We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chelsea Shafer, RD, LD a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chelsea, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence comes from authenticity- I know in my heart that I offer something special because I offer my services in a way that only I can. I struggled with perfectionism and authenticity throughout childhood and in my last semester at college I completed a 200 hr yoga teacher training course that, first and foremost, taught me how to be an authentic leader. Having this experience to inform my career choices from the very beginning has had the biggest impact on how I run my business! When I do occasionally doubt my worth or my skills, I come back to the knowing that what makes me valuable is my skills for that were fostered through authenticity, and only I can offer that in my own way.
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?
My name is Chelsea Shafer and I am a freelance Registered Dietitian and Yoga Instructor. I feel that my overall purpose in life is connection, so my work centers around love and healing. As a dietitian I help clients heal their relationship with food and improve their health promoting behaviors so they can live their live to the fullest with the upmost presence. In my yoga teaching I help students connect to their bodies and foster joyful movement. What makes my work special is it always comes from a place of love- love for self, body, and others. You won’t hear me speaking about “discipline” in my work, but rather connecting to your bodies’ cues and honoring them along with your health.
My services as a dietitian and yoga instructor are for anyone who believes they are consumed with thoughts about their body size or dieting and want to live without all that worry! There’s so much life to live beyond controlling our bodies, dieting keeps our lives small. A more intuitive and peaceful life is created through connection to body.
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. Technically I couldn’t do what I do now without a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, and I’m so grateful that circumstances led me to Purdue University. I received such an incredible education that has served me in countless ways in my professional career.
2. The most important quality that has led me to where I am is that I will try anything! In college I was very involved in clubs, events, and often applied and received leadership positions within them. Anything from adding a Spanish minor to leading an organization of 170 women! I had multiple jobs as well and although I was very busy, I enjoyed everything I did so it didn’t feel like too much.
I recommend saying yes, all the time if you have the capacity, and always doing your best. Even opportunities and positions I tried that I didn’t enjoy have at least led to valuable and important connections within my profession. There’s nothing to lose with trying something new!
3. Last but not least, remember that people are important. You aren’t alone in your profession or in business, but it can feel that way! Create meaningful connections with a diverse set of people, community is a gift AND it takes time and intention to build.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My mom raised me and she made sure I knew how to be independent and work hard! I worked for my mom’s business from as young as I can remember up until college and, although I didn’t always appreciate it then, that kind of upbringing did show me what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur and to create the life you want. The desire for independence in all areas of my life only fueled my work ethic more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/theflexiblerd
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflexiblerd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095219737294
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-shafer-rd-ld-cyt-534b43164/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theflexiblerd
- Other: My free newsletter: https://theflexiblerd.beehiiv.com/
Image Credits
photographer: Allyson Mollung
