Nicole Hollaender, a certified health coach and personal fitness trainer, shares her love and passion for nutrition and wellness by helping people along their journey to a healthy and happy lifestyle. Being a health coach and personal fitness trainer has given her the tools to help others achieve their health goals.
She is an advocate of real food and a healthy lifestyle so her approach is not to emphasize on counting calories, restricting fats, carbs and/or proteins but instead to create happy, healthy lives in a way that is flexible, fun, and rewarding – through the good habits that get them results for life!
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I was motivated and inspired by my own story and how I could help other women who are struggling on a daily basis with their health and weight but keep falling back to their old habits, thus unable to achieve any meaningful progress. I decided to get certified as a Health Coach and Personal Trainer and turned my own story and passion for health and wellness into a business as a Health Coach.
Tell us about your business.
I have a Health Coaching business. My mission is to help women who need a personalized program that is more holistic than targeted: easy to follow, fun, and rewarding according to their likes and lifestyles.
We create a plan together with my clients, and I support them through encouragement, education in creating healthy behaviors in the areas of nutrition, fitness, weight, and stress management.
As a part of of my Health Coaching business, I host wellness retreats twice a year in Guatemala.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
We are currently promoting a retreat on April 8-13 in Guatemala, which I will be hosting. Sign up to join us now!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I am a certified Dr. Sears Wellness Institute Health Coach and a certified International Sports Sciences Assocication (ISSA) Personal Trainer.
Where is your business based?
In Guatemala, Central America.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Since I wanted to turn my passion and experience into a business, I knew that for people to trust me, I would have to get certified first. Once I got certified, the next step was to have people start believing in my product and service. So I did a 21-day challenge and gave away 6 free health coaching packages to friends and family. This way it was a risk-free trial with a great benefit for them, and it gave me the opportunity to practice my skills, get people to know my services, and perfect my method along the way.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
The most effective way of raising awareness and getting new customers has been connecting my story to my potential customers’ stories. That not only empowered me as a business owner and gave me credibility, but it took the edge off the idea that I only wanted to sell to them. It helped me look like a real person who has also struggled with the same issues they have but have overcome the obstacles and succeeded. Thus, I make results look attainable and real.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Social media and the internet in general (seriously)! There is so much information out there and so many people and companies that are trying to make a fast sale – offering quick gimmicks, diet pills, diet plans offering to lose 20 lbs in 10 days etc. – that when people come across a real message, such as what I am trying to promote that doesn’t emphasize counting calories, restricting fats, carbs and/or proteins, potential customers are skeptical and confused.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I talk about my story because I fell for the same false information at various points in my life. I believe you have to work on the person’s mindset first, then acknowledge the reality of who the individual is and what their limiting factors are in order to show them that all this information is thrown out to millions but none is designed specifically for them and their needs, lifestyles, likes, dislikes, physical and emotional condition, and so on.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I focus on why I began my business in the first place. I try not to get overwhelmed by concentrating on one thing at a time, prioritizing, and trying not waste my time on things over which I have no control.
I also run 6 kms every other day and listen to self-care books during my run to stay motivated.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I keep it real and am all about customer service. I am aware that there are thousands of non-customized programs on the Internet to purchase that I have to compete against, but my clients appreciate that I listen to their story, that I can relate to them, that I meet/talk and listen to them as much as they need – and because of this they trust me, and that’s priceless.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
When I felt burnt out after 20+ years in the corporate world, my brother in law told me take 1-2 months off and reflect on what I really wanted to do with my life for the next 10 years. He suggested I should think about doing something that would make me wake up excited to do it the whole day and go to bed pleased.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
I would fall so short if I only gave one, so I have several;
- Follow your passion, follow your dreams.
- Be consistent every day with what you offer and always think first about what you can bring to your customer.
- Look for like-minded people to meet, chat, and share ideas.
- Stay away from negative people that might want to discourage you.
- And above all, be patient! It takes time to build a brand/business.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
- Instagram tells your stories fast in one or several pictures. Customers are visual and need to intake the information fast in a saturated internet era.
- CANVA and Photogrid to upload and edit pictures for Instagram.
- Bplans is a business planning software that helps you get organized and determine where your business should be going.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
High Performance Habits by Brandon Burchard. I have read it twice by now!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
As part of my 2018 plans, I joined a yoga studio this month. I want to learn more about yoga techniques and meditation.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals for the next few months are to successfully launch my webpage, begin my blogging section, and grow my business organically. I strive to achieve these goals by focusing on them until I finish.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @healthcoachnicole, @vidaretreats
Facebook www.facebook.com/healthcoachnicole
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/healthcoachnicole
Website www.nicolehealthcoach.com
Email healthcoachingwithnicole@gmail.com
Hashtags #healthcoachnicole #lifestyleexerciseattitudenutrition