Inspiring individuals - Lunchbox Doctor

So many Mums I coach have doubts about whether they really can make a living doing something they love. I always reassure them that it’s not only possible but also more rewarding to be passionate about what you do.  But don’t just take my word for it - listen to the success stories of other Mums and be inspired! 

In the first of our series on inspiring individuals, Jenny Tschiesche, founder of Lunchboxdoctor, tells Inspired Mums how her passion for nutrition and drive to help parents with their children’s diet and health, led to a new and more fulfilling career.

 

At the age of 11, Jenny Tschiesche decided she wanted to be a business woman when she grew up.  By the age of 26 she had fulfilled her ambition and was a director of a UK division of Cable and Wireless as well as a national level hockey player.  Travelling the world and earning a good salary, it was only when she injured her back during a hockey match that she started to question what she wanted from her career, “It made me look at what I was doing and why I was doing it” remarked Jenny.

It was while queuing in the supermarket that Jenny picked up  “The Optimum Nutrition Bible” and found a course listed in the back that she could do along side her work.  Little did Jenny realize that this marked the beginning of her journey towards a more exciting and fulfilling career in the world of nutrition.

You began your nutrition course whilst still working, when did you realize you could make a career out of it?

When I started the course it was like a hobby and it just grew from there. It was having my own kids and realizing how many people are so stressed with parenting and being the perfect parent ….. I felt I had the knowledge and experience to help others.

Did you have a very clear business plan from the start?

Yes – in my mind I did.  My son was only one and a half when I started my business in 2009 so I decided at first to do 1-2-1 consultations but it wasn’t enough for me and it certainly wasn’t enough to make a living from. I had to look at alternative income streams – writing, blogging, corporate work – running clinics, workshops, reorganizing menus but I was spreading myself very thinly and that’s when I decided to focus on a specific niche.

 How did you find your particular niche to focus on?

 When my daughter started primary school she turned round and said “I don’t like sandwiches.”  I had to think what do I put in her lunch box.  So I came up with other ideas and started a Facebook page writing snippets and recipes and it grew from there.  It became so popular that in Autumn 2012 I published a book called “Not just sandwiches” and in January 2013 I launched a new business called ‘Lunchbox Doctor’.

You mentioned on your website that there had been trials and tribulations – were there any times you felt like giving up?

Loads, I find it really lonely working for myself – I played team sports, I’m one of seven children, I’m used to being surrounded by people so not being surrounded by people is a difficult thing.

What kept you going?

 Where people have come back and said what good advice you have given and how it has changed and helped what they do.  I believe we all need praise – I think the hardest thing about working on your own is you don’t have a structure to base whether you are doing a good job or not.

 How have you overcome some of the challenges of working on your own?

Recently, I was approached by an agent with a management team. So now I have my little team around me, which is great, as I get to focus on the creative side. It allows me so much more freedom and piece of mind.

 Who has been inspirational to you in your work?

Jamie Oliver has done some great stuff, but there’s no one person I’m trying to emulate or be like – I feel I am a parent and a nutrition expert and I can combine those two things to help other parents.

 What motivates you about what you do?

 I was more money-orientated when I was younger, now it’s much more about making a difference and helping people, people who are really struggling with a particular aspect of their children’s diet and health.

 For other mumpreneurs out there, what advice would you give them on setting up and growing a business?

 Only do it if you are absolutely passionate about what you do otherwise you will resent the time it takes you away from your children.

 You’ve written a book, established a successful business and have young children. Have you any tips on how you balance all your different commitments?

 Compartmentalizing, I would say and the one thing I have had to learn to do because we are such an “on” society with our ipads, our iphones etc, is really make sure you set boundaries and make time just for the children or just  for work. Having said that, I can also make my work my pleasure as well. My children are my little guinea pigs and are always getting involved in new things so because of the subject matter I can involve them.

 What are your ambitions for your business going forward?

 I am looking to start a TV show and also a range of lunchbox products.

 For further information about Jenny and Lunchboxdoctor including the clinics she runs in Marlow, visit to www.lunchboxdoctor.com

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