As part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who encourage and do incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Belinda Whelan.
Belinda is a certified holistic health coach based in Moana, South Australia who supports women with Celiac Disease. She is the mother of 3 children who also lives with Celiac Disease herself. Through her coaching and online presence, Belinda raises awareness for her Autoimmune Disease and helps others thrive instead of struggle through her coaching and online programs.
Here’s what we found out about Belinda’s daily routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what sparked the idea for your business?
I’ve always loved helping others and the idea of being able to work on my own terms. My business was inspired by my personal experience with celiac disease. After my diagnosis, I realized how overwhelming it was to navigate the world of living gluten free, especially as a woman who wanted to live without anything holding me back. I wanted to bridge that gap for others and show them it’s possible to thrive with celiac disease, especially as I was given very little guidance or support myself.
As a woman navigating the business world, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to confidently own my expertise in a world where sometimes the voice of women is undervalued. Early on, I had moments of doubt. I’d wonder if I was ‘enough’ to make a difference. I overcame this by continuously educating myself, surrounding myself with other supportive entrepreneurs who I met through networking and reminding myself why I started. My personal experience became my power.
How do you balance the demands of running a business with maintaining a healthy personal life?
Balance comes down to prioritizing and setting boundaries. I’ve learned that saying no is just as important as saying yes. I plan my days intentionally making time for healthy meals, exercise and moments to just breathe. I also remind myself (and my clients) that you can’t pour from an empty cup – taking care of myself ultimately makes me a better business owner, coach, mother and wife.
Which networking strategies have most effectively built meaningful connections within your industry?
I like to focus on building genuine relationships by connecting with people who align with my values. Whether it’s through social media, collaborations, or attending events, I love being around others with big goals. This helps me feel less alone in my entrepreneurial journey.
How do you approach mentorship, and how has it shaped your entrepreneurial path?
Mentorship has been invaluable to me, both as a mentee and mentor. I’ve had some incredible guidance from people who inspire me, and I’m always open to learning. Mentoring others through my coaching is a very rewarding way to support others in their growth.
What strategies have worked best for selling your products and reaching your ideal customers?
The best way to support my ideal customers is through truly understanding them and their needs. I’ve walked in their shoes and know what they are going through. I focus on building trust through consistent content that educates and inspires. Engaging on a variety of social platforms, regular emails and my weekly episodes on The Healthy Celiac Podcast have been game-changers in reaching my ideal audience.
Which marketing techniques have been most successful for your business, and how do you track their performance?
The Healthy Celiac Podcast has easily been the most effective marketing tool for my business. The show can be found on most podcast apps by simply searching the word ‘celiac’ and found by my ideal audience. It allows me to connect directly with women with celiac disease, share valuable insights, and build trust by providing real life advice and solutions. The podcast drives traffic to my other platforms but also encourages listeners to join my email list, where I can deepen those connections and offer even more support.
Can you share a significant setback in your business journey and the steps you took to overcome it?
Early on in my business I struggled with trying to do it all – creating content, marketing, handling customer support, and everything else that comes with running a business solo. It was overwhelming and I started to get burnt out. To lessen the load, I streamlined my workflows and offloaded some of the more admin style tasks to a VA. These changes helped me free up my time to focus on what I’m truly passionate about – helping women with celiac disease – and that has made my work balance enjoyable again.
What’s the most important advice you’d give to women just starting their entrepreneurial journey?
Stay true to your purpose and don’t let fear hold you back. If all you can do is start small, then do what you can. Stay consistent and be willing to adapt as you learn. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and don’t be afraid to put your hand up to ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, trust yourself. You’re more capable than you think.
Is there a mantra or quote that guides your actions and decision-making as an entrepreneur?
“Progress, not perfection”. As a reformed perfectionist, often perfectionism just holds us back from getting anything done. Keep moving forward. Entrepreneurship is all about adapting, learning, and evolving – perfection is never the goal.
