Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Andrus.
Sarah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was 26 years old, I found myself exhausted, in chronic pain, depressed and experiencing a total health crash. Diagnosed with Hashimotos disease, MTHFR, migraines, and Fibromyalgia, I was told there was no real cure and that I could learn to manage my symptoms. The traditional solutions offered to me did not work, and my hopelessness led me to relentlessly research other options. I found a doctor who helped me transform my perspective of my body and empowered me to take my health into my own hands. I changed my environment, menu, the ways I was moving my body, mindset and emotional health, and I healed.
One of the most beautiful benefits was not only the revival of my own health but my three young sons’ health, attention/focus, and behavior also greatly improved as a ‘side effect’ to our lifestyle changes. Ten years later, I have more energy now than ever, I am stronger than ever, and I have more passion, joy and zeal for life than ever.
During the pain and loneliness of my journey to healing, I decided no one needed to do this alone and that I would be a resource for whoever needed help. I launched a business in direct sales, educating people on a product that greatly aided my wellness, as well as a holistic coaching business to empower others to take their health into their own hands. My background in social work paired with my training and research under my doctor has proven to be the perfect combination for effectively empowering clients to reach their wellness goals.
November 2019, I launched my cookbook- Full of It: Healthy Recipes Without all the B.S. as another tool to provide simple, healthy recipes for people desiring and needing a no- B.S. approach to easy meals and nutrient-dense ingredients.
My gifts and talents- writing, listening, encouraging, and inspiring, combined with my passion- empowering others to take ownership of their own health to live their best lives- led me to create a sustainable business and a life for myself and my children that we thrive in and enjoy. When I’m not spending time with my three sons, running my business, coaching clients, or writing, I can be found cooking for family and friends, practicing yoga, lying on the beach, and avoiding housework.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey began with an obstacle and challenge. I was experiencing such extreme fatigue and chronic pain that I had very little energy beyond taking care of my basic responsibilities. I experienced a great deal of loneliness and depression, which made everything harder. Once I began to make positive changes for my health, I was met with great resistance from family and friends. Changing food- especially in the south (Alabama)- was not widely accepted. I had to take a stand for myself and my own health and the health of my children. I was criticized and questioned to my face and behind my back, which gave me the opportunity to strengthen my voice and my stance.
I started my business when my children were 6 years, 3 years, and 6 months old. I worked during their nap times and after they were in bed into the night. They came with me for some of my events and even assisted me. When I began writing recipes, my kids were my #1 taste-testers and critics. They came along for photoshoots and were a part of the whole process. It was hard and fulfilling and challenging and wonderful. It can really be a struggle to be full-time mom and full-time entrepreneur, but it’s worth it.
They are now 13, 10, and 7 years old and while they understand that I work from home and sometimes travel for work, it is definitely smoother than when they needed constant supervision. As for my critics, some have come and gone. Some linger. Surely some are yet to be known. The thing that remains the same is my unwillingness to compromise my standards and values for myself or my children.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
1. Educate and empower people to safely and effectively use Young Living essential oils and products.
2. Empower and encourage people to optimize their wellness and lives through Holistic Coaching.
3. Full of It: Healthy Recipes Without All the B.S. – cookbook.
I specialize in helping people recognize their own potential and use that to empower themselves to live the way they want to. I meet with clients to help them identify their goals and intentions and take the necessary steps to reach them. I provide them with practical, tangible tools for navigating their lives and wellness. I am most proud that my clients- both with Young Living and Coaching (most overlap)- experience life-changing results and make progress and transformation beyond their wildest dreams. The gift and honor of partnering with people in their life journeys is a true joy and pleasure.
What sets me apart is that I take a holistic approach and partner that with a very hands-on forward-thinking approach. Clients leave sessions with actionable steps to move in their desired direction. My cookbook is set apart because the recipes are extremely simple and delicious. They require little preparation but do not compromise on flavor or nutrition. This makes eating healthy enjoyable and simple.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Knowing and understanding who you are and what your core values are. If you are clear on who you are and what your values are, it is very simple to discern who to work with and how to work. Working hard, with focus and commitment are as essential as having fun. When work aligns with what you enjoy, you’ve hit your magical combination that can be fully embraced and received as your career.
My core values, that must align in my professional and personal life are:
Love, Curiosity, Humor, Respect, Joy, Fun, Integrity, Courage.
Pricing:
- Full of It: Healthy Recipes Without All the B.S.- $29.99 (www.fullofitcookbook.com)
- Holisitc Coaching- free 10 minute consultation, followed with pricing options- email: seawellnessllc@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fullofitcookbook.com
- Email: SEAWellnessLLC@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sarah.elizabeth.andrus
- Facebook: @therealsarahandrus
Image Credit:
Jennifer Wenzel Photography
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