Meet Karina Wenker

We recently connected with Karina Wenker and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karina, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

As a mom to young children and an entrepreneur in the wellness space, self-care isn’t optional, even though it isn’t always easy to prioritize. Last summer, I reached a point where I could feel burnout creeping in. I was hustling to attract new clients and, ironically, starting to let go of some of the practices I encourage my own clients to prioritize.

I realized that when I truly practice what I preach, I’m more aligned with my values. I recommitted to three simple, non-negotiable self-care habits that make a difference in how I feel and how I show up for my family and my clients.

First, I aim to move my body daily, sometimes that’s a walk or gentle stretching, and other days it’s strength training or a Tabata workout (with the accountability of an incredible coach, Giorgia Mancioppi). Second, I prioritize sleep, knowing it directly impacts my energy and resilience. Third, I intentionally try to create space in my calendar and practice saying no to commitments I might have automatically said yes to in the past.

Once I implemented these changes and stopped hustling as hard, I didn’t just feel more aligned. I believe that, as I was able to practice what I preach and show up more authentically, it resonated with the right people, and I actually started attracting more clients than when I was working more hours.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a Functional Nutritionist who works with women during one of the most transformative seasons of life: from preconception through pregnancy and postpartum to young motherhood.

Through my business, Real Food Roots, I offer one-on-one Nutritional Therapy to help clients take charge of their fertility, regain their energy, and balance their mood and hormones. At the heart of my work is the belief that women shouldn’t have to push through exhaustion or put themselves last to care for others. My goal is to help clients feel truly nourished and supported so they can show up for their families feeling grounded, present, and resilient – rather than depleted or burned out.

My 5-month signature program includes an in-depth health history and symptom review (I take every single symptom seriously, even those that may seem insignificant), regular one-on-one coaching for accountability, and functional lab testing to uncover nutrient gaps or imbalances. I don’t believe in strict meal plans or complicated recipes. Instead, I meet my clients where they are and focus on small, realistic shifts to daily routines that add up to meaningful, sustainable change over time.

I also offer a smaller, more self-guided package that includes Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and three coaching sessions. This option is great for those who already feel fairly confident in their nutrition and lifestyle habits but want more personalized insights, clarity, and direction.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First, resourcefulness. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that there’s rarely a single “right” path. Being willing to learn as you go, experiment, and adapt when things don’t work, has been essential. For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay curious and flexible, and treat challenges as a learning experience rather than failure.

Second, a willingness to invest in yourself. Early on in my business, I joined a business coaching program that felt like a big stretch financially at the time, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. It gave me mindset tools and guidance to support my growth. Investing in mentorship, education, or support can significantly shorten the learning curve.

Finally, having a foundation in marketing has been incredibly helpful. I don’t believe marketing a small business needs to be complicated, but having the right systems and basic infrastructure in place makes a meaningful difference. For those just starting out, learning the fundamentals and setting up simple, sustainable processes early on can save a lot of time and overwhelm down the road.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development. I credit it as a major catalyst in my decision to leave my previous career and do the work I do today as a wellness professional and entrepreneur.

One of the most impactful ideas from the book is the invitation to accept that time is limited and that we can’t do everything. The book encourages paying attention to the present moment and choosing what truly matters. At the time I read it, this perspective helped me gain clarity on my values and how I wanted to spend my energy and time.

As I continue to grow my business, I often return to the reminder to let go of endless to-do lists and instead focus on the few things that are genuinely meaningful, both in my work and in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.realfoodroots.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realfoodroots
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinawenker/

Image Credits

Kelly Contreras