In the world of health and life coaching, success stories often unfold in unexpected ways. Dharmi Shah’s journey with the Health Coach Institute outlines the power of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Crafting a Fulfilling Life

Before embarking on her journey as a health and life coach, Dharmi had a rich background in dietetics, sports science and nutrition, yoga, and mind power training. However, her life took a different turn when she moved to the United States from India, after getting married. 

While living and studying in India, Dharmi obtained a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, followed by a post-graduate in Sports Science and Nutrition. During this time, she worked as a dietitian and further expanded her expertise by obtaining certification in yoga and certification in mind power. Working as a dietician, teaching yoga, and conducting seminars and workshops on mind power became integral parts of her professional journey, from 2004 to 2012. 

After six years of marriage in 2018, as a stay-at-home mom in a new country, Dharmi felt a yearning for more – a desire to reclaim her identity beyond the roles of wife and homemaker. Engaging in a conversation with one of her daughter’s preschool directors, Dharmi expressed her uncertainty about navigating a new country and avoiding a conventional 9-to-5 job due to the absence of domestic help and family support. Given her role as the caretaker for her daughter and the household, Dharmi sought a flexible opportunity in the realm of health and wellness where she could be her own boss. The preschool director mentioned that one of the moms from the preschool was planning to become a life coach, sparking Dharmi’s interest.

Exploring a Flexible Career

Intrigued by the concept of life coaching, Dharmi conducted an online search and discovered the Health Coach Institute, offering a six-month program with coaching included. Recognizing the potential for a quicker entry into the field compared to traditional lengthy studies, Dharmi eagerly enrolled in the program, signaling the beginning of her journey.

“At that moment, I realized I needed to connect with someone influential within the program, whether it be the co-founder, a coach, or a teacher, to gauge my comfort level,” Dharmi said.  “It was crucial for my mentor to be a woman who shares the roles of being a wife, a mother, and an entrepreneur—attributes I resonated with deeply. So, I actively sought someone fitting this criteria. That’s when I discovered Stacey Morgenstern and Carey Peters, and it felt like the perfect match.”

Dharmi’s decision to enroll in the Health Coach Institute’s six-month online program was fueled by a desire for flexibility and a swift entry into the coaching world. She wanted to balance her role as a mother, wife and homemaker with a fulfilling career in health and wellness. The program’s structure, combined with coaching as a bonus, aligned perfectly with her aspirations.

Building a Successful Health Coaching Business

Starting with zero income and no clear path for her career, Dharmi faced the challenges of being an immigrant feeling unsupported and lost. Despite these hurdles, she swiftly gained clients within the first three months of the program, building confidence and momentum. By the end of the program, she had three paying clients, marking the beginning of her successful coaching career.

“When it came to practice clients, I worked with two of my cousins who are a decade older than me,” she explained. “It’s interesting how, at one point, they may have been changing my diapers, and now, I found myself assisting them in changing their lives.”

When asked what advice she would give other life coaches, Dharmi offered: “I coined the name Be Queen for my company in 2020 and launched my website in 2021. However, my journey began working with clients back in 2018, and interestingly, for the initial two years, I operated without a formal company name. I simply referred to myself as a health coach and continued to attract clients. The key takeaway here is that having clients is the foundation of a business; the company name and website will naturally evolve as you progress. Therefore, don’t let the absence of these elements hinder you from getting started with acquiring clients.” Dharmi emphasizes that clients are drawn to the individual coach and the value they provide, not just a brand name or a polished website.

With 90% of her coaching conducted virtually, Dharmi has successfully connected with clients worldwide. Her mission to help women break patriarchal chains and discover their truth resonates across cultures, with clients from the US, India, Africa, Australia, Canada and beyond. Dharmi’s approach reflects the evolving landscape of coaching, where geographical boundaries are no longer barriers to making a positive impact.

Empower Others as a Health Coach

Inspired by Dharmi’s determination and journey to become a health coach? Explore your opportunities with the Health Coach Institute! 

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Health Coach Institute provides aspiring Health and Life Coaches with the tools, training, and support to make a great living transforming lives.