We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brianna Perry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi BriAnna, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I think imposter syndrome is something I’ll continuously work to overcome. It’s our brain’s way of trying to ‘keep us safe,’ which really just means we’re stepping outside our comfort zone — and that’s a GOOD thing! Every business I’ve started, I’ve started scared. But my passion always trumped the fear.
As an online personal trainer and intuitive eating nutrition coach, I know there are countless coaches in the virtual space. It’s easy to think ‘Why me?’ (and let’s be real, I probably do this every week, haha!). But the truth is, my unique experiences and interests bring a fresh perspective to my clients. So even when that little voice in my head asks, ‘Are you qualified enough? Are you fit enough to inspire anyone? Who am I to charge for my services?’ I remind myself of the years I’ve spent studying, earning my degree, and getting certified.
I also know that someone out there who looks like me needs to see a more diverse body type in this space. My time and expertise are valuable, just like any other working professional, and I shouldn’t downplay that.
At the end of the day, imposter syndrome will pop up, but what matters is pushing through it. I’m passionate about what I do and the impact I make, and that’s what keeps me showing up. So, the next time you feel like you’re not enough, remember — you are enough, and the world needs what only you can bring.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I went into college thinking I wanted to be a doctor and graduated with a bachelor’s in Biology. During my time shadowing doctors, I realized how much of their work involved prescribing medication and how little lifestyle changes were emphasized. While I have great respect for doctors and believe in the importance of medicine, I came to realize that helping people in that way wasn’t my life’s purpose. I was far more passionate about exercise, nutrition, and the power of sustainable lifestyle changes.
Fast forward 10 years, I discovered personal training and nutrition coaching. I immediately got certified and began working with people, helping them improve their health. My business has evolved over the years, but I’m excited to say that the way it looks today is by far my favorite!
My personal journey mirrors what I now help my clients achieve. In college, I gained 20 lbs and felt insecure in my body. I cycled between strict macro tracking, daily intense exercise, and eventually burning out—over and over again for six years. I never felt good enough in my body. Then I discovered intuitive eating, and that changed everything. I started appreciating my body, stopped binge eating, and learned how to incorporate movement in a way that was sustainable and enjoyable. It took time, but now I feel SO much better!
This transformation is what I now guide my clients through. I help them break free from yo-yo dieting and low self-esteem, and instead, embrace a realistic, healthy lifestyle through intuitive eating, mindful movement, and mindset shifts. Watching my clients evolve every month—seeing their confidence grow and their relationship with food and their bodies change—is incredibly fulfilling.
As for what’s new, I’m continuing to expand my coaching programs, including a 12-week 1:1 coaching experience that helps clients create sustainable change in both their mindset and health. It’s an exciting time for my business, and I’m looking forward to helping more people discover the power of intuitive living and self-compassion!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Belief in yourself and the journey
2. Flexibility
3. The timeline is less important than you think
It’s not always easy to believe in yourself as I mentioned with the imposter syndrome, but you have to dig down deep if this is something you truly want for yourself. It REALLY helps to surround yourself with supportive people. It’s also helpful to find others who are doing exactly what you want to be doing so you have a little bit of that proof that it’s possible. I’ve worked with a couple mindset coaches and business coaches along the way as well!
Life will throw you curve balls! Maybe work gets busy while you’re trying to build your own business on the side initially or something comes up in the family that takes away time from what you’re working on, so being flexible and persevering when the time feels right again is important. This is where the timeline not being important comes into play! I started my health coaching business in 2021 and didn’t get paying clients until this year in 2024! I got down on myself so many times and thought maybe this wasn’t going to happen for me! I was comparing myself to others and wondering why “I’m not good enough.” But it wasn’t that I wasn’t good enough, that place in my timeline just hadn’t come up yet. I’m so glad I stuck with it even when I was having a hard time getting clients and I’m so excited for what the future holds!
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who is ready to break free from the cycle of dieting and restriction. They’re tired of the quick fixes and are looking for a realistic, sustainable approach to health and wellness. They want to feel confident in their body, but not by following another rigid meal plan or punishing themselves with exercise. Instead, they’re open to learning about intuitive eating, mindful movement, and the mindset shifts necessary to create lasting change.
An ideal client is willing to show up for themselves, even when it’s uncomfortable or unfamiliar. They understand that this process takes time and are committed to prioritizing their health in a way that feels aligned with their life, not just something they force themselves to do. They’re also looking for a coach who will support them as they navigate the ups and downs, and they appreciate an approach that’s compassionate, educational, and empowering.
Ultimately, they value the idea of creating a healthy lifestyle that’s enjoyable and fits into the long-term picture, not just a short-term goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stan.store/briperrycoaching
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briperrycoaching/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briperrycoaching
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@briperrycoaching/videos
Image Credits
MKF photo by Mackenzie Frank
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
