Stacey Tuttle’s journey to becoming a wellness entrepreneur
has evolved organically. Her time as a barista was a significant
career-development period during which her interest in nutrition flourished. In
2015, she decided to make a move, and left St. John’s to study at The Institute
of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto. Stacey returned to Newfoundland in 2016 to
grow her wellness consultation business, Your Glowing Health. Additionally, Stacey co-owns Well and Good Dinners, which provides private dinners, workshops, and cooking lessons.
Stacey Tuttle: Growing up I was definitely a people pleaser! For years I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, because it’s a typical path for kids who are excelling (lawyer, doctor, engineer, etc). That ended up being a no-go once I realized what being a lawyer would actually entail! When I was VERY young though, I wanted to be a nurse, like my mom. I guess deep down I was always interested in health and wellness.
Career Paths Travelled: What did you study during your time at Memorial University? How did you choose your program, and what did you hope to do afterwards?
Stacey Tuttle: I studied English and Political Science. Honestly, my path through university was not super intentional. I was just doing things that I liked and was good at. I assumed after graduating I would go to grad school, law school, or do an education program. Although it was a winding road to where I am now, I’m so grateful for my time at Memorial and my BA. I think it was the right move at that time in my life.
Career Paths Travelled: A few years ago, you were working as a barista. What skills did you learn in the service industry that have been useful in starting a business?
Stacey Tuttle: I actually worked as a barista on and off for 6 years! It’s a great job to have when you’re trying to figure out what to do next because there is literally no take-home stress at the end of the day. I learned SO much working in the service industry. I learned to be a morning person and how to efficiently manage my time. I learned how to connect and converse with everyone and anyone. From a wellness perspective, I also learned the ins and outs of people’s blood sugar spikes and crashes throughout the day. Managing blood sugar is one of the foundations of good health, so this was super interesting for me!
Career Paths
Travelled: Looking back, what were your career aspirations when you were a
child?
Stacey Tuttle: Growing up I was definitely a people pleaser! For years I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, because it’s a typical path for kids who are excelling (lawyer, doctor, engineer, etc). That ended up being a no-go once I realized what being a lawyer would actually entail! When I was VERY young though, I wanted to be a nurse, like my mom. I guess deep down I was always interested in health and wellness.
Career Paths Travelled: What did you study during your time at Memorial University? How did you choose your program, and what did you hope to do afterwards?
Stacey Tuttle: I studied English and Political Science. Honestly, my path through university was not super intentional. I was just doing things that I liked and was good at. I assumed after graduating I would go to grad school, law school, or do an education program. Although it was a winding road to where I am now, I’m so grateful for my time at Memorial and my BA. I think it was the right move at that time in my life.
Career Paths Travelled: A few years ago, you were working as a barista. What skills did you learn in the service industry that have been useful in starting a business?
Stacey Tuttle: I actually worked as a barista on and off for 6 years! It’s a great job to have when you’re trying to figure out what to do next because there is literally no take-home stress at the end of the day. I learned SO much working in the service industry. I learned to be a morning person and how to efficiently manage my time. I learned how to connect and converse with everyone and anyone. From a wellness perspective, I also learned the ins and outs of people’s blood sugar spikes and crashes throughout the day. Managing blood sugar is one of the foundations of good health, so this was super interesting for me!
Photo credit: Tonya Papanikolov
Career Paths
Travelled: In 2015, you moved to Toronto to study Holistic Nutrition. Tell
us a bit about this experience (both as a student, and as a new Torontonian).
Also, how did you settle on nutrition as a career path?
Stacey Tuttle: I
loved moving to Toronto and living there. I wanted to go and complete the
program at The Institute of Holistic Nutrition for a few years, so I was super
grateful to be there and felt like I was living the dream! As someone who is
really into farmer’s markets and food culture, Toronto was totally dreamy. I
was also lucky enough to work at a Roncesvalles Bakery called Seventh Sister
where I made some amazing food and friends. Other than working for myself, that
was the most wonderful job I’ve ever had.
To be honest, I had never even heard of holistic nutrition until 2012. My friend Laura suggested I check out a blog she liked called My New Roots. The blog was written by Sarah Britton, who is a holistic nutritionist and also went to The Institute of Holistic Nutrition. As soon as I discovered what a holistic nutritionist was, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do moving forward. It took some time for me to get the confidence necessary to move and go back to school, but I was nudged and encouraged by my partner Josh until I decided to take the leap.
To be honest, I had never even heard of holistic nutrition until 2012. My friend Laura suggested I check out a blog she liked called My New Roots. The blog was written by Sarah Britton, who is a holistic nutritionist and also went to The Institute of Holistic Nutrition. As soon as I discovered what a holistic nutritionist was, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do moving forward. It took some time for me to get the confidence necessary to move and go back to school, but I was nudged and encouraged by my partner Josh until I decided to take the leap.
Photo credit: Craig Goudie
Career Paths
Travelled: How did you develop and market your business at the beginning?
Stacey Tuttle: At
the beginning it was tough! Money was pretty tight after moving across the
country twice and paying my way through school. I basically started Your
Glowing Health with zero dollars. I relied heavily on social media for
marketing. Taking beautiful pictures of food and making informative videos
about my business and exactly what I do was so helpful to get the word out and
educate the NL public about holistic nutrition.
Career Paths
Travelled: What brought you back to Newfoundland, and how has your business
model changed over time?
Stacey Tuttle: I
always intended to come back to Newfoundland because it’s my home and I love it
here! I love being so close to the outdoors, being able to forage and grow my
own food, and be near my friends and family. It was also important to me to
take what I had learned and really infuse the local wellness scene with fun,
unique events. Originally I thought I would primarily see clients one on one,
but my business has brought me in so many additional directions. From collabs
with other local entrepreneurs, group programs, pop up dinners, cooking
classes, and unique workshops I have been really enjoying creating the events
that I have always wanted to see in this city.
Career Paths
Travelled: What is the most common reason that clients reach out to you?
How do you go about helping them with this issue?
Stacey Tuttle: The majority of my clients are women and I typically focus on mental health, digestive wellness, and balancing hormones. I see them one-on-one and offer individualized guidelines for food, lifestyle, and supplementation. I also arm them with the resources and support they need to succeed. It’s been so rewarding to see the progress these women make over the course of a few months. It inspires me so much! I also co-own Well & Good Dinners (a seasonal food party focusing on healthy local foods) so a lot of clients contact me for cooking lessons and customized meal plans too.
Career Paths Travelled: What projects are you currently involved in, and what do you hope to work on in 2019?
Stacey Tuttle: Lots of new ideas and projects are happening for 2019! I’ll hosting more day and weekend yoga retreats with Kathy Noseworthy (of Modo Yoga St. John’s), working on food styling workshops, hosting cooking classes and selling treats at Simply For Life, finishing an online course called Happy Hormones with Strong Women Co, and developing an intimate dinner series called Mindful Meals with Yorabode. I like to check in and create new goals every couple of months, so there’ll be lots of new things happening all year long!
Career Paths Travelled: Do you have any advice for new entrepreneurs in the health and wellness sector?
Stacey Tuttle: Do the work. Show up everyday and put in the work. If you’re patient and consistent things will start to happen for you. I’d also advise to make time for self care! It’s impossible to fill up others when your cup is empty, and being an entrepreneur requires long hours that can take a lot out of you. Don’t forget to get outside, move your bod, be with friends, and read non-work related books!!
Career Paths Travelled: Is there an underrated natural remedy that you’d like to share with the readers?
Stacey Tuttle: The most underrated natural remedy is apple cider vinegar! It’s so affordable and so powerful. It’s a great source of probiotics, it helps you digest food more easily, and it’s great for an upset stomach. Also highly recommend a daily green juice or green smoothie if you wanna feel like a glowy superhero.
Stacey’s sunny personality, commitment to her work, and genuine interest in her clients’ well-being contribute to her success as an entrepreneur. Follow Stacey's businesses on social media for regular updates:
Stacey Tuttle: The majority of my clients are women and I typically focus on mental health, digestive wellness, and balancing hormones. I see them one-on-one and offer individualized guidelines for food, lifestyle, and supplementation. I also arm them with the resources and support they need to succeed. It’s been so rewarding to see the progress these women make over the course of a few months. It inspires me so much! I also co-own Well & Good Dinners (a seasonal food party focusing on healthy local foods) so a lot of clients contact me for cooking lessons and customized meal plans too.
Career Paths Travelled: What projects are you currently involved in, and what do you hope to work on in 2019?
Stacey Tuttle: Lots of new ideas and projects are happening for 2019! I’ll hosting more day and weekend yoga retreats with Kathy Noseworthy (of Modo Yoga St. John’s), working on food styling workshops, hosting cooking classes and selling treats at Simply For Life, finishing an online course called Happy Hormones with Strong Women Co, and developing an intimate dinner series called Mindful Meals with Yorabode. I like to check in and create new goals every couple of months, so there’ll be lots of new things happening all year long!
Career Paths Travelled: Do you have any advice for new entrepreneurs in the health and wellness sector?
Stacey Tuttle: Do the work. Show up everyday and put in the work. If you’re patient and consistent things will start to happen for you. I’d also advise to make time for self care! It’s impossible to fill up others when your cup is empty, and being an entrepreneur requires long hours that can take a lot out of you. Don’t forget to get outside, move your bod, be with friends, and read non-work related books!!
Career Paths Travelled: Is there an underrated natural remedy that you’d like to share with the readers?
Stacey Tuttle: The most underrated natural remedy is apple cider vinegar! It’s so affordable and so powerful. It’s a great source of probiotics, it helps you digest food more easily, and it’s great for an upset stomach. Also highly recommend a daily green juice or green smoothie if you wanna feel like a glowy superhero.
Stacey’s sunny personality, commitment to her work, and genuine interest in her clients’ well-being contribute to her success as an entrepreneur. Follow Stacey's businesses on social media for regular updates:
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