made us realize how well we worked as a team. We balanced each other perfectly, bouncing ideas back and forth and pushing each other to think bigger. By the time we presented our final work, we knew there was something special about our dynamic.
From there, our friendship and professional relationship continued to grow. As we both started envisioning what we wanted for our futures in nutrition, it became clear that teaming up wasn’t just a possibility – it was the natural next step. Together, we took the leap to build The Optimized RD, combining our skills, creativity, and passion to create a business that truly reflects both of us.
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come from those late-night study sessions and brainstorming marathons. Our journey started with shared interests and a group project, but it’s grown into something we’re both incredibly proud of.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Sharon: “For small businesses, learning to leverage the power of social media is essential for effective marketing and attracting new clients. In the crowded world of online nutrition advice, misinformation is abundant, and finding credible sources can be a challenge for the average person. This is where registered dietitians truly stand apart! Our credentials reflect years of rigorous nutrition science education, clinical experience, and a commitment to promoting evidence-based guidance. For clients navigating the vast amount of online nutrition advice, the RDN credential provides a level of legitimacy and trust they can rely on.
When we started building our audience on social media, we knew it wasn’t about chasing a large follower count, but rather about attracting the ideal clients. Identifying our niche in the dietetic space was the foundation of our strategy. At The Optimized RD, we’ve accomplished this by cultivating a purposeful and focused online presence. Our goal is to show clients that building a meaningful social media presence isn’t just important- it’s totally doable!
That said, we recognize that managing social media can feel like a full-time job in and of itself. Each platform has its own algorithm to master, not to mention how time-consuming content creation can be. We understand that this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, or that not everyone has the time for it, and that’s okay! There’s no shame in outsourcing these tasks to dedicated virtual assistants. That’s why we collaborate with our clients to offer personalized solutions that align with their business goals. With attention to detail, we craft content that reflects their unique voice and brand vision while driving engagement to grow their business.
For our clients, we emphasize a few key aspects for social media success. First off, think of your social media as a digital business card- it should clearly communicate to anyone who lands on your page exactly who you are, what service you’re offering, and who your ideal client is. To achieve this, we start with a thorough brand identity questionnaire to help clients define their desired aesthetic and messaging. From there, we create a cohesive brand identity, which may include logo design, color schemes, social media covers, business cards, and more, ensuring your online presence leaves a lasting impression.
A well-structured content strategy is equally important for building an engaging and visually appealing feed. By developing content pillars tailored to your goals, we simplify planning and bulk-create posts, helping you stay ahead of trends while keeping up with your target number of posts per month.
Finally, social media thrives on interaction. Building genuine connections means dedicating time to respond to DMs, engage with comments, and actively interact with your followers. These small but impactful actions foster strong relationships and keep your audience invested in your business. After all, social media is designed to connect people- your clients to you!
For anyone just starting out, our advice is this: define your niche, stay consistent, and focus on quality over quantity. Social media is a tool, not the whole picture, and it should complement your business goals, not overwhelm them. And if it does feel overwhelming? Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/theoptimizedrd?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c5cf363c-fb1c-462a-95d3-9ffc6d257387
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoptimizedrd/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoptimizedrd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-optimized-rd/
