The Inspiring Story of Health Coach Deslie Ghiorzi: Finding Purpose in Helping Clients

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?

Prior to SWIHA, I owned and operated a small vegan café in Gilbert, AZ called Coconut Hut. The menu was based on the S.O.U.L. concept, seasonal, organic, unprocessed, and local as much as possible. When I opened the café, my intention was to provide healthy food, something I had a very hard time finding in restaurants around my area. Little did I know that it would attract people with chronic diseases who were looking to find a food sanctuary. A place where they would feel safe to consume the food, where they could nourish and satisfy their hunger. Before I knew it, customers became clients that I would meal prep for, customizing the meals for their specific needs.

Is there a “defining moment” you’d like to speak about? When did you know that you were on the right path?

After 5 years of running my business, and after having my second daughter, I realized that the restaurant business was not for me. Although, what did speak to me was the connections I made with people, the help I provided in suggesting foods, and the feeling of purpose when my clients felt listened to and cared for. I didn’t know what this calling was at the time, yet after attending SWIHA, I found it had a name, and that was health coaching.

Has your life significantly changed? If so, how?

My time at SWIHA has helped me further develop my skills and understand nutrition better. When once I didn’t know how to hold space for someone in need, now I feel equipped to help others better and holistically. I used to defer to food as the ultimate health factor, and now I understand how it’s an integrated part of something more. The mind, the heart, and the body all align to help fill the soul. However, I wouldn’t be telling the full story if I didn’t mention how much I’ve grown as an individual. I understand myself better; I’m willing to explore the parts of me that I once buried and give myself space to feel and listen. The tools I have learned as a health coach are helping me grow and flourish.

What are you up to now—professionally and personally?

I currently work for the University of Phoenix as the College Articulation Manager. I find that being a leader benefits from the coaching skills I’ve acquired, and I have recently joined the Wellness Committee under the Benefits Department, where I can share my content, bringing a holistic health approach to the corporation.

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 created my own business called Brightly Nourished where I offer Holistic Wellness and Nutrition Coaching. I share my recipes on my social media accounts and on my website, along with wellness information on my blog. My niche is helping people with gut health to help with weight loss, acne, and increase energy. I have personally struggled with these areas in my life and hope that my experience, knowledge, and frustrations including lack of self-confidence can help others who feel like they have no control.

What was the greatest lesson(s) you learned while at SWIHA?

The greatest lesson I’ve learned at SWIHA is to learn to listen to myself. To stop and cherish myself. Giving myself space to feel was never something I learned growing up. I only ever learned to suppress my feelings and put on a good face. My greatest lesson has been to allow for what I’m feeling to be, as well as some great lessons about emotional regulation. I carry these lessons and share them with my daughters, a great gift to pass on and share this with my clients as a tool that I know will help them live with more compassion for themselves.

Who were your most impactful teachers while you studied at SWIHA? What were your favorite classes?

My favorite classes were Micro/Macro Nutritional Biochemistry with Dr. Kelly Clough and Microbiome for Wellness with Dr. Jacquie Leone. I love learning about the body and how nutrition works, and I may be a bit of a science nerd. Two of the most impactful instructors were Sarah Jennings and Sharlene Nordquist. Both were incredible coaching instructors, who inspired and really made me believe that coaching was very impactful and that I could become a coach, just like them. Their words of wisdom, examples, and support were heartfelt.

If you could give advice to future SWIHA students, what would it be?

Be prepared to grow personally and professionally in ways you never imagined.

What else—if anything—would you like us to know about you, your work, and/or your personal journey?

I am a mom of two and a wife, employed full time all while juggling my program at SWIHA and starting my business on the side. I have been tested time and time again. However, these tests have been a gift of resilience and grit. When life feels like it’s too much, that’s when you grow. My educational journey at SWIHA has been more than just building skills and knowledge; it’s been a journey of self-discovery. Because of my studies and the work involved, I feel like a veil has been lifted and I’m discovering a new layer of myself, a stronger and gentler version of myself. This sense of balance is a gift I am very grateful to have received.