Kat's Startup Story: Nude Nutrition

Kat is a Registered Dietitian and Founder of Nude Nutrition. She quit her job and put her all into her business, with the mission to #stripthenonsense of dieting and educate the masses on nutrition. Here she shares more about her startup journey...

What business have you started and why? Nude Nutrition –providing personalised nutrition and lifestyle support with a mission to #StripTheNonsense and free people from dieting.

Describe your life before you founded your business. What were you doing professionally?

I have been a Registered Dietitian for my entire career so far (nearly 6 years), practicing both in the NHS and privately. After completing a Masters in Clinical Research, I moved onto working in a high end weight management clinic in Chelsea for 1.5 years. I quit and left full time work in January 2018.

How were you feeling at this point in time?

I had spent a lot of time racing my road bike at a high level. I stopped racing in July 2017 and found I had a lot more time to focus on other things… my career. My job was easy and I needed more stimulation. I knew this for a good 6 months or so, but I was putting off doing anything about it whilst all of my energy was being put into road racing. I attended various events, including an Escape workshop and knew it was what I needed to embark on a new journey with my career.

What main blockers were stopping you from starting your own business before joining The Startup Accelerator?

Confidence, not having the tools to do it! (e.g. website building, marketing and all the basics I needed to get started). I had tried once in the past to set up a private clinic which ticked along on the side for 3 years, however, it had no clear direction.

Why did you decide to join The Accelerator?

My best friend had completed the career change course and I saw her grow hugely as a person. I then attended the ‘how to start a business on the side’ evening workshop and was sold. I had to borrow the money to do it.

What did the programme mean to you?

The energy and network were incredible. The course coaches were so supportive and knowledgeable. They pushed me to get something out there with appropriate guidance.

How did you start to overcome your startup blockers?

My main blocker was confidence. This improved with the support from Escape, the tools to do things, and the mindset that anything is possible. I still struggle with this, however, I have built a great network of people around who egg me on. I am not afraid to ask people for help. I continue to attend events to ensure I keep learning and continue to challenge myself regularly.

How have you managed your finances whilst moving into entrepreneurship? It’s not been easy. I had/have no savings! I am full-time Nude Nutrition and at two months in, I have an income that allows me to live. I moved out of my flat in London and live the lifestyle of a nomad at present!

What has been the best advice you’ve received/most helpful thing you did? “Look for what you can do, not what you can’t”, “use your network”, and “be patient”.

What have you been up to since finishing Escape’s course?

Lots of things! But mainly – built a client base that keeps growing, have given nutrition talks to companies in London, and have another 5 more lined up next month, have grown a following of nearly 4000 on Instagram, have some exciting collaborations in the pipeline.

What are you doing now? What does your day-to-day look like right now?

I work every day, Monday-Friday 9-6ish, and often on a Saturday. I am able to work from anywhere as my business is online. This means I have been able to travel with my boyfriend and work from Spain and Portugal for a few weeks in February/March. My priorities lie with continuing to build a client base, continuing to push myself, and not isolating myself. When in the UK, I have been co-working with escape colleagues and attending events that are useful to Nude Nutrition. I haven’t fully established a set routine with working hours or what I do day to day! It’s so varied.

What has been your biggest challenge since joining Escape?

The hardest past has been in the last 3-4 weeks. I finished my full-time job 9 weeks ago and set high expectations for myself. Sometimes I forget to look back at how far I have come. I find it challenging to do everything… from being a marketer, saleswomen, Dietitian, web developer, receptionist and ultimately, I am on my own with this! If I don’t do the work, nobody else will! That’s why it’s so challenging… but it’s what I wanted, and I do love it.

How are you dealing with this challenge?

Making sure I co-work, speak with people about how I feel, and ask for help. I recently had a session with one of the escape coaches which was great. I have a fear of public speaking, so I am attending improvisation classes and getting myself out there as much as possible to overcome this.

What’s felt like key milestones so far?

Quitting my full-time job and moving out of London.

How are you feeling about yourself now?

I am feeling proud, a little scared, but confident that I can be persistent with it as it’s what I love and what I do.

What advice would you give to those feeling the way you did before you began your escape?

The course is incredible. Try to go in with an open mind, but also knowledge of an area that you are totally passionate about. Ultimately, I would have given up by now if I wasn’t this passionate about it, as although it’s an amazing journey, it’s not an easy one!

Sick of battling with the scales? Visit www.nudenutritionrd.com to see how Kat can help you & sign up for a FREE 20-minute consultation for some quick tips to help you along your way!... Check out Nude Nutrition's Instagram to stay updated with Kat's weekly #StripTheNonsense sessions revealing the truth behind nutrition.

Kat completed Escape's Startup Accelerator in November 2017. To join her in taking control of your career and building your own business, learn more here.