Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Chen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first started my blog, Approaching Paleo, when I was a junior in college. I’d been going through a lot of digestive issues, mostly from severe food poisoning when I was abroad, my extremely high-stress lifestyle and my then-struggle with an eating disorder.
My dad suggested “this Paleo thing” that his co-worker was doing; I was skeptical at first (what do you mean I can’t eat oatmeal? Aren’t grains healthy? I want to keep eating peanut butter!), but felt like I had hit bottom, so I gave it a go. I’d always been fascinated by nutrition, so as I read through the extensive research, I became more and more convinced I could do it.
So I did. I started transitioning things out and found that I didn’t miss most non-Paleo things at all. I learned to make substitutes for foods I was used to eating, like cauliflower rice “oatmeal.”
“But carbs!” My fellow swim teammates would say. I heard this a lot. This was a time where Paleo wasn’t mainstream yet, and I got a lot of questions and side-eyes about it.
I began my Instagram account (approachingpaleo) to show people that Paleo was not necessarily eating like a caveman, but instead, it was focusing on real food.
I don’t eat “perfect Paleo;” I don’t believe in following a strict diet. Instead, I focus on what makes my body feel happy and encourage people to do the same for theirs.
In fact, most of my early pictures were of smoothies and smoothie bowls. As I became more confident in the kitchen, I moved onto steak and eggs and breakfast salads, but all my food remains something that anyone can easily make.
That’s one of the things I always want to do: provide people with the tools to empower themselves. Whether that’s through easy, quick recipes for the busy guy or gal or by inspiring them to love moving their bodies via teaching fitness classes (P.S. did I mention I’m a boxing instructor at TITLE Boxing Club North Station and currently undergoing Yoga Sculpt Teacher Training at CorePower Yoga?), my goal is for everyone to fall in love with their lives.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Balancing blogging, Instagram, training, teaching, working out, training for races like a half-marathon, marathon and Tough Mudder through the past couple of years has taken its toll. Even now, I struggle to find balance — I’m a crazy competitive Type A person who thrives off of being busy.
And even as a fitness instructor and “social media influencer,” I’ve had times where my outlook on my body image isn’t 100% positive (or not even close to 50%). But I’ve found that saying no to anything that doesn’t bring you joy (even if it’s hard) not only saves you time but also saves you a lot of stress.
After a bout with what felt like adrenal fatigue (at least, that’s what I’d guess it was from over-caffeinating, over-exercising, teaching 15+ classes a week and under-sleeping), I learned to prioritize HEALTH over how I saw my body. How we look doesn’t reflect how we feel and it’s how we FEEL that matters.
As for starting your own “business” or “side hustle” (or just a new Instagram account!), I would advise people to commit 100%. Don’t expect money, followers or fame right away. Don’t do it for money, followers, or fame.
Remain true to yourself. Do it because you’re inspired, passionate and believe whole-heartedly in what you’re done.
Otherwise, you’ll feel a disconnect. It takes a LOT of time (setting my website, email list, and constantly revising it takes more hours/day than you’d think) and effort, and you want to make sure it’s worth it.
Please tell us about ApproachingPaleo.
Oh, my. I’d like to say, I’m a jack of all trades, but in reality, I just really like to stick my nose in everything and do as much as possible.
My day job is as an Email Marketing Specialist for the online subscription service ButcherBox. I love the company and I’m obsessed with email, so if you ever need any help, give your girl a shout.
As a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I also don’t believe in using the scale as motivation. Weight is, and has always been a number. I don’t believe in “working off ice cream” or “working out to counteract brunch later.” Working out should be a tool you use to optimize your health and to feel good in your skin, not as a punishment.
I love to push and challenge people in the gym because I know what they’re capable of.
I’ve done some social media/marketing consulting as well, but my passion is (obviously) my own social media and brand. I’ve built Approaching Paleo upon my own values of authenticity and empowerment. I specialize in creating bright, vibrant and nutrient-packed content (a.k.a. food).
I love supporting local brands and startups – they’re scrappy, passionate and mission-driven, just like me.
I’ve also worked with brands like Panera, Nutiva, RXBar, Juice Beauty and Daniel Wellington, as well as a ton of smaller brands. I only partner with brands I know and love, remaining true to my vision of authenticity.
Whomever I work with, I give it my 100%. I don’t do things halfway — it’s either all or nothing. I believe everyone deserves the best and I only want my work to reflect the best of me.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
In the fitness industry, there’s sometimes a lack of respect for women. Women can be seen as less capable or that their bodies should look a certain way. That’s a ton of pressure.
In general, I think that women have to prove themselves more. We have to try harder to gain the same amount of respect as men, and while I do believe that makes us stronger and more capable, I don’t believe that women are any less capable to begin with.
Contact Info:
- Website: approachingpaleo.com
- Email: nancy@approachingpaleo.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/approachingpaleo
- Facebook: facebook.com/approachingpaleo
- Twitter: twitter.com/nancylinchen
- Other: medium.com/@nancylinchen/
Image Credit:
Michaela Menard, Danielle Chen, Raya Al-Hashmi, Bizzy Coffee, Nick Cosky, Hana Fox
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
