Meet Dori Lancaster | Wellness Specialist

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

Hi Dori, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started in the field of health and wellness in 1997. I did not know then what my career path would look like, but after I decided to enroll in a nutrition educator certification program in 2008, I came up with Healing Thru Food. I loved the name and it seemed to represent my vision. I definitely knew after completing my program that I wanted to help people heal with food and heal their relationships with food.

Healing Thru Food started as a simple blog, and then it became “my business” and I started coaching people all over the world on diet and lifestyle as well as taught cooking classes to both adults and children in Los Angeles and Miami Beach.

Just recently (June 2021), I rebranded and created Dori Lancaster Empowered Wellness. Rebranding had been on my heart for the past year as I went through a big life transition, but also, I do a lot more than just simply work with food. I have been a massage therapist for twenty-four years, was leading Yomassage classes (which is a blend of restorative stretch, massage, and meditation), and also launched full force into retreat/event cooking.

I wanted to rebrand to my name since I am the brand and I also think that all the work I do is about empowering my clients. Whether it is eating healthy food, educating people on how to eat plant-based, practicing mindfulness, moving their bodies, or tapping into self-care, I really love to serve my tribe and play a nurturing role in people’s lives and all the areas they need support and that looks different for each individual client.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As I mentioned previously, I have been in my field since 1997. I was nineteen when I started working as a massage therapist, but that career basically launched me into more holistic modalities until I sort of carved out my own niche.

I am proud that I have never stopped learning since that first massage class. I have always loved adding to my “tool kit” and get very excited about acquiring new knowledge. I currently hold certifications in the following:

Massage therapy
Nutrition Education
Food Psychology Coaching
Yoga Teaching (Trauma-Informed)
Yoga Therapy
Yomassage (Trauma-Informed)
Plant-Based Cooking
…and this year, I will also be training more in Plant-Based Cooking as well as Somatic Psychotherapy.

I am also starting to offer a series of online cooking classes called Cook + Connect and the experiences are intended to cultivate cooking, connection and mindfulness.

I feel that since all the work I do is based in service and dealing with people, the more I can offer people the better!

Was this easy? I would say, not exactly. I never really had a clear vision up until recently, even after decades in my field. I am feeling way more grounded and sure that I am in the right place, and that what I have to offer is unique because we ALL have something unique to offer and there is room for everyone to succeed. I am happy to offer an array of different holistic services that can be customized to what people need in their lives and infused with my love and energy.

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.
Monday evening arrival: dinner at Crossroads or Pura Vita Tuesday: hike in Griffith, lunch at Jewel, shopping on Sunset in Silverlake, dinner at Little Pine
Wednesday: beach day-Ocean Park/Santa Monica-lunch/early dinner at Chulita, coffee at Groundwork, Penmar Golfcourse for live entertainment/drinks
Thursday: brunch at Kitchen Mouse, walk around Highland Park and antique shop, dinner and drinks at Edendale
Friday: back to the beach: Malibu, Will Rogers or hike Los Liones and lunch at Malibu Farm, Kye’s on Montana, or Sunlife Cafe
Saturday: quick morning bite from Kreation, hike the Hollywood Sign, lunch at Good Good, stock up on vegan snacks from Besties Vegan Paradise

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man, so many people come to mind here. I would not be anywhere without the support of my amazing tribe (you know who you are).

My therapist actually deserves a ton of credit as well!! I would not have had the courage to move past many barriers and fears without her support. So, thank you to Molly Mitchell-Hardt.

Huge shout out also to Emily Steines (@boopbod). I was a part of her mentorship program this past year and it (and she) literally changed my life!!! She not only helped with my business, but she’s a soul sister for life, and I am so grateful for her guidance.

Website: dorilancaster.com

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

Linkedin: Dori Lancaster

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

Image Credits
Patty Pena Ivy Towler