Jordan Bruce

Written by Filsan Abdiaman

Part 2

On Sept 29, 2019, PLR Vancouver had the pleasure of hosting guest speaker Jordan Bruce.

She joined three other women to talk about managing self-care when you are your own Boss.

This is her Story: Jordan Bruce

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business.

I'm a plant-based and vegan holistic nutritionist in North Vancouver! I love supporting people by recommending therapeutic food, nature and movement. I think it's i

What was your biggest inspiration for starting it?

I was and still am so passionate about living a healthy lifestyle to prevent illness. So many people in our society only make shifts once ill and I really want to inspire people to seek support now. Many of us are fortunate to not think twice when we go out to a restaurant or buy new shoes, however those same people often don't want to invest in their health, until they have to. I can definitely help people once they are sick, but there is just something to magical helping someone fall in love with their lifestyle.

What is your favourite part about running your own business?

Being able to stick to my values and support people in an authentic way versus a work place policy. There is something so special when it's yours, you feel empowered and are more willing to work extra hard to over deliver.

What is the most challenging aspect of running your own business?

I'm a great nutritionist, but I'm still navigating the entrepreneurial side. As most small business owners know, you are literally doing everything from recipe creation, blog posts, the 1000 emails, newsletters, seeing 1:1 clients, supporting online program clients, writing wellness plans. No wonder why I haven't developed a 30 day online program! I need to learn how to scale my business so it's manageable long term. I also rely heavily on social media to get exposure and I rely on it. I find it hard to reach people outside of that space. I host workshops and attend lots of events, but sometimes people don't translate into clients.

I need to remind myself it takes time to grow!

Please take us through an average day in the life of Jordan Bruce.

Definitely varies, but often starts with a 6am workout, shower and matcha, breakfast while listening to my dog whine for her walk, dog walk then 1:1 client meetings begin in person and by phone. All initial clients get complimentary live blood analysis, which requires fasting so I often have to skip my morning workout if a client is coming at 830 am. I wish I could start at 9 or even 10, but the fasting makes that tough : ) I spend a lot of time writing for clients, too much, which means a ton of background work. I usually finish the night with a long bath or the occasional yin class.

Did you face any obstacles / challenges during the beginning stages of the business? If so, how did you overcome them?

I actually had a waiting list when I first branched out on my own. I was so happy and grateful, but that didn't last. It's a very hard industry as it's not that predictable so I've learned to appreciate the highs and stay positive during the lows. Usually summer is quiet as clients travel and don't really want to be told to cut the patio sessions, but this August was busy for me!

Prior to having my own office, I did work out of a couple spaces. The first was so supportive and helpful, no competition even though we were both RHNS. She then closed up the space to have a baby and I switched to an office that was absolutely beautiful, but felt no support. I'd come in some days and my business cards would be moved into a closet. It was also very hard for clients to book in as my availability was so limited since I could only work 2 mornings a week and every other Saturday. I was also paying a lot of money in rent so it wasn't a sustainable long term plan. I'm so happy I decided to invest in myself and renovate to create an amazing office.

How do you manage your self-care?

I feel happiest in the forest hiking with my pup so we are there a lot. I get a workout, it's breathtaking and most importantly, it calms my nervous system. It lets my body get into rest and digest and out of fight or flight. I'm also famous for my very long baths in which I bring snacks, beverages, books and maybe even my laptop for a Netflix show haha. I love having a turmeric adaptogen elixir at night to wind down as my mornings are usually very rushed. I also consider my exercise classes self care as it's just time for me. I focus on me, I don't look around at what others are doing, I tune into me. Usually, I have a huge smile on my face, but sometimes I cry and it's a cathartic release.

Lastly, what does "PLR" mean to you?

To me it conveys a supportive loving safe space filled with movement and curiosity.