Cheryl Ivaniski is a Global Wellness Authority, Dr. Holistic Medicine – Acupuncture, Speaker, Coach, 5 X Bestselling Author Diabetes Thriver for over 24 years, host of the ‘NO BS Diabetes Podcast’ and the Author of ‘Having A Life of More’.
Having watched her gramma struggle for 40 years with loss of vision, mobility, independence, and eventually the shutting down of her kidneys and heart, until one-day Diabetes took her life. Cheryl was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (and Hashimotos disease) over 24 years ago. Specialists said she should expect the onset of scary complications and told her to prepare for a grim future.
She took a stand that her life was not going to be the same. She mastered the Holistic Lifestyle and has since been living a very vibrant life! Her mission brought her from teams of health professionals using the traditional approach to going back to University and studying alternative methods to wellness – how to heal from the inside out, to be proactive rather than reactive, and how holistic self-care can elevate your wellness leaps and bounds! She’s gone on to Co-Authoring books with big names like Jack Canfield, Les Brown, Dr. John Gray and Brian Tracey.
Please tell us a little bit about your company – what is Holistic Diabetes Solutions all about?
My company is the visionary of the new movement – the Holistic Diabetes Solutions Movement that is truly about preventing, restoring, and even reversing diabetes (up to 90 % of Type 2 Diabetes cases) the holistic way. My coaching programs help people to learn how to become diabetes-free and/or complication-free for life. I am also is the host of No BS Diabetes Podcast.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
After my gramma had passed from diabetes complications. I took care of myself using holistic approaches and taught people all over the world how to do this to have a better quality of life.
What are your plans, how do you plan to grow this company?
I will keep educating through my own programs, as well as other leaders around the world.
What was the biggest problem you encountered with your business and how did you overcome it?
When I first started to do what I love with Holistic Diabetes Solutions and work really hard to grow my business, it was still difficult for me health-wise. I was still too learning holistic approaches to help myself as well as others; it doesn’t happen overnight. Even though I felt fatigued, tired, dealing with my own complications living with diabetes, I kept pushing myself because I could see I was making a difference. Now, things are much different. I have control and I manage much better and can put more energy into educating others.
What were your top mistakes you made starting your business and what did you learn from it?
I was focused on quantity, not quality.
If anyone knows me they used to know I was a crazy over-worked powerhouse. I didn’t know when to stop. I worked every minute that I was up. I realized doing that after such a long period of time, it caused burn out and sickness. And unhealthy relationship with my loved ones. That has all changed now and I put forward quality and not nearly as much quantity (even though I still do what I love lots!)
Managing my time and not delegating
Finding the right tools that worked for me have made all the difference in managing my day to day itinerary. It took some time to figure out what worked for me, as you know technology has a number of different way to manage your schedule etc. Once my business really started to pick up, I started to hire and delegate tasks which meant I could focus on the bigger picture and had my staff handle the things I did not have time for or didn’t have a skill set for.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
I have developed a signature brand, which makes my brand feel warm and inviting.
- My online presence is different from others.
- I demonstrate passion for each person I meet.
- In every action I demonstrate integrity.
What is one thing that you do daily to grow as an entrepreneur?
I continually invest in myself and my future by educations and self improvement.
What are three books or courses you recommend for new entrepreneurs?
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey.
- Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
- How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
What is the one thing you wish you knew before starting your business?
Working more hours won’t help you succeed. Working on the right things will.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
Reaching my ideal clients over social media… Linked In, Facebook, YouTube
If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
So many people today have the misconception that starting a business takes a lot of money. The old saying, “It takes money to make money” has been ingrained in far too many people’s memories. The truth is, it does NOT take money to make money. It takes value to earn money. You must provide others (your customers) with massive value. In return, they will gladly send you money.
Write a book, start a blog, turn your hobby into a business. Create a facebook page. Create a wix website (19.00 a month) and you create the website.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Ignore everyone – you will hear advise from all angels which is overwhelming. Do what you think is best and what is in your heart.
Know every part of your business – you need to know how to do every part – sales, marketing, accounting, customer service, social media etc.
What is your favorite quote?
In the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths
– Barbara Corcoran
How can we get in touch with you?
You can visit my website Holistic Diabetes Solutions, You can also email helen@cherylivaniski.com
Random Interview: Inesa Ponomariovaite – My Journey into The Cannabis Industry
