We had the good fortune of connecting with Craig Nickell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Craig, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I chose to become an entrepreneur primarily for time-freedom. I am happiest when hiking in the beautiful outdoors with my family and friends, and I realized being tied to a 40-hour/week office job felt stifling to me. Furthermore, as a person with ADHD, I am most focused and creative when walking. Just like being in the shower, walks have given me some of my greatest ideas (and prevented a few of the bad ones, too!) So, I wanted a job where I could do that everyday.

The reason I chose to focus my work as a Dietitian on helping people recover from disordered eating and body image challenges is because I have been there, and I know how debilitating it can be. I wanted to use one of the darkest times in my own life to help free people from these same chains. I am most passionate about helping people discover all there is to life. When food & body aren’t taking up 90% of their brain space, there is so much more my clients can dream about and DO.

I hope to pass on a legacy to my daughter through the work I’m doing to help others have a healthy relationship with food and a positive self-image. I hope you’ll join me in this endeavor 🙂

What should our readers know about your business?
My business helps people do the challenging inner work of recovery from disordered eating and body image challenges. Answering the questions about why someone struggles with food, where it originated from, what triggers disordered behavior, and ways they can overcome… this is where the true “work” is. As a Dietitian, I love nutrition, but I love getting to know why people do what they do and how we can unlock their potential through a healthy realtionship with food, and recognizing all their body can do. I am so proud to help people realize they can make a FULL recovery… To help them see a light at the end of the tunnel. I want the world to know that you do not have to live your life in a state of struggle.

As a person with ADHD who has a million ideas, I have learned that I cannot take action on every “great idea.” I have also learned that I will not always feel motivated, but I have to do the work anyway. I personally work best in spurts of time, rather than sitting down at a desk for 8 hours, Monday-Friday. It has been important to pay attention to what I need to stay energized and creative. Much to my surprise, things like calling a friend, unloading the dishwasher, setting a timer, or going for a quick walk have worked wonders when I am “stumped.”

Regarding my business, it has not been easy getting to where I am today. I enjoy working with clients and empowering people through the courses I create… but I do not enjoy marketing or social media. I am a people person, and am most excited when I can talk through a challenge with my client over a zoom call. This is where I come alive!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, when my best friend actually did visit the area, I took her snow-shoeing up at Lost Lake in Nederland. Driving through Coal Creek Canyon (or any of the canyons, for that matter) is just spectacular. I also would suggest snow tubing at Echo Mountain. This would allow you to drive through the beautiful woods outside of Evergreen. Then, might as well drive up to Idaho Springs and go to Beau Jo’s for some pizza, or to the local brewery! To make things even more fun, I would suggest visiting the cute shops for some coffee or souvenirs on Main Street in Idaho Springs.

As far as summer time goes, I would recommend a quick hike up South Table Mountain in Golden and then lunch on one of the spectacular patios in downtown Golden, overlooking the mesas and the foothills. If my guests were up for a grand adventure, I would take them tubing down the clear creek river in Golden!

Can you tell I’m a huge outdoors nut?!

As far as indoors, I would suggest Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters, the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House, or The Museum of Nature and Science. You could spend hours in that place! There are also so many local festivals to check out, like the Christkindl German Christmas Market, the Great American Beer Fest, or “Taste it Broomfield.”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh gosh, well my husband Jesse deserves a giant THANK YOU! I had been so quiet about my history with an eating disorder, and didn’t realize I was still struggling with body image when we started dating. Being able to open up to him and speak my thoughts out loud has helped me make a full recovery, which I’d never thought was possible. He sings my praises as a Dietitian and encourages me to keep going, even on the days I feel like giving up. I am excited to see where the adventure of life will take us!

Website: www.craignickell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craignickellrdn/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craignickellholisticwellness

Other: Link to my body confidence course… “Your Confident Body: How to Enjoy the Body You’re In Without Changing a Thing” https://craignickell.newzenler.com/courses/your-confident-body

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