We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew for a long time I wanted to have my own business and be independent; I always had that in the back of my mind. What made it clear for me that it was time to go for it, it was the moment I found a passion strong enough to take the risk and get out of my comfort zone. Everything started with a passion, which is health and fitness, and a purpose. I believe those are the engines that move your business forward. When you think about your purpose, or WHY, be both selfish and generous. Think about how you want your life to be better as a result of your business, and how you want to impact other people’s life as well. After having that clear, my next step was to ask myself: who and how? That is: who is going to be my customer, and how am I going to help her/him. I have to say I was guilty of a really normal mistake: being too broad when defining my client. You know, you want to help everyone, or you may be afraid of losing potential clients. However, you need to focus on your tribe. Focus on finding the right person who will identify with you and with your product or service.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my independent career as a health coach about four years ago. Today I have a business partner and we are working more specifically in weight loss coaching. We developed a fantastic program that teaches clients how to work on key aspects such as mindsets, anxiety, limiting thoughts, building new habits, and stop negative self-talk, just to mention a few. And of course, we support them and guide them on anything they need to succeed!

Creating and growing your business is a process. There is a lot of trial and error. You have to learn how to fail fast, learn and adapt. Which is different from giving up. My practice has changed quite a bit since I started, and It’ll keep evolving. If something is not working for you, don’t think that your business is not working, just try a different way. We’ll always encounter challenges, we have to be mentally prepared for it. When I have a challenge in my career, I like to write it down on a piece of paper and brainstorm options. Then I analyze the options and make a list, placing on the top the ones I will try first.

A lesson I learned is that you have to be more social, not only on social media, but in real life, face to face. I am still working on it! My message to the world is never to give up on yourself, don’t underestimate your potential, and love yourselves. That’s the mindset we apply and communicate to each client.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
We are so lucky to live in a place like San Diego! My favorite places to go are: Pacific Beach, La Jolla Shores, Coronado Island, and Little Italy. I also enjoy outdoor activities! As a family we love walking and admiring the view at the Cabrillo National Park, and hiking at the Tecolote Canyon. When I want to have fun, Ocean Beach is a great spot! We live in the area, and it’s been developing quite a bit in the last few years. You can find cool little restaurants and microbreweries, with a funky, relaxing atmosphere. On Sunday mornings Balboa Park is really charming. Visiting the Hall of Nations and the Spanish Village is a great way to connect with the community and learn about other countries.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My father! My dad is a dreamer, an entrepreneur, he has the ability to learn pretty much any business he decides to get into! Growing up I witnessed the entrepreneurial life, the good and bad! I grew up in Argentina, where having your own business is even harder than it is here. So many challenges can erase! But my dad was so passionate, and persisting, he always found a way to make things work somehow and keep going! My father also passed along important values: honesty, hard work, and being a team player. In most of his businesses he was the boss, the owner. However, he treated his employees with such respect and consideration. My dad also looked up for the interests of his business partners, vendors, and even the industry and competitors. I believe he was a big influence, maybe without even knowing it.

Website: https://beyourbesthc.com/
Instagram: @poweredbyrealfood
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poweredbyrealfood/
Other: IF new account: @bybcoaching