Trust Your Gut: Health-Minded Chef on Taking the Leap to Start Her Own Business

Hello Ellen! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I have spent most of my chef career working privately with clients. I loved the creative aspect and earned a reputation as a health-minded chef, coaching those seeking improved food choices for themselves and their family members. After 30 years in the industry, that journey, a need to reinvent, and continuing education transformed Chef Ellen to that of a certified holistic health educator focused on food and balance in every aspect of an individual's life. While in school, digestive, and hormonal health was my primary focus, and I embraced it wholeheartedly. My second book, "Gut Driven, Jump-Start Digestive Health to Nourish Body, Mind, and Spirit" focuses on the benefits of plant-based, whole food options and advocates to side-step the next trendy diet to find out what works for you specifically.

So Ellen, what excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

I am fairly new to this platform, but I joined because I believe women work hard to raise each other up. So far, I have had wonderful experiences and look forward to more.

What made you take the leap to start Chef Ellen?

Freedom and a wonderful support system

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

A student searching for a path

Ellen, when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out?

Mostly word of mouth, and it did not go as planned but lead to bigger and better when I took a leap of faith. I am a firm believer of going through open doors when they present themselves

As you continue on your entrepreneurial journey, what do you keep in mind as you move forward?

Slowing down and learning from my mistakes

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

My book, "Gut Driven".

Do you believe in work/life balance?

Absolutely! self-care is a must

So Ellen, what do you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?

Education in whatever form is available, empowering, and builds confidence. Also, believe what you have to say is important, and tune out the naysayers.

Ellen, there is so much to celebrate! What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

I have recently finished what I believe is my life's work. Every stepping stone, triumph, disappointment, passion and curve ball has cumulated to my second book because I never lost sight of the power of what I can accomplish. Anything I want : )

Lastly, what's next for your business!?

Book tours, speaking engagements and celebrating my work

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!