The Nutritional Supplement

Which course did you graduate from at CNELM and when did you graduate?
Both the BSc in Nutritional Therapy (last intake, completed Jan 2015) and MSc in Personalised Nutrition (completed Jan 2018).

What did you do before doing this course?
I was a PA for top executives as I am good at organising myself, but having danced and played sports into my 20´s I didn´t feel that office work was for me. I trained mid 20´s as a Personal Trainer and set up by myself in the UK. I´ve continued Personal Training both with a move to Denmark and now the South of France. I still combine Pilates and barre classes with nutritional consultations. I enjoy the balance.

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

I have always been interested in Nutrition. I grew up with chefs in the family and I took an O level in Food & Nutrition. At some point in my teens I had an eating disorder and it was a nutritionist that set me back on track to health again. To cut a long story short; once my girls were at a more independent age I decided I wanted to help people more with preventative health, which set me on the path to looking at studying again. CNELM enabled me to revise my Chemistry knowledge before moving swiftly onto a course which was possible whilst living in France.

What was your first role after graduating?
Working with clients on a 1-2-1 basis and setting up my first group programme which has now run 14 times. I had a “clientele” already in my back pocket through my exercise classes and many of them followed my 3 year journey to get the BSc.

How did you kickstart your practice / career?
Mostly word of mouth through friends and clients from my classes and online programmes. I wasn´t afraid to talk about what I´d learnt and drop interesting facts into conversations.
It takes a passion for the industry as there are many “unpaid” hours given to every single client you see.

Where has your career taken you so far?
I have been a speaker on some podcasts in my local area. I work as the Nutritional Therapist for a local charity that has many health-related events, I write health related articles for Riviera Insider (a magazine in my region), I am asked to speak at small retreats. More recently I have helped come up with combinations for various kombucha mixes for a local producer and now my logo and QR code appear on the kombucha logo.

Do you specialise in a particular area of health?
I would say that many hormone imbalances seem to be what I often see in clinic, but I don´t limit myself to that area. Autoimmune cases are also appearing frequently. If I don´t feel comfortable with taking on a case having spoken with a potential client an appointment, I refer them to someone I feel can help them.

Which part do you think has been the most rewarding or successful?
Seeing and receiving positive feedback from clients is always inspiring. There is a huge kick from knowing that you have helped restore a client´s health and quality of life.

Is there anything you wish you’d known before finishing your studies that you might have prepared for differently?
You have to be good at reaching out to others in the same field and creating your own little network – it can be lonely at times.

What or who has most inspired you in your work?
Alex, Laura and Robyn from AFMMP, Helen Lynam and Michelle Barrow from CNELM. They may not be the big names you expect me to write, but they have certainly inspired me during my studies and since. In fact I have reached out to Michelle with regards to starting a PhD. It is still very much something I consider pursuing.

Do you have any tips, hints, things you’d have done differently...?
I wish I hadn´t waited so long to take the big jump into studying and becoming a Nutritional Therapist.
Taking time for yourself is equally important in this line of business as it can also become draining if you are not able to “tank up” from time to time.
Reaching out to peers if you feel a little unsure taking the “first steps” as a practitioner. There are some great Facebook groups set up to keep us connected.