What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?
Before SWIHA I was working a full-time job that I wasn't passionate about, just something to help pay the bills while trying to educate myself on a holistic lifestyle, as it was something that peaked my interest. I love the fitness industry and am what you'd call a "gym junkie" however I wasn't impressed with many of the products that are advertised as "healthy" when in reality they are filled with additives that are synthetically made and cause havoc on the gut. I wanted to enroll in a program that had a focus on holistic health, and SWIHA was the answer. I ended up enrolling in the Holistic Health & Wellness Coach diploma program with the specialty of Whole Foods Culinary Specialist.
Is there a “defining moment” you’d like to speak about? When did you know that you were on the right path?
I didn't realize how many coaching techniques I'd learn. I thought so much of the program was going to be learning about Whole Foods, although I've actually gotten so much knowledge on how to facilitate coaching sessions and lead my clients from point A to point B. I realized I was on the right path when my sister began her coaching business and asked me to be an assistant coach for her company. It was as if I was meant to learn more about facilitating coaching sessions to ready myself for my sister's business.
Has your life significantly changed? If so, how?
My life has changed significantly since I first started the program. I no longer have a full-time job. Instead, I work a part-time job that allows me to have more time dedicated to coursework, as well as trying to build my client roster of women to coach for my sister's company.
What are you up to now—professionally and personally?
I currently have my own business on the back burner. I am not ready, nor do I want to have my own business just yet. I have lots of ideas for when that day comes, for now, I am happy working alongside my sister as an assistant coach for her business, Macroticians. It's a macro tracking program that allows women to fix their metabolisms in order to achieve their health and fitness goals. Because of what I've learned throughout my journey at SWIHA, I do a lot of mindfulness practice with the women that are a part of the program and will hold group coaching sessions where we just talk about the things that come up in each session.
If you own a business or private practice, tell us all about it! What inspired you to start your own business? What services do you offer? How do you powerfully impact clients? How are the skills you learned at SWIHA supporting your work?
I currently do not own my own business, although I hope to in the future. I already have some inspiration, yet that didn't arise until this program and I was put to the challenge to think about it. Currently, the skills I've learned at SWIHA have been helping me to be a better coach for my clients. I am able to educate them more, help guide them through breath work practice, and get to the root of the cause of the things holding them back.
What was the greatest lesson(s) you learned while at SWIHA?
The greatest lesson I've learned at SWIHA has been to listen mindfully and pause for a moment when I am in a conversation with people. I've learned there is much to be said while in silence, which I wouldn't have learned if it wasn't for SWIHA.
Who were your most impactful teachers while you studied at SWIHA? What were your favorite classes?
Dee McCaffrey has made the most impact on me. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from her while in the Whole Foods Culinary courses. She is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to food and food science and I have been honored to listen to her share it. Susanne Thomas is another teacher that I really admire. I learned many different coaching techniques from her, and she definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone many times, which I didn't like at the time, yet appreciate so much now.
If you could give advice to future SWIHA students, what would it be?
To any future SWIHA students, the advice I want to give is just to be kind, patient, and forgiving of yourself throughout this journey. It's easy to set unobtainable standards for ourselves, as so many of us strive for perfection when perfection doesn't exist.
What else—if anything—would you like us to know about you, your work, and/or your personal journey?
I'd just like for everyone to know that although I am near the end of my journey with this program at SWIHA, I look forward to jumping right back into another program that SWIHA has to offer and continuing my knowledge in different practices to be the best coach I can be for my clients and have numerous services to offer them.
Connect with Lauren:
Facebook: Lauren Allen
Instagram: @littl3_lolo
