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

Hi Erica, what do you attribute your success to?
Two of my core values are what has led to the continued success of Erica’s Edge Nutrition: Helping Others and Growth. Helping others is my motivation in being a dietitian and helping people realize that they are capable of more than they think is my personal mission in life. Staying focused on that motivation and passion keeps me going and makes me successful as a dietitian. If I stay focused on helping each individual and continue to be excited about their individual success, then I am successful by default. Growth is incredibly important in my success. By focusing on growth it means I’m always learning and staying up to date on new methods, products, and staying ahead of the questions that my clients will have.

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?
Erica’s Edge, my private nutrition practice, is a dream come true. When I got my Master’s in Clinical Nutrition, I wanted the science background to be able to work with athletes (from “regular” people to weekend warriors to professional athletes) and my private practice has given me the opportunity to do just that. I’m rare to be a CrossFit Coach with both an RD and a CSSD certification (Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics), so I understand both the needs and demands of my population as well as the science background and education to be able to provide the best service possible. I am most proud of the Food & Fitness Challenge I created, as it has allowed me the opportunity to work with hundreds of people each year, showing them the balance of macronutrient tracking but keeping the reality of life (treats, social events, etc) as a part of it. I took creating this business gradually, and I highly recommend that to others starting their business. By doing this, I was able to learn along the way, and continually grow and develop the services that I offer. By never being satisfied and always wanting to develop, you will always stay up-to-date and be able to help the most people possible. Regardless of what you do and who you are, you will always have challenges. If you’re like me, you will have people who doubt you, people who criticize you, and people who will get competitive with you. While these things might upset you (they certainly did upset me!), the thing that will get you through it is to focus on what YOU offer, what YOUR motivation is, and the lives that YOU effect. By staying true to yourself, you will automatically stay true to the people you serve.

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.
Although I live in LA, my favorite spots exist outside the city as I am a nature and adventure lover! I’m always willing to drive further than others to see, hike, and camp in the most beautiful wilderness, so I would take someone to Yosemite National Park to hike Half Dome, Upper Yosemite Falls trail to Eagle Peak, and spend time along the Merced River. If it were winter, I’d take this best friend climbing and hiking in Joshua Tree. If it were summer, I’d take them kayaking at Santa Cruz Island, hiking in Big Sur, Sequoia, or laying by the ocean. Basically, you’ll find me anywhere outside, anytime I can. And if you come camping with me, there will definitely be dinner cooked on the campfire and sleeping under the stars! I’ll be sure to point out all the planets, constellations, and hopefully on a clear night – the Milky Way!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to the people vital in my upbringing who were the first to teach me about the importance of learning and discipline – my Mom & Dad and Kenpo instructors from the Independent Karate School in New Hampshire. I am also extremely grateful to Keri Gans (my dietitian mentor) and Cesar Flores (my sports & conditioning mentor and coach).

Website: https://www.ericasedge.com/
Instagram: @ericasedge
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-giovinazzo-ms-rd-33897a56/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ericas-Edge-574981589207654

Image Credits
Ben Jorgensen Photography (just the personal one and the one with the Wonder Woman costume)

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