Alexis Hawes is a National Board Certified Health Coach and founder of Alexis Hawes Health. She specializes in weight loss, plant-based eating, gut health, hormone health, and sober curiosity, helping high-performing individuals achieve balance and vitality through personalized, sustainable practices. With a focus on meaningful, lasting change, she empowers her clients to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your business, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
At Alexis Hawes Health, my mission is to empower individuals to reconnect with their bodies and tap into their intrinsic wisdom to heal and thrive. I offer personalized one-to-one coaching through my program, Nourish Your Nature, which provides in-depth, tailored guidance to help clients achieve their unique health goals. Additionally, my subscription newsletter, Evolve, delivers weekly videos, handouts, and resources that support practical strategies to make sustainable, natural changes that lead to lasting wellness.
Beyond coaching, I have written a variety of e-books and guides, including A Guide to Making Mocktails, Nature’s Pharmacy: The Power of Natural Remedies & Whole Foods to Heal, and seasonal recipe guides designed to educate and inspire. These resources help people return to their roots, embrace simple, natural practices, and create nourishing meals that support vitality and well-being. I also provide free education on my social platforms, @whyieatplants. Everything I do is grounded in the belief that health begins by listening to your body and making intentional, sustainable changes to live your best life.
What inspired you to start your journey as a coach and entrepreneur? Were there any specific events, challenges, or people that motivated you to take this path?
My journey as a coach and entrepreneur began with my own struggles—struggles that, for years, felt insurmountable. I battled with my weight, desperately trying every diet trend, juice cleanse, and so-called “quick fix” the wellness industry had to offer. Nothing worked. I ran the New York Marathon—twice—hoping the grueling training would be the solution. Yet, I barely lost any weight, and the physical toll on my body only left me feeling more depleted.
At the same time, I was navigating a career that looked successful on the outside but felt completely misaligned with who I was. The long hours, corporate burnout, and pressure to perform left me disconnected from my body and its needs. My health continued to deteriorate—I struggled with gut health issues, SIBO, and the overwhelming frustration of being dismissed by the traditional medical system.
It wasn’t until I hit my breaking point that I realized the truth: my body wasn’t the problem; my approach was. I stopped chasing quick fixes and started listening to what my body truly needed. I learned how to nourish myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I began to understand the power of sustainable, natural changes, and I rebalanced my gut microbiome by providing my body with the nutrients it was craving. Slowly but surely, I began to heal.
That healing sparked something in me—a fire to help others who felt as stuck, frustrated, and lost as I once did. I know what it feels like to try everything and see nothing work, to feel like your body is failing you when it’s really crying out for care. That’s why I became a coach: to guide others back to themselves, to show them how to tune into their bodies and create sustainable habits that lead to health, vitality, and joy.
My journey taught me that the path to wellness isn’t about perfection or extremes; it’s about learning to trust yourself, making small but powerful changes, and honoring the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. And now, I have the privilege of helping others rewrite their own health stories—one step, one habit, and one victory at a time.
Looking back at the beginning of your career, what were the major challenges you faced when establishing yourself as a leader/coach? How did you overcome those obstacles?
Looking back at the beginning of my career, one of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating the credibility gap in the field of health coaching. Unlike doctors or nutritionists, health coaches are still carving out recognition in the wellness space. It was difficult to explain the profound benefits of coaching—helping clients create sustainable solutions and habits—when much of the traditional health landscape focuses on diagnosis and medication. I often felt like I had to constantly prove my value and legitimacy.
To overcome this, I leaned into my belief in the transformative power of health coaching. I took the extra step to become National Board Certified, which required rigorous training and passing the board exam, solidifying my credibility in the field. This credential was a turning point for me—it validated my expertise and helped others see health coaching as the specialized, impactful field that it is.
Another significant challenge was learning how to wear so many hats as both a coach and an entrepreneur. In the beginning, I wasn’t just coaching; I was also learning to be a videographer, mastering social media, writing blogs and e-books, curating my personal brand, and putting together packages that reflected my mission. I was figuring out how to tell my story authentically while building a business from scratch. Balancing these demands felt overwhelming, especially because I wanted to excel in every area.
What helped me push through was focusing on progress over perfection. I invested time in learning new skills, sought out mentors, and allowed myself to grow through trial and error. I reminded myself that my passion and purpose—to help others reconnect with their health—were worth the effort. With each step, I gained confidence not just as a coach but as a well-rounded entrepreneur capable of creating meaningful impact.
These early challenges taught me resilience and resourcefulness. They showed me that health coaching is about so much more than one title or role—it’s about blending knowledge, creativity, and heart to truly serve others. And now, as I look back, those obstacles were the foundation of the thriving career I’ve built today.
Women are a growing force in the workplace worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women have always been leaders. We’ve known ourselves, trusted our intuition, and guided those around us with wisdom and strength. What inspires me most about women’s leadership today is how it has evolved in the workplace and beyond. In my corporate career, I was fortunate to be surrounded by extraordinary female leaders who paved the way with resilience and grace. Now, as a health coach and entrepreneur, I’m part of a community where the majority of my peers—coaches, founders, and change-makers—are women.
This proves what we’ve always known: women are capable of driving profound change, not just in the workplace but in people’s lives. Women aren’t just participating in leadership—we are transforming it.
What message/advice would you have for future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Believe in the power of your voice and intuition. Trust in your abilities, even when faced with doubt or challenges, and know that your perspective is valuable and needed.
Never question your own light. Always shine as bright as you can, because it’s your authenticity that will deeply connect with people.
Take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and surround yourself with mentors and peers who lift you up.
Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance, adaptability, and staying connected to your “why.”
