Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Auslander.
Monica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a Miami native who fell in love with the power of nutrition to change energy and health. I went to UF for undergrad, got my Master’s in Dietetics and Nutrition at FIU, worked at Jackson for two years as an inpatient (pediatric) dietitian, and opened my practice on January 1st, 2016 as a place to foster individual wellness through customized nutrition. As a registered dietitian, I’m constantly fending off food myths and fallacies, but it’s comforting to rely on my own, more French, eating philosophy – that high-quality food can and should be enjoyed, no matter its nutritive content. Within 1.5 years of opening, my practice became full, so I just hired two more dietitian consultants. I became a UM adjunct professor of Nutrition, the team dietitian to the Miami Marlins, the dietitian for Ocean Reef Club and Soho House, created a branded line of energy bars with a chef, launched a line of downloadable e-books, and a corporate nutrition consultant for dozens of companies, firms, restaurants, and eateries. I figure I would burn myself out before I have to scale back soon – I’m getting married in three weeks and you know how that tends to end… KIDS! I love yoga and Pilates, not as exercise, but as functional movements, and I adore my fiancé and our little cavalier King Charles spaniel, Madeleine, who usually makes a cameo in my Instagram photos as she is somewhat velcroed to me. My parents still live in Pinecrest and they are my heroes. My sister, my best friend, lives in NYC but we hope will roost in Miami eventually.
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?
NO. Dietitians have no education or background on running businesses, customer service, or coping with start-up woes. I’ve struggled and learned a LOT. My chief challenge has been NOT overworking myself, since I tend to funnel all of my energy into work when I’m anxious or stressed. I’m highly competitive and confident and that can lead to burnout (it did!). I have to balance my clinical knowledge with the luxury business aspect I’ve created, and all of the moving pieces are a challenge. I hope to build a team of ~5 dietitians working as employees so I can act as a manager and a media consultant, manage my app, and teach.
Please tell us about Essence Nutrition.
I’m the non-diet dietitian. I see private clients via FaceTime or phone, which is a unique opportunity for growth. I have an office at Buro Midtown for in-person clients. I have a specialized program for corporate clients to maximize their company’s nutrition and wellness potential, and my most cherished work is developing menus and assessments for schools, restaurants, meal delivery services, juice bars, hotel bars, and eateries. I adore speaking engagements, seminars, webinars, and videos (like the ones I’ve done for Del Monte and Zumba Fitness), so I hope to one-day only engage in those types of accounts and allow my private practice to be run by superstar dietitians under me. I’m known for my affable demeanor, my nonjudgmental approach, my evidence-based practice, my rejection of gimmicks and unscientific cleanses/detoxes/drugs, etc., and my cultivation of the individual in nutrition therapy. I never weigh a client, I never measure fat; in fact, weight is irrelevant to me! And by the way: coming in late 2017: An Essence app! Clients can chat with me instantly in real time, 24/7, and never have to schedule an appointment. It’s also another portal, besides my website, for my e-books, blog, video series, and recipes. I will soon be launching the Essence Butterfly Cocoon Club: a subscription service where participants can receive weekly grocery guides + meal prep guides + recipes. It’s in beta now if anyone wants it! My designer is just working on the layout.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Nighttime snuggle time with my family. My parents would give us an apple cut up (I suppose this fostered healthy eating behavior to begin with) and come into bed with us and read to us and love us. Nothing is more valuable to children than feeling loved! I also slept with my sister until I was 8 because I was scared to sleep alone. I’ll be sleeping next to her at the EAST hotel the night before my wedding as well!
Pricing:
- Essence Drop-In; A La Carte We meet one on one to discuss your health and nutrition goals and create a plan to get you started, at your own pace! We’ll discuss exercise, supplements, referrals to other health professionals, and lay some ground rules. 60 minute session, in-person at my office or via phone/Facetime $200.00, per person, per hour (Marissa/Jacqueline) $250.00, per person, per hour (Monica)
- Nutrition Concierge Nutritional guidance in your pocket, 24/7. Log your meals in the Healthie app with my feedback. No appointments required after an initial! Just you and me on your own time. Includes; 24/7 feedback and analysis of menus dining out on demand, ability to ask any and all questions $100.00 per month per person; can be done with any session or package
Contact Info:
- Address: 3250 NE 1ST Ave., Suite 305,
MI, FL 33137 - Website: http://www.essencenutritionmiami.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/eatlikemonica
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/essencenutritionmiami
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/feedyouressence
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/essence-nutrition-miami
Image Credit:
Christine Michelle Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
