Meet Dianna Herrera of Dianna Herrera Health & Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dianna Herrera.  

Hi Dianna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Dianna! I am a  Registered Nurse with a Masters in Holistic Health, Clinical Education and an Integrative and Functional Medicine Health Coach.  I have been a nurse for over 20 years and have always considered myself to be creative, compassionate, caring, and innovative! Those characteristics plus my passion for helping people are what have led me to this full circle pathway of where I am today. I believe that our purpose in life should include a career or life work that is fulfilling and leaves an impact on others. I have always sought out opportunities that led to assisting others to achieve optimal health and wellness. I believe that health should be viewed from a holistic perspective, which includes the integration of the mind, body, and spirit. I began as a wellness specialist years ago before the health and wellness field exploded! The next 14 years of my career led me on a different path as I followed my calling into children’s ministry. This position took me to Miami for over a decade where I was exposed to many different people from various cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. After transitioning back to Texas, I decided to further my career in nursing and pursue a master’s degree in Holistic Health.  Soon after graduation, I accepted a position as the lead integrative and functional medicine health coach for a major healthcare system in Dallas, Texas. The doctors I worked with were amazing. At this clinic, we offered a holistic approach to healing through integrative medicine and acupuncture and focused on lifestyle and behavioral changes in order to improve health! Then COVID-19 hit and bam! I got laid off and our clinic doors closed. My dream position had come to an end in less than a year. To get through this tough time, I had to put my energy and focus into something new and productive.  What I considered was an unfortunate event was really the catalyst that gave me the momentum and courage to launch my health and wellness business. The idea of having my own business had been on my mind for about a year at that point but I felt like I needed something to get me started. The time had come! I took all that I had learned from my personal past experiences which included struggling with weight issues, hypothyroidism and back pain after a car accident and I combined that with my knowledge as a yoga instructor, health coach, ministry leader, and nurse to set the foundation and launch my new endeavor.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a small business owner always sounded very appealing. However, I had very little to no experience in the business field, although I have been sought out for collaborating and developing startup companies and projects for holistic health practices. Up to this point however I had always been on the creative and innovation side, but not directly working with the business development aspect.  I had to begin to research this area.  I did that by taking online business workshops, reading books, exploring the web, and talking to other business owners. So, for me, the business side became the biggest challenge and  I continue to learn and am always seeking ways to refine and develop better systems and processes. Before our clinic closed, our office transitioned to a virtual platform. That experience allowed me to gain the knowledge and tools necessary to launch an online business. Another challenge I have found is understanding and realizing that it takes time to build a business. As they say, nothing worthwhile happens overnight!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Today, I have the privilege to work as a full-time health coach, public speaker, consultant and yoga instructor. I have been able to combine my passion of helping others achieve optimal health in a creative and holistic manner.  My approach is individualized to meet the needs of each unique client. You can visit my website and schedule a complimentary discovery call. We will explore what goals you aim to achieve and what coaching package is best suited for you! From there we will schedule your initial 60 minute baseline consultation and thereafter continue to work together virtually or telephonically.  I will always listen and let you lead on what areas of your health you’d like to focus.  I have come to realize that healing and moving towards wellness is an art that encompasses more than good nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and other lifestyle behaviors. It is vital that we also tap into what brings us happiness, laughter, and joy! I have always loved dancing, painting, photography, and just about anything that is expressive and creative. I have taken this concept and encouraged my clients to find a creative outlet that works for them. It can be anything from reading a book, painting, cooking, or even just basking in the warm sun and daydreaming. When you visit my coaching website at DiannaHerrera.com you will see splashed across the top, “The Art of Healing U”. We are all God’s masterpieces and need healing in different areas and times in our life. I will work alongside you as you continue your health and wellness journey!

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
My layoff was a blessing in disguise. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and initiated the spark that I needed to create my own business. When our clinic closed, I was unemployed for several months and had to move back to my hometown in West Texas. At that time, I had no idea where my next steps would lead me. Like many people during the peak of the pandemic, I was anxious, confused and uncertain of the future. All I knew to do was keep moving forward. My business ideas were coming together, slowly but surely. I had a lot of time on my hands so I used every opportunity that I could to learn and add more tools to my tool belt! I have always had a desire to merge my passion for ministry with nursing, so I completed a Faith-Based Nursing certification. I spoke at the American Holistic Nurses Conference in 2021, started a second Master’s Degree in Clinical Education, and completed my Functional Medicine Health Coach certification. All these educational opportunities were time well spent and gave me something positive on which to focus. During all of this, I learned these important lessons from the pandemic: appreciate the simple things, slow down the pace in life, enjoy being in nature, do something that pushes you to be creative, and spend quality time with family and loved ones. Earlier in this story, I mentioned that I lived in Miami for 13 years. During that time, I would only travel back to my hometown once or twice a year. These past few years have afforded me the opportunity to cherish all the time I possibly can with my family, especially my sweet parents. Although these past few years have been tough, the things I have learned are invaluable! Time is precious so take every opportunity that comes to you!  Work towards your goals, never lose hope, keep your faith and pray! You are more capable than you know!

Contact Info:

• Email: theartofhealingu@gmail.com
• Website: DiannaHerrera.com
• Instagram: theartofhealingu

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