What kind of work do you do/business do you run?

I’m a plant-based body confidence coach. I coach people so they feel more confident, have increased energy levels, and finally feel in control of their eating. I support them to embrace a wholefood plant-based diet.

Of course, it’s not just about the food when following a healthy lifestyle. I work with clients on other aspects of their lives that may be affecting their weight and health such as out-of-control eating, cravings, developing the right mindset, sleep and exercise.

My services are delivered online working with clients one-to-one and in a group programme.

What do you love about it?

I love the fact that I can help people change their lives for the better.

Years of being on diets takes its toll emotionally and physically and often a client’s self-esteem will be very low when I first start working with them. They quickly learn to believe in themselves again and to feel empowered to change their lives for the better.

With so much compelling evidence that a wholefood plant-based diet is supportive to good health and maintaining a healthy weight, I love to be able to share my passion and knowledge.

What’s your ‘why’ in life? What drives you?

There is so much pain and suffering in the world – both in humans and the animals we share this planet with. The lifestyle that so many people are adopting is not only negatively impacting on their health but also the quality of their life. I want to be part of the solution.

Millions of people are being duped by the diet and food industries and I want to show people there is another way – that not only benefits them, but also the planet and the animals we share it with.

Why are you a member of the Vegan Women’s Leadership Network?

It is a very special opportunity to support and be supported by the founder Katrina and the other amazing women.

It’s quite natural for us to want to find our tribe and being in a network where you know people ‘get you’ is very powerful. I am excited about the opportunities and the potential for collaborations and being able to give back to the group.

What’s been the biggest highlight or ‘wow’ moment of your career/business/professional life?

One of them was definitely getting my first paying client. That someone trusted me with what can be a very personal thing and being given the opportunity to help them adopt a healthier lifestyle was a very special feeling.

How do you handle failures, fear and disappointment?

I don’t like to think of failures and remind myself of the story of the invention of the light bulb and the hundreds of attempts that took. Each attempt was part of the learning and refining process – not failures.

You learn by being willing to accept that things might not go the way you expect them to and by reflecting what didn’t work well and how to change this for the next time.

At times when I have been fearful, I can procrastinate. But then I just go for it! I remind myself that I have successfully overcome many challenges throughout my life, and I’ve come out the other end.

I handle fear by facing it head on. Standing in a huge theatre to deliver a talk was one of the scariest things I’ve done. I felt sick with nerves and was shaking when I started. The good thing is I don’t think anyone in the audience would have realised and in the end I loved it. It was great being able to chat and answer questions afterwards.

Focusing on celebrating small wins and acknowledging that not everything is always going to go the way I’d like is how I manage disappointment. That’s just life!

Having a support network is also vital for dealing with these moments. As well as the most amazingly supportive partner I could ever wish for I am also in a mastermind group. The support and advice from my fellow business owners has meant so much to me. We ‘meet’ every fortnight and share our wins, as well as issues we’d like help with.

What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

You don’t need anyone’s approval.

You don’t need to conform to look a certain way.

Your worth is not defined by who you are in a relationship with.

Don’t worry about the things you have no control over.

There is more to life than the grades you get, especially those that aren’t as good as you’d hoped.

The pain and challenges you’re going to go through only make you stronger and more resilient.

Life will be incredibly tough at times, but you will get through it.

It might take you a while to meet the right person but cherish and respect each relationship and learn from each one.

Having such a small family means that friends will be even more important to you, so nurture those friendships.

Which women inspire you and why?

Fiona Oakes – not only does Fiona run an animal sanctuary with over 600 animals she also holds multiple Guinness World Records for her running.

These two things are impressive beyond understanding, without the fact that as a child Fiona was told it was unlikely she would walk again, let alone take part in ultramarathons.

And the reason she does all this? For the animals. She isn’t even crazy about running. Fiona is a regular at vegan festivals, delivering the most inspiring talks I’ve ever heard, and it was such an honour to interview her. She is so down to earth and self-deprecating and also incredibly funny!

Jacinda Ardern – has shown us that you can be in a position of power, have a family and be compassionate towards others. Her position as a country’s leader, in a male-dominated environment, whilst gaining respect and support is much to be admired.

Genesis Butler – even though she is just a teenager, and one of the youngest TEDx speakers, seeing her on stage made me think ‘I have no excuse. Just do it’ when it came to public speaking.

There are also the amazing women I’ve come across since becoming a business owner. I love hearing their success stories and to be reminded that anything is possible, if you put your mind to it, whatever else you may be juggling in your life.

What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced and how has it helped mould who you are now?

It has to be setting up a business! Leaving a stable full-time job with a regular income I know a lot of my friends were concerned for me. And yes, it’s scary, but it’s also very exciting. I have learnt so much in the last few years, not only about the intricacies of business, but also about myself.

I always knew I had a determined streak, but I feel my determination has reached a whole new level since running a business. You have to believe in yourself and what you want to achieve, but also be willing to be flexible and to reflect and make changes if things aren’t working.

What’s your super-power? What are you amazing at?

Empathy, the ability to see things from someone else’s perspective. This helps enormously when working with clients, whatever their circumstances. You can know everything there is to know about a subject, but unless you can have a true understanding of the circumstances and challenges people face your ability to serve and support will be limited.

What brings you joy?

So many things! Helping people and being told that you have helped to change their lives. Spending time with family and friends. Feedback about a client’s transformation.

The increase in veganism.

Getting a purr and cuddle from my adorable cats – Ollie and Oscar.

Birdsong. Flowers – especially wildflowers.

Running (and the feeling afterwards!)

Being out in nature – especially mountains.

How do you define success, and how will you know when you’ve achieved it?

From a professional perspective it’s about having a sustainable and repeatable business that doesn’t just rely on me.

Success is about reaching people around the world and being able to coach and support them, whatever their circumstances.

Having a successful business will mean I can offer free outreach to those that are not in a position to pay for my services and be able to donate a percentage of my profits to those causes very close to me.

What’s your vision for yourself and your business/career for the future?

The vision for my business is reflected in how I define its success. I see a business that reaches people around the world.

I want to be part of the solution in terms of as many people as possible being able to eat sustainably that is good for human health, animal welfare and the planet.

On a personal level my partner and I want to build a container home. We love the idea of taking abandoned shipping containers and creating a home and office environment.

We hope to create office space for other business owners and start-ups too.