Meet Paris Heinen

We were lucky to catch up with Paris Heinen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Paris, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I remember being 23 and having no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was newly married, a brand-new stepmom, and carrying extra weight—honestly, I felt like I had no real purpose. I was trying to figure out who I was while not getting completely lost in the wife-and-mom life.

Somewhere in there, I realized it was time to take care of me. My weight loss journey started as an act of self-care. And as the pounds came off, I discovered something unexpected: I loved cheering other people on. Supporting others in their weight loss, lifting them up, helping them see this as a journey and not a quick fix—it lit a fire in me.

I started volunteering at the weigh-in booth. I wasn’t coaching yet, but I knew I loved helping people see their own potential.

Then in 1999, after I had to lose the weight again—because yes, I had gained it all back—I was offered a job. I started as a guide, weighing people in, chatting with them about their progress, just being a source of encouragement. One day, they asked me to become a leader—a coach.

I was terrified. But I finally said yes.

And you know what? I fell in love with the job. I had finally figured out what I wanted to be—at the age of 35. I worked for WW for 20 years before starting my
Own company. Always On Your Side Coaching

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Today, I run Always On Your Side Coaching, a fully virtual health and wellness coaching business built around the Power of 13—my common-sense guide to living a healthier, more balanced life.

What excites me most is watching people realize they’re capable of so much more than they thought. I help clients create realistic, sustainable habits so they can lose weight, improve their health, and actually enjoy the process. We focus on small, powerful shifts—nutrition, movement, mindset, and self-care—that add up to lasting change.

I offer virtual support groups, one-on-one coaching, and workshops that make getting healthy approachable and even fun. My goal is to meet clients where they are and help them build a plan that fits their life—not the other way around.

This year, I’ve expanded into in-person events like stretching classes, mindset resets, and holiday health workshops, plus I’m launching new Power of 13 online resources so people can start their journey at their own pace. It’s been incredible to see the community grow, and I’m always looking for new ways to help people stay consistent, accountable, and inspired.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been a commitment to continuous learning, really listening to my clients, and developing the confidence to guide people toward their own path rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

I spent over 20 years gaining experience, but in 2020 I dove even deeper—earning multiple certifications in health, nutrition, life coaching, meditation, and more. Those credentials gave me the tools and confidence to serve my clients at a higher level.

Another big factor has been making learning a non-negotiable. Every week, I carve out time to study, take new trainings, or explore topics that will help me grow as a coach and as a person. That habit keeps me evolving right alongside my clients.

And finally, I’ve learned to listen deeply. When I truly hear what someone is saying—often beyond the words—it helps me guide them toward their right way forward. Not the plan that works for everyone else, but the one that fits their life, their goals, and their challenges.

For anyone just starting out, my advice would be: never stop learning, practice listening as much as you speak, and don’t be afraid to start small. Confidence comes from experience, and experience comes from just getting started.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Right now, my biggest challenge is growing beyond my warm market—the friends, family, and referrals who already know me and my work. I want to reach new audiences, connect with the right people who need what I offer, and keep my calendar consistently full.

To tackle this, I’m focusing on expanding my visibility through social media, speaking engagements, and collaborations with local businesses. I’m also creating new online resources and events to make it easy for people outside my current circle to learn about Always On Your Side Coaching and see the value of support, accountability, and community in their wellness journey.

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