We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Sommer-Dirks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I always dreamed about going into private practice for several reasons. Of course having control of my own schedule and being my own boss is nice, but going into private practice was also a way of having a job that combines by two areas of interest- sports nutrition and disordered eating.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner of Active Fueling Nutrition Coaching, an online sports nutrition and disordered eating nutrition coaching service. I help athletes and active individuals optimize their nutrition for performance and health. I follow an “all foods fit” approach and help my clients achieve their goals while maintaining or building a healthy relationship with food.

I actually was not the original owner of Active Fueling. I was brought on in 2019 to see clients while the original owner moved into a management role. A year later she decided to pursue other opportunities and I had a choice- take over the practice or find another job! So I took over, not knowing much about running a business and being relatively new to the company. While it may seem easier to take over a company instead of creating one from the ground up, it came with its challenges. I had to try and maintain a brand and a style that clients and referral sources were used to, which I found difficult to do while maintaining my sense of self. I slowly shifted the company to fit my passions and vision, and started working on building new referrals and seeking out new clients of my own.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love where I live (Eagle Colorado) and all of the outdoor opportunities it provides. If someone comes to visit, you can bet we are hitting the trails for a run or a hike (if summer) or skiing if it’s winter. Living in a small town doesn’t provide the exciting night life or dining experiences of a big city, but I love taking people to the local coffee shop and brewery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To all the dietitians I’ve worked with over the years

Website: https://www.activingfueling.com

Instagram: @activefuelingnutrition

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.