Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, and moved to New York City after graduating from college to work in public relations. Not long after, I discovered my passion for nutrition and decided to make a career out of it. I got my master’s in clinical nutrition at NYU and became a registered dietitian in 2019. My husband and I moved to Houston for his job in March 2020 right before the pandemic started! It was a crazy time to move, but we found Houstonians to be so welcoming and friendly, and we quickly felt at home here.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Our son Nate is six months!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I haven’t always been a healthy eater! I was a really picky eater growing up (think lots of chicken fingers!). So if you have a picky eater on your hands, don’t worry. There’s always time for things to change!
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
My husband and I love all of the wonderful restaurants. Bludorn, Hugo’s, Tiny Boxwoods and Rosie Cannonball are just a few of our favorites. We are also a big fan of the many museums and parks and can’t wait for Nate to get a little older so that we can really take advantage of them as a family.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am a registered dietitian with Rooted Wellness, a private nutrition practice specializing in women’s health. My areas of focus include nutrition for fertility, prenatal and postpartum health as well as early childhood nutrition.
I help women cut through the “nutrition noise” they are constantly bombarded with and guide them towards evidence-based, proven methods to enhance their well-being. I work with clients to understand their reality and identify small changes that can make a real difference. My goal is for my clients to feel stronger, energized, and empowered living the life they want!
In addition to private counseling, I also teach nutrition classes at the Motherhood Center, which is such a fabulous resource and community for Houston moms.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I have found the Houston community to be overwhelmingly supportive, positive, and welcoming! I have especially enjoyed working with the Motherhood Center to reach more local moms. Community is such an important part of our health, and I’m so grateful to be connected with so many local moms and entrepreneurs like myself!
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
There is no way to “do it all” so give yourself grace when you aren’t “perfect” in every aspect of your life. Lean on the support system that you have available to you – whether that’s your partner, family, or a babysitter/nanny. There’s no shame in asking for help and taking it when someone offers. I also think it is important to find little pockets in your day to take care of yourself – even if that’s just 10-15 minutes to prep a healthy lunch or go for a quick walk with a friend. It’s easy to lose yourself in motherhood but I know I’m a better mother when I take time for myself!
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Your life is going to change in the best way possible. It’s going to be challenging but so worth it.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
This winter, I would take Nate in his stroller for walks around Whole Foods during the hardest part of the day (usually 5:30/6 pm). He always gets fussy and harder to please around this time. The stroller and all of the distractions helped us both make it to bedtime without tears!