Mémé Watanabe

Which course did you graduate from at CNELM and when did you graduate?

I graduated from the BSc (Hons) in Nutrition Science and the NTPD in 2019.

 

What did you do before doing this course?

I gained a Diploma in Health and Nutrition from BCNH and University of Greenwich in 2017 and before that I worked for humanitarian organisations doing project management, fund raising, international relations and language development until 2013.

 

What made you decide to embark on this course of study and what attracted you to CNELM? 

I was studying a course in human slavery with the aim of working with an international organisation to stop child exploitation. At the same time a family member was diagnosed with cancer, I was in a difficult relationship and I was on the verge of a breakdown. I had been interested in and reading about nutrition for the last 10 years, but became increasingly confused with the literature/studies.

While purchasing herbs at Neals Yard, the woman working there told me about nutritional therapy at a well-known college. I went to their open day but decided on the 3-year diploma course at BCNH. I was interested in the modules offered, gaining a degree in this field and studying the functional medicine model. I was only interested in studying and had no intention of working as a nutritional therapist. However after a year of studying I knew this was the work I wanted to do. While the academic work was excellent, I felt I needed more support for the clinical training. CNELM offered NLP coaching as part of their nutritional therapy diploma and better support for the final year dissertation, so I moved to CNELM once I had received my diploma in Health and Nutrition from BCNH and The University of Greenwich.

 

What was your first role after graduating?

I had been working as a health coach prior to graduating and then started as a self-employed nutritional therapist. I also continued to work for Ian Craig at The Centre for Integrative Nutrition. I had started working with Ian for work experience during my studies and was fortunate to be able to work there until last year, when I had to stop due to a full clinic schedule.

 

How did you kickstart your practice / career?

I set up two websites. The first website www.biohealthclinic.co.uk was set up as a collaborative group for practitioners. The idea was to have a group presence rather than a website with just one practitioner on it. I believed that this way prospective clients would see that we were a team and it would demonstrate more credibility for each practitioner. This website was designed and set up by a professional company. The website has links to each practitioners Clinic or website where they work. We sometimes meet to share case studies and have a group chat set up for questions we can ask each other.

I created the second website on Wix which contains my bio only and I did it out of interest and because I have a background in graphic design from the 1990s.

I offered the first 10 clients a discount for a three or six month program which included two or three personalised nutrition consultations.

I also contacted local clinics so that I could see clients face-to-face. I was able to leave some business cards in these clinics for prospective clients to take.

 

Where has your career taken you so far?

During the beginning of 2000 I organised some unique travel expeditions in Central and South America. I then started to work with non-government organisations and small charities around the world including work in the slums of Nairobi with street children and impoverished women in Bhutan.

I joined Brainstorm Health in 2024 and prior to Brainstorm Health I worked at the Key Clinic, also specialising in children’s health.

 

Do you specialise in a particular area of health? 

I specialise in children’s health, particularly those with chronic health issues, mental health and neuro development issues. I’m particularly interested in the immune system and I also work with adults with chronic health issues.

 

Which part do you think has been the most rewarding or successful? 

Being able to help each person or child and encourage parents and individuals to take small steps towards big changes really makes my heart smile.

From personal experience sometimes a few changes or even one can make a difference.  Having somebody who is an expert who can look at your situation objectively and guide you can be a huge weight off your shoulders and a relief for many parents or individuals who are already juggling so many tasks or issues.

Working with a supportive team helps me to enjoy my work. Science is constantly evolving and everyone on our team is passionate about finding interesting studies to support our work. We also share difficult case studies to get different perspectives to address the issues.

 

Is there anything you wish you’d known before finishing your studies that you might have prepared for differently?

It took me some time to learn some of the practicalities of starting a business. I had to try and fish around for some information. This is why I welcome any new graduate to ask questions when they are trying to set up their work. It’s also important to have someone like a mentor who can keep encouraging you.

 

What or who has most inspired you in your work? 

I was deeply touched by Kate and all the staff at CNELM because of their kindness and support. Everyone works really hard but also cares about the students. There was also plenty of encouragement during clinical training.

I really enjoy any lectures by Dr Sam Yannuck as he has a really clear way of explaining mechanisms.

I work for Stella Chadwick at Brainstorm Health who is incredibly hard-working, knowledgeable and supportive.

When I was studying, I remember I loved Lorraine Nicole’s lectures because she was so passionate about nutritional therapy and this made me feel just as passionate.

I was also always inspired by my peers as most of them had health issues themselves and were able to study/work while having their own health issues.

 

Do you have any tips, hints, things you’d have done differently...? 

I don’t usually have any regrets as I feel this is not a helpful state to be in, but these are some tips:

·         Find a clinic to work at to gain experience.

·         Create a team to share case studies or bounce ideas off.

·         Be confident in the way you deliver recommendations or information. The client is coming to you for help and guidance. If you seem unsure at any point, then they will feel this.

·         I like to look professional online so I dress smart in a suit jacket always.

·         Be clear about your work boundaries either in an email, on your website or your price brochure. For example, answering only a certain amount of emails or messages in a month or the time between appointments as this will take up your time.

·         If you feel that you are not connecting with a client well in a discovery call or you don’t feel comfortable then don’t work with that client. It’s important to have a good relationship with them.

·         Make sure that you are in “a coach state” and you are fit to practice so that you can be the best for each client.