Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Castellanos.
Olivia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born with a severe milk protein allergy. This was before there was much information available about food allergies. There were very few foods I was able to eat especially as a toddler. I was told by my allergist that I would grow out of my allergy, however, that was not the case. My dairy allergy actually become worse as a I got older. My mom was very careful and taught me how to read a nutrition facts label by the time I was 5 years old. I had learned very quickly what I was able to eat and not eat. I have to restrict my food intake every day and not by choice. Living with a severe food allergy is what inspired me to go into the field of nutrition because I already had so much knowledge and I wanted to help others feel safe and be healthy through nutrition. I also love food, especially sweets and finding new vegan places to try.
I started my first job as Registered Dietitian in a supermarket which I absolutely loved! This position was only a temporary position but I gained so much knowledge and I was able to counsel clients and it made me realize that counseling was the direction I wanted to go in. My first full-time position was as a clinical dietitian a hospital setting and I realize very earlier that was not the place for me to create this huge impact I was wanting to make. The patients I would interact with did not want to receive the nutrition education I was providing. I decided while I was working full time as Clinical Dietitian to started my own online nutrition coaching private practice. I always knew I wanted to work for myself, but I was told I needed to get experience first. My private practice was growing and I loved it so much that finally decide to go all-in on my business and become a full-time Dietitian Entrepreneur. I quit my full-time job and moved from New York to Dallas, Texas with my husband to continue to grow my business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey to become a registered dietitian was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. The whole process took 6 years and it was not an easy path at all.
To become a registered dietitian there are very specific requirements.
1. Get a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.
2. Be accepted into and complete a very competitive 1200 unpaid internship. (That cost about $10,000-20,000).
3. Pass the CDR registration exam.
4. Continue Education to maintain (RD) credential.
I lived in upstate New York and would commute daily to Queens New York to obtain my bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. My commute was 3 hours each way. I was also working to pay for my tuition. I received some financial aid but it was not enough to cover all my expenses. After graduating I applied to a distance learning internship so I could continue to work as well during my internship part-time. This internship process is so competitive but thankfully I was accepted during the first round. After completing my internship, I had to study for my registration exam. I gave up spending time with family and friends, pretty much the whole summer just to study. The first time I took my exam, I didn’t pass. I was truly devastated and felt like a failure but I didn’t give up! I took the exam again after a few months and failed again. After failing twice, I really started to question if this was the right path for me, but again I didn’t give up. I picked myself up and studied for a few months again and finally passed my exam on the third time.
I had so many challenges along the way but I never gave up because my WHY was so strong. I cried a lot and questioned if all of this hard work was worth in and I can honestly say after being a Registered Dietitian for 3 years it was ALL worth it and MORE! I truly believe all of these challenges are what helped me become the strong and confident Registered Dietitian, business owner, and woman that I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Liv Joy Nutrition LLC.?
I have had my own virtual nutrition coaching private practice since 2019.
My mission is to teach women how to become the healthiest and most confident versions of themselves without dieting or restricting. Diet culture very heavily influences women about health and their bodies. My job is to empower women with knowledge so they can become the most confident versions of themselves while also improving their health and relationships with themselves and their bodies.
I work with women who have tried many diets in attempt to improve their health. I also work with women who haven’t done diets but are just looking to improve their health and learn what foods work best for their body. I work with women who are looking to for a total mind, body, and soul health transformation. I help my clients create healthy sustainable habits. I teach them how to have a healthier relationship with food and their body. They learn how to fuel their body in a way that lets them live their life without food guilt, or anxiety, and achieve food freedom. The women I work with learn how to show up as the confident woman they are meant to be in all aspects of life.
What sets me apart from others is I truly care about my client’s health and their well-being. This is why my clients are so successful. I care about their journey and life as a whole and we look at all parts together to create this amazing transformation. My gift is showing women what they are capable of through my positive energy. I will always be truthful and transparent about the process and be available for support as much as possible. I don’t pressure the women I work with to do things that they are not comfortable with. I don’t push products or anything. I take a holistic health approach with my coaching.
I am known for spreading nutrition knowledge in a sassy way in attempt to defeat diet culture. You will pretty much always see me in a bathing suit or workout clothes showing women that confidence isn’t a specific body size, number, or shape. I’m truly most proud of showing my authentic self without fear of judgment. I embody the exact health and confidence that the women I work with are looking for.
If you’re ready to take back control of your health, stop dieting forever and become the most confident woman in the room then my coaching program is perfect for you.
I offer many different ways we can work together.
I offer 1:1 coaching, group coaching, live programs, and courses to meet you where you are and get you started on your health and confidence journey.
I also offer free consultations to learn more about you and make sure we would be a good fit to work together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I would say luck didn’t really play a role in all my success so far. I worked so hard for everything that I have. I had big dreams and did everything I had to, for them to become true.
I’m very fortunate to have the support of my mother and now husband because without them I would not be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Email: livjoynutrition@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livjoynutrition/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivia.garcia.908347
Image Credits
Eduardo Castellanos
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