3 Years, One Broke-AF Businesswoman, and a Whole Lot of Dahlias

As I reflect on celebrating three years of Dahlia Health Coaching and my recognition as one of Greenville Business Magazine's SC Women in Business Award honorees this week, I have taken some time to “stop and smell the dahlias.”

With each milestone in my life, I like to take a moment and think about where I was, where I am now, how I got here, and whether it was worth it.

I am so fortunate to do what I love, helping women through a tough transition in their lives and seeing them learn to thrive in menopause. I don’t do it because it’s easy. As most of you know, I didn’t start my own practice until I was 60. Maybe my good fortune was a bit of luck, but I believe that the hard work, perseverance, and dedication have got me here.

Taking the chance on myself was thrilling and very scary. I was confident in my ability to help other women, but not in my confidence to be an actual businesswoman. That part has been a huge learning curve, and I’m still not sure what I’m doing most of the time when it comes to managing a business, even my business of one! The success of what I’ve achieved has come from hard work, experimenting, being broke AF, and the fact that my clients have come away from working with me with a renewed sense of purpose. That’s my true success.

All the TV appearances I’ve done, the PR I’ve had, and recognitions I’ve earned don’t make me successful. As a matter of fact, I often refer to myself as one of the most successful unsuccessful businesswomen in Greenville. I mean, did I say “broke” ??

But what truly sets me apart and gives me the confidence and the dedication to continue what I do are the women who invest their time and money into themselves and let me come along for their ride.

So, as I reflect on completing my 3rd year as founder of Dahlia Health & Nutrition Coaching, I'm celebrating with the women who've supported me on and offline: my clients, family, friends, coaches, and the TV hosts who invite me back. When I started in the health and fitness business 15 years ago, women were more often competitors than supporters. I know that still exists, but I'm so glad it's changed.

Hurray for three years! Here’s to at least three more.

Here’s to stopping to smell the dahlias, and to blooming into whatever’s next.

Health & Hugs,

Bonnie