Jennifer House: Guiding Families Toward Wellness with First Step Nutrition

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

As a Registered Dietitian from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, I help parents make mealtimes more peaceful. I have authored two books and am an active media contributor. I am a trusted source of pediatric and family nutrition information for fellow dietitians and the public.

‍

Who are your customers?

I work with parents, healthcare professionals, Early Childcare Educators, media and brands to spread the message that raising happy, well-nourished eaters who have a healthy relationship with food doesn't have to be a battle. I specialize in picky eating and am the founder of the International Picky Eating Network for Healthcare Professionals. This is a membership for RDs and allied health professionals, supporting their work with families of selective eaters, including Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PDF) and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID).

‍

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I was working as a dietitian at the local Children's Hospital in outpatient care before having my first child in 2007.

‍

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I wanted the flexibility that a private practice provides, while raising my three kids. I am also an introvert and independent, so I love working from home and making 100% of the decisions about where my business is going!

‍

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I think so.

‍

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

My target audience for at least 15 years was parents. I tried alllll of the things, many offerings, freebies and launch methods. Now I'm transitioning more to focus on my membership for fellow healthcare professionals. It's been a game-changer! I don't have to convince other RDs of my value, like I did the public. And I am filling a gap by providing training & community for those working with picky eaters, which can be a highly complex topic!

‍

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I'm most proud to be a published author, of my book "The Parents' Guide to Baby-led Weaning." I also love doing TV media segments - it takes a lot of work and some courage!

‍

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

One win that may help others....target groups instead of individuals! By reaching out to WIC managers and healthcare groups, I've managed to enroll some groups in my "Picky Eating Network for Healthcare Professionals" membership. I'm leaning on LinkedIn for the connections. While I still enjoy doing launches and reaching out to individuals, it has been well worth my time to focus on connecting with healthcare groups.

‍

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

I'll be focusing more on brand/media work, as it's lucrative and fun and they're always looking for nutrition experts!

‍

What is your top productivity tip?

It's easy to get distracted working from home. Lock the office door and turn your phone on "Do Not Disturb" for periods of dedicated work time!

‍

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I go to the gym every morning and incorporate some house maintenance into my afternoon schedule while listening to podcasts or training sessions. Taking physical breaks and moving my body really gets my mental juices flowing and relieves stress.

‍

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

I take plenty of "work time" off to volunteer with my kids school or go to appointments. But if I know I'll be sitting around waiting in my car on the weekend, I'll bring my laptop to catch up. Somehow, those 10-to 15-minute windows are often my most productive.

‍

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

Personal connections are crucial for growing your business. Which is one reason why I joined the Entreprenista League!

‍

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

Ladder, my favorite workout app!

‍

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

I like Kajabi as an all-in-one solution. You can use it for your website, blog, emails, landing pages, courses etc.

‍

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Keep on going and don't strive for perfection! 

‍

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today