Interview: Isa Welly, Nutritionial Therapist and Wellness Coach
Isa Welly is a force of nature. Coming from a professional dance background where she used to tour with mega stars like Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Snoop Dogg and Chaka Khan, Isa is now a Registered Nutritionist and Wellness Coach. Her career path is rich in experience and a testament to the truth that you don’t have to limit yourself to one career trajectory. To paraphrase Walt Whitman: “(She) contain(s) multitudes.”
Isa is also one of the most genuine people I know, and it was extremely refreshing to meet her a few years ago when I attended one of her amazing retreats. We have since become friends and I was thrilled when she kindly accepted to be interviewed for the Rama Journal. Get ready to feel motivated and inspired!
1. Could you tell me a bit more about your career path and why you decided to become a Nutritionist and Wellness Coach?
I used to be a professional dancer and dancing is still very much the love of my life, but after a decade touring the world and dancing with the most incredible artists on the most breath-taking stages, something in my heart knew that it was time to move on.
It wasn't an easy decision as I lived and breathe dance, but it was the right one. I was ready to let go. My body was exhausted, I was burning out and in need of serious healing, nourishment and rebuild. So that's what I did, I started looking after myself for the first time, eat better, sleep...I mean the basic stuff you know.
It felt good, I saw the magic of slow movement and nutrition heal my mind and body and fell in love with the process.
While initially I wanted to stay in the entertainment industry and move towards presenting or perhaps acting, I knew my purpose was different. I was meant to support and elevate others in a more holistic way.
So here I am :-)
2. What should people expect from a Wellness Coach and what qualities should they look for when deciding which one to go for?
I think it's important to know that they are trained and qualified but also to read their story. What is their life experience? Who are they and how can they support you?
A wellness coach will help you become a healthier and better version of yourself, whatever that means to you. They will help you declutter your mind and help you build a straight and realistic plan to reach your goals.
As a Registered Nutritionist and a Pilates teacher I bring all aspects of wellness into my coaching programs. From nutrition, to movement, to setting boundaries, to working on your mindset - we work on the WHOLE you.
My approach is very holistic.
3. How did you juggle studying, working, and your multiple projects? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
wooow THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION...because that brings memories of sweat and tears ahahah.
When I started studying at the London College of Naturopathic Medicine I had no clue what was about to hit me, and it hit me hard.
I thought I could make it all work and chill. And I did, but I wasn't prepared.
Once I got my ass in gear and understood the single most important thing: PREPARATION + ORGANISATION = YOU CAN MAKE IT WORK things went ok from there. Don't get me wrong, I still had moments especially during exams where I was like WTF, but deep breath and prep.
I rely heavily on my Google Calendar and on two notebooks. Like HEAVILY. These are my biggest organisation tools for success.
In my calendar I put in advance deadlines for school, work, and any non-negotiables. Those things are in bright red i.e. THEY MUST HAPPEN.
This helps me prioritise and be realistic with what else I can add on.
Then I start preparing in advance for those exams, deadlines waaaay ahead of time: research, paperwork, I do all groundwork early in advance.
And even though I don’t study anymore, I still do that with my projects. If I’m Iaunching a nutrition course in January, I start the process of creation in September, even if it's just one/two hours a day.
Last but not least I say NO to everything including projects that do not take me closer to my goals or will take too much time away from what I have. So realistically I say NO 90% of the time.
It's important to set those boundaries, if not you get pulled in each and every direction by things and people that are not necessarily contributing to your success or wellbeing.
I have some productivity tips and tools here you can download :-)
4. What is your favourite item of stationery and what other stationery items could you not live without?
Diaries and notebooks. But really notebooks besides the fact that I am OBSESSED, they are also my second brain :-)
5. What book are you reading right now and what book changed the way you see the world?
Right now I'm reading Profit First by Mike Michalowicz, a finance book on how to organise your money in your business. Not exciting but really informative and I'm learning a lot!
I can’t really choose one book because I love books so much but two old classics that I've read a few times for me are:
- Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
- Germinal by Émile Zola
Thank you so much for those amazing answers Isa! I loved your tips for juggling multiple projects and your incredible energy shines through so brightly in your answers.
Follow Isa @isawelly on Instagram and to learn more about her amazingness (and book your free initial consultation), visit her website isawelly.com.