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

Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I’ve never really considered myself a risk-taker (except for loving extreme rollercoasters!), but someone I admire once told me they think I’m brave, because I go after my goals. In my first career, I was an orchestral musician. As a student, if I wanted to study with a well-known clarinetist, I reached out and asked. I took the auditions, and I went after the opportunities — not because I’m brave, but because I knew that not trying meant no chance of getting closer to my goals. When I changed careers and became a nutritionist, lots of people thought I was crazy — I had a career in music that I loved, why rock the boat? But time was going to go by anyway, so I decided to spend that time learning something I’m passionate about to see where that might take me!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Well, Well, Well Functional Nutrition, I like to think that my unique background as a life-long musician and teacher informs my ability to combine the art and science of nutrition and health. I primarily work in women’s health, helping my clients unravel root causes of hormone dysregulation, chronic conditions like migraine and fibromyalgia, and certain autoimmune conditions. I personalize food, targeted nutrients, and lifestyle modifications to help my clients reconnect with optimal health in a way that works for their life. Many of my clients tell me that in our work together, they feel seen, heard, and understood by a healthcare provider for the first time ever! Functional nutrition changed my own life, and I’m so excited that I now get to share this lens on health with others.

And no, I wouldn’t say it was easy. My background and education was in the arts, so pivoting to the sciences was a challenge! I was balancing a full-time performing and teaching career with an advanced degree, then a 1000 hour internship, while trying to build a new practice with zero business training! I relied on my tried-and-true method of seeking out advice from people with more experience than I to learn to run my practice. I’m still learning, and truly hope that will always be the case!

Because my practice is virtual, I’m able to work with people from all over the US — I have quite a few clients in the Los Angeles area! However, this is not your typical 30-minute Appointment and a Meal Plan and Goodbye. My approach is very collaborative and relationship-centered so that clients feel supported, educated, and that they have the resources they need to achieve their personal goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hiking! I wish I lived there all the time — soooo many great places to go for a run or hike!

As a nutritionist, there are so many options for eating out to accommodate people’s preferences or dietary restrictions. You can get anything — for example, there are places dedicated specifically to bone broth, which is amazing (I recommend that to clients all the time)! I also love Amara Kitchen (in Altadena and Los Angeles).
I’m very into clean/green beauty, so visiting Credo on 3rd St. and Detox Market in West Hollywood are top spots to hit.
And the coffee shops! I only learned to enjoy coffee relatively recently, and I love to try different kinds of coffees.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow — so many people!
The owners of Clinician’s Incubator (cliniciansincubator.com) — Liz Abel, Meg Bowman, and Alyson Roux — First, for providing an incredible internship experience, and later, for inviting me to become part of their team!

My family, for supporting me through a monumental career change.

Amanda McIntosh @takemyfaceoff and Chris Still @honestypill for their coaching, handholding, and tireless enthusiasm for what I do.

And especially my clients at Well, Well, Well Functional Nutrition for allowing me to be part of their journey to better health and vitality.

Website: https://www.wellwellwellnola.com/

Instagram: @wellwellwellnola

Facebook: @wellwellwellnola

Other: email: Stephanie@wellwellwellnola.com

Image Credits
Sarah Jane Kenner

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