How to Earn an Income as a Wellness Coach

Today's I Want to Be features Dr. Kelly McNelis, a 31-year-old mother of three little girls.  She's also a psychologist, wellness coach, and author of two cookbooks:   15-Minute Freezer Recipes and Easy & Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes.  Find out how to connect with Kelly at the end of this article.

How long have you had your business?

I finished my Ph.D. in 2008. In 2011, I decided to get certified as a health and wellness coach and start New Leaf Wellness, LLC.  In addition to offering coaching to help new moms get back in shape, I also started speaking to local moms’ groups and writing my New Leaf Wellness blog. 
 

What led you to pursue it?

I didn’t want to spend time away from my daughters unless I was doing something that I enjoyed.  By starting New Leaf Wellness, I was able to combine my expertise in psychology with my passions for healthy living and motherhood. 

What is your favorite part of the business?

I absolutely love seeing other moms try my recipes and crafts.  I get really excited when a mom tags me on Instagram with a photo of one of my recipes and says that her husband and children loved it.  Around Christmas time, a bunch of moms tagged me on Facebook with photos of my homemade chapstick and lotions that they made.  And more recently, moms have been sharing photos of the crayon heart valentines that they made with the tutorial from my blog.  It makes me feel so good to know that what works for me works for other women, too. 

What one question do you get most from people about your business? 

Since I’ve written two cookbooks and share so many recipes on my blog, people always ask me where I find new ideas for recipes.  I get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and then modify more complicated ideas into simple and healthy recipes that I know my family will love. 

What advice do you have for others who want to get into a similar opportunity?

My advice is to pursue a career that you love so much that you would do it for free.  I think if you’re passionate, your clients/customers/readers will feel that love in everything that you do and only good things will come of it. 

You can learn more about what Kelly does at her website, New Life Wellness, and on her Facebook page.  You can also find her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.