An Inspired Chat with Paris Heinen

Paris Heinen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Paris, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I love this question because it speaks to something so many of us experience—especially those of us who work virtually.

Because my business is entirely online, I do have a dedicated home office, but it’s very easy to lose focus. I can jump up to throw in laundry, start dinner, dust a room, or get pulled into the constant stream of notifications on my phone and computer. Before you know it, the day is busy—but not always productive.

Over the last few months, I’ve intentionally put systems in place that have completely changed how I work and how I feel.

The biggest shift has been using a timer system. When I sit down to work, I set a one-hour timer, close my office door, remove distractions, and commit to that single task for the full hour. When the timer goes off, I get up, move around, and then decide—do I need another focused hour, or is it time to move on? That structure has helped me drop back into flow and actually finish what I start.

I’ve also added one dedicated “work day” each month. This is a non-negotiable day for all computer-based tasks—social media content, blogging, newsletters, billing, and planning. Knowing this day is coming keeps me from constantly trying to squeeze those tasks into every other day.

At home, I’ve created a simple monthly rhythm. There’s a designated laundry day, a cleaning day, and time set aside for household tasks. That way, those responsibilities don’t live in my head all day pulling me away from my work—they have a place, and I trust they’ll get done.

All of these tools have freed up an incredible amount of time and mental space.

Finally, I practice what I teach. I use “One Word” with my clients and myself. We choose a word to live by for the year, and this year my word is Finish. It’s been a game-changer. One task at a time. Finish it before starting something new. That mindset has helped me lose track of time in the best way—and find myself right back in the work that matters most.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Coach Paris, founder of Always On Your Side Coaching, a fully virtual health and wellness coaching practice built on a simple but powerful belief: there is no one right way to get healthy.

After more than two decades of coaching and maintaining my own health journey, I created my signature framework, The Power of 13—a common-sense approach to wellness that focuses on small, sustainable habits around food, movement, mindset, and self-care. It’s not about perfection, extremes, or quick fixes. It’s about meeting people where they are and helping them find the easiest way forward for them.

What makes my work unique is the balance of structure and compassion. I provide clear tools, accountability, and education—through virtual support groups, one-on-one coaching, workshops, and specialized sessions—while always honoring that each client’s path looks different. I support people whether they’re just getting started, navigating life transitions, managing health conditions, or exploring newer options like GLP-1 medications. My role is never to push or persuade, but to educate, support, and walk alongside them.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my educational offerings, deepening community through group support, and helping clients simplify their health journeys so wellness feels doable—not overwhelming. At the heart of everything I do is the promise behind my brand: you don’t have to do this alone. I’m always on your side.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I was truly blessed to experience the best of both worlds when it came to my parents.

My dad worked as a mail carrier, and his routine never wavered. He left for work at the same time every morning and came home at the same time every evening—except during the busy Christmas season. I watched him go to work in blizzards and in blistering heat. He never missed a day. Just as importantly, he never brought work home. Our family was protected from his stress, and that separation taught me the value of showing up fully—both at work and at home.

My mom stayed home until I was a teenager, and she showed me what it meant to love deeply and serve generously. She was the one who always stepped up—for family, friends, and anyone who needed help. When I was in junior high, she decided to teach herself how to type. I still remember her practicing for hours, determined to learn a new skill on her own. By the time I was in high school, she went to work for the courts and quickly moved up through the ranks.

Both of my parents modeled an incredible work ethic in different ways. From them, I learned that hard work, consistency, and determination create opportunities—and that if you’re willing to put in the effort, you truly can build the life you want..

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Oh yes—I remember how hard it was to even consider leaving a job I was comfortable in to take a giant leap and start my own business. I had the knowledge, the experience, and the ability, but I didn’t believe it was the right—or responsible—thing to do.

I had spent 20 years with Weight Watchers when the pandemic hit. Like so many others, those first few months brought massive change. A lot shifted very quickly, and I realized I was no longer in love with the company or the work the way I once had been. Still, I felt stuck. Comfort, history, and loyalty can be powerful anchors—even when you know you’re meant for something more.

One week, I sat down and created a plan for what I thought could be a really meaningful business. Not a rushed idea, but a thoughtful vision built on everything I had learned over the years. When I was ready, I brought it to my husband of 34 years and asked for his help.

He gave me the greatest gift—his full attention. He let me lay it all out, listened without judgment, asked smart, thoughtful questions, and walked through every angle with me. It wasn’t an overnight decision for either of us. But being truly heard—and gently challenged—was what helped me see that I could do this.

That moment didn’t just change my career. It changed how I trusted myself. And it became the foundation for the work I do today—helping others realize they’re more capable than they think when they give themselves permission to step forward.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—the public version of me is the real me.

I believe deeply in walking the walk and telling the truth. After more than 25 years as a health and wellness coach, I feel a responsibility to live the principles I teach. Not perfectly—but honestly, consistently, and with accountability.

What you see publicly is exactly how I coach and how I live. I’m kind, supportive, and compassionate—but I’m also direct. I don’t sugarcoat when honesty is what will truly help someone move forward. I will celebrate your wins, sit with you in the hard moments, and I will also call you out when excuses or old patterns are getting in your way.

That balance is intentional. Real change doesn’t come from comfort alone—it comes from clarity, self-awareness, and support that’s rooted in truth. My clients know they’re always supported, and they also know they’re being coached by someone who practices what she teaches every single day.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
This is a hard one.

I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. It certainly wasn’t to be a public speaker or to support people through their health and wellness journeys.

And yet—am I doing what I was born to do? One hundred percent, yes.

The truth is, it took both being guided and being pushed for me to realize it. I had to lose 65 pounds, find myself, and truly understand what real change takes. Then someone told me I should be a coach—and I said no. Several times. I actually backed out of training three different times before finally following through.

I’m incredibly grateful they didn’t give up on me.

Once I committed, I was good at it—not because it came easily, but because I did the work. I understand the ups and downs, the frustration, and the “I’m done, I quit” moments. My own journey taught me that quitting is never the answer—but having the right tools to move forward, no matter how slowly, absolutely is.

So am I doing what I was born to do, or what I was told to do? The answer is both. And I’m so glad I followed through. My career so far has been incredibly fulfilling, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be today if I hadn’t taken that chance.

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