About the Company

Ruby Health and Wellness, based in Eugene, Oregon, offers specialized nutrition counseling focused on eating disorder recovery and body positivity. The business embodies the Health at Every Size (HAES) approach, rejecting traditional weight-centric methods in favor of promoting overall health regardless of size. Initially a solo endeavor, Ruby Health and Wellness expanded over time, eventually including a small team of dietitians before returning to a solo practice model in response to the pandemic. The company's mission revolves around providing empathetic, personalized care to clients, supporting them in developing a healthy relationship with food and body image.

Founded in 2014, the practice's unique philosophy and specialization have positioned it as a key resource within the eating disorder treatment community. Referrals from therapists, medical providers, and treatment centers have been pivotal to the business's growth, highlighting the importance of professional networking and reputation in its success.

Idea Behind Company

Lynae's journey toward entrepreneurship began with her personal experiences and professional evolution. Her teenage struggle with chronic illness inspired her to pursue a career in dietetics, driven by a desire to help others achieve optimal health. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Lynae inherited a strong work ethic and a belief in the power of self-direction. Despite initial reservations about working in eating disorder treatment or running her own practice, she found her calling in the HAES approach, which aligned with her values of promoting body positivity and holistic health.

Lynae's decision to create her business was also influenced by her need for autonomy and dissatisfaction with traditional weight-management practices in clinical settings. With the guidance of a SCORE business mentor, she ran the numbers, assessed risks, and realized the viability of establishing her practice. Her unique perspective and practical approach laid the groundwork for Ruby Health and Wellness.

Creating the Company

The early days of Ruby Health and Wellness required meticulous planning and effort. Lynae balanced her full-time job with part-time private practice work, eventually transitioning to part-time employment at a treatment center to focus on building her business. The process involved setting up an office, establishing HIPAA-compliant standards, designing educational materials, and developing a professional network.

Lynae's commitment to networking was instrumental in establishing her brand. She founded the Nutrition Entrepreneur Registered Dietitians (NERDs) networking group, which became a supportive community for dietitians. Over time, her connections within the eating disorder treatment community generated steady referrals, helping her business achieve sustainability.

With startup costs under $500, Lynae focused on cost-effective strategies to launch her practice, from designing her logo and website to developing her marketing approach. Her ability to adapt and learn new skills ensured a smooth transition to full-time entrepreneurship.

Launching the Business

Ruby Health and Wellness officially launched in 2014, with Lynae dedicating herself to creating a solid foundation for her practice. She invested in essential tools and services, such as bookkeeping, website development, and credentialing management, to ensure her business was organized and professional. Networking became her most valuable marketing strategy, with Lynae building relationships with therapists, medical providers, and other professionals who could refer clients.

Beyond traditional networking, Lynae engaged in creative outreach efforts, such as lunch-and-learn events for medical providers and personalized holiday cards for referral sources. These initiatives not only promoted her services but also strengthened professional connections. Lynae also experimented with branding, eventually settling on the name Ruby Health and Wellness to reflect her practice's identity.

Earnings

Ruby Health and Wellness has experienced steady financial growth despite challenges. In her first year of full-time practice, Lynae surpassed her previous salary, earning $56,000 annually compared to $36,000 in her previous role. By 2021, she projected earnings of $70,000 as a solo practitioner.

The business's financial stability has been supported by Lynae's careful management of expenses and strategic investments in professional tools and services. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to simplify her practice, Lynae adapted by streamlining her operations and focusing on her core offerings. Through resilience and adaptability, Ruby Health and Wellness continues to thrive, offering meaningful support to clients and making a positive impact in the field of nutrition.