Be Unapologetically and Authentically YOU

INCOMING EDITOR Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD, CDN

EDITORIAL BOARD, 2019-2020 Lisa Jones, MA, RDN, LDN, FAND Nicole Rodriguez, RDN, NASM-CPT Elana Natker, MS, RD Emily Merklen, MS Cathy D’Orazio, MS, RDN, LDN Lauri Egan, RDN, CPT

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Be Unapologetically and AuthenticallyYOU

Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT Newsletter Editor

When it comes to representing a business and brand, authenticity is an important factor to success and longevity. Brene Brown, a vulnerability researcher and one of my personal favorite authors, writes extensively about authenticity, explaining that it is a daily practice of cultivating courage, exercising compassion and nurturing connections. While I love to apply Brene’s work to my personal life and relationships, I think it is fitting in the business world too. Authenticity not only makes a brand more trustworthy and reliable but encourages engagement.

Meme Inge, my friend, fellow RD and owner of Living Well Kitchen, is the epitome of authenticity in her brand and business. I first met Meme on a sponsored trip a few years ago, where, during an educational excursion, I watched as she gleefully dropped to the ground and started making “almond angels” in an orchard. I immediately loved Meme’s bold and unique personality. I hadn’t spent more than a few hours with her, yet I was so inspired by her ability to unapologetically be herself. Meme’s infectious personality carries through into her brand, and her social media feed is full of delicious recipes, right alongside bloopers of her failures and mishaps. She doesn’t take herself too seriously and she embraces her imperfections and occasional awkwardness. As a consumer of her work, it makes me appreciate and trust her that much more. Yes, she has a brand and a business, but pouring her personality into the business, rather than trying to separate the two, is why I believe Meme is so successful. She is courageous, compassionate and truly connects with people, just like Brene Brown suggests we all do.

Be courageous with your brand. Show up and let yourself and your business be seen. It sounds clichéd, but you are the only YOU out there, and your personality sets you apart from other dietitians and business owners. Take risks and remember your big-picture goals.

Exercise compassion for yourself and others. Research shows that practicing compassion elevates our mood, improves our well-being and may even lengthen our lives. These are positive outcomes for our businesses and personal lives.

Nurture (real) connections. Get to know your clients and customers. Remember the social part of social media, but look beyond “likes” and small talk to find out what your audience needs help with and work on ways to provide solutions. A trusting and engaged following is much more valuable than large numbers who aren’t interested in or are unable to use your products and services.

When I’m feeling unsure of how to move forward in my business and represent my brand, I try to remember Meme playing in the orchard that day and remind myself to just be me. To embrace my story and personality and be unapologetically ME … choosing courage, compassion and connections.

Kim Hoban, RDN, CDN, CPT, is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and NASM Certified Personal Trainer with a passion for empowering women to live their healthiest and happiest lives. When she's not busy fighting diet culture, you can find Kim on the run, exploring a new hiking trail or in the kitchen cooking or procrasti-baking. Kim lives in Long Island, New York, with her fiancé, their son Easton and dog Annie.