Connect
To Top

Conversations with the Inspiring Megan Carpenter

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Carpenter.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey to get to where I am today was a circuitous one. Ten years ago, I had no idea I’d be a nutritionist, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to practice what I love. Before my “epiphany” to change careers in my early 30’s, I was doing marketing and communications work for the architecture/construction industry. I enjoyed it, but didn’t feel passionate about it, or like I was making a positive impact in my community. I was feeling frustrated and looking for career inspiration.

Around the same time, some stubborn health issues I had been experiencing (digestive problems, anxiety) starting coming to a head, and the conventional medical approaches weren’t working. After various unsuccessful procedures and treatments, I turned to more natural/alternative options. With the guidance of a naturopathic physician and lots of my own research, I found a more natural solution to my health problems – and a lot of it focused on diet. After that journey of healing through diet and lifestyle, my enthusiasm for nutrition was solidified.

I had always been interested in food and wellness, but until then had thought of it more as a hobby rather than a career. A friend of mine was a nutritionist and she put the idea in my head of going back to school. I applied to the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver and started their master’s certification program. After two years of school and a clinical internship, I obtained my certification in holistic nutrition in 2017.

Once I had my diploma, it took a while to get my business going. The prospect of working for myself and having my own nutrition consulting practice was appealing, but also very overwhelming! I alternated between wanting to start my own practice to wanting to work for someone else – say at an integrative wellness center. I ultimately forged ahead with creating Root to Rise Nutrition and started (slowly) growing my business.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Learning to successfully run a small business is hard! When I used to do marketing and communications work, I felt very comfortable marketing other people’s services and talents, but when it came to marketing my own, that was a whole different challenge. I had to learn to be confident and comfortable in my new role and know that I had the skills to help people improve their health through nutrition. I also had to figure out how to value my services while weighing what was fair to me and my clients.

In addition to struggling to succeed as an entrepreneur, I also had a baby girl in June of 2018. Needless to say, things were a little hectic and I felt too overwhelmed to start growing my business very quickly. I took my time on the professional side of things and focused on trying to be a mom and keeping a tiny human alive. Once I got a grip on motherhood, I was able to spend more energy on my business and start making it grow.

It’s critical to have a strong support system. My husband, Colin, is my biggest supporter and advocate and I couldn’t have done this without him. Aside from him, my tribe of girlfriends – both near and far – is hugely important and keeps me grounded. Also, my mentors in the nutrition and wellness field continually inspire and motivate me. In that regard, my advice is to surround yourself with people who lift you up, not drag you down, and keep those people close. Life is short and the older you get, the less time you have for people who don’t have a positive impact on your life. This support network is important in both the professional and personal setting.

What should we know about Root to Rise Nutrition? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a holistic nutritionist (sometimes called a functional nutritionist) and I’m Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). I believe that food is information for the body, not merely calories in and calories out and that it’s the foundation of health. Instead of just focusing on calorie counts and macronutrient breakdowns (protein, fat, carbs), I determine which foods will best support each person’s needs. I also believe that food is one of life’s great pleasures! Eating should bring daily appreciation and enjoyment, but for many, it’s not that simple.

I specialize in digestive distress, food sensitivities, natural weight management, metabolic imbalances, and pre/post-natal nutrition. My goal is to get to the root cause of dietary and digestive concerns and help people discover how whole foods can positively impact their physical and emotional health, and bring about whole body changes.

My consulting practice, Root to Rise Nutrition, is based in Fort Collins, but I also work virtually with people across the country. Additionally, I have an office at an integrative clinic in Loveland, CO called Gateway Family Chiropractic and see clients there two days a week. It’s great being in a setting with other healthcare practitioners where we can support each other.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I’m a huge proponent of mentors. They have helped me greatly in both my current career and my former one. I’ve always been involved in professional organizations tied to my particular industry and believe that’s a great way to make connections and find a mentor. Also, joining networking groups that aren’t necessarily industry related can be helpful. Finding these through alumni organizations, non-profits, or meet-up groups are good options.

Additionally, connecting with people through school or work is an avenue to naturally find a mentor. Those relationships tend to organically evolve and usually become evident over time instead of creating a formal mentor-protege relationship.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Megan Carpenter

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in