When Mollie Jones Boyle left her commercial real estate job to stay home with her children, she had time to really think about what she wanted to do next. She had taken nutrition classes in college and remembered how passionate she was about the whole topic. “People were often asking me what I ate and why.”
Mollie decided this was her next thing and took a twelve month certification class in New York City at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a health coach. “I knew it was something I could really get into andlove.” She also took the 6 month Immersion Program that teaches students how to run a health coaching business.
Now she was ready to hang out her shingle. “My first client was a barter deal. There was a woman in town who did graphic design and I needed to brand myself and my services.” So Mollie coached her in exchange for a logo, card design and setting up a web site. Through that first client, others in her town heard about hr and reached out. She got her first paying client through word of mouth.
Then Mollie started a group cleanse of 8 – 12 members. “I find that many clients want to start with a cleanse and then incorporate what they’ve learned into a healthier lifestyle.” What was the feedback from participants in her programs? “One woman told me I changed her life. That kind of feedback is what I live for.”
Mollie starts by doing an initial health assessment for new clients, and then works to set up goals and establish a plan. “I provide a sample menu for three days a week with suggested recipes. The goal is for my clients to learn how to come up with meals for the rest of the week. I am available via text, email or phone for questions and support.” Mollie can also suggest local chefs that prepare the kinds of foods that she would like her clients to eat. “I do recommend that my clients try a gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free program to start. I know how hard it can be to prepare food every day so I suggest some take out from another VentureMom who prepares and delivers the things I recommend.” This is a great arrangement.
Mollies says she doesn’t like to focus on weight but rather takes a more holistic approach. “I like to look at food and exercise along with people’s stress levels, sleep habits, relationships, career commitments and spirituality. I feel all of these things can be adjusted to improve overall wellness.” Mollie is not a hard task master but does encourage her clients to live by the 80/20 rule, “Work to live healthy 80% of the time.”
You’ll often find Mollie scouring the aisles at Whole Foods, “I love to find new healthy products for my clients.” Her most encouraging moment over the last three years since she began coaching, “I had a woman who wanted to look great for a wedding. We worked together and she dropped two dress sizes. Now she exercises every day, looks great, and feels fantastic. I am thrilled that I could help her reach her goals.”
So what’s next on Mollie’s agenda? “Not only do I coach clients, but I also do pantry cleanses and restocking with a tour of the grocery store, helping clients learn what to buy.” She has been in business for three years now and says, “I love what I do and have never been happier.” This was clearly a great next thing.
