Laura Sierra
Laura Sierra, Founder of Healthy Choices, is a Well-being agency which develops comprehensive and holistic wellness programs for companies. Initially established in Colombia, and now thriving in Dubai after embarking on this entrepreneurial journey. She worked with over 40 companies and had impacted more than 10.000 people, by their personalized well-being plans. She’s also the co-founder of a fitness and wellbeing community for women in Dubai named Toya, the host of the Healthy Choices Podcast with over 20.000 listeners and author of the online course “Eating Healthy”.
Tell us about your life before the venture/ leading up to your venture?
My professional background began in marketing agencies, but 5 years ago, I decided to pursue my passion for wellness and health, so I chose to become certified as a Health Coach. Upon obtaining my certification, I started coaching individuals one-on-one. While I embraced a holistic approach, addressing various aspects of my clients’ lives to identify necessary habit changes, my primary focus was on helping them enhance their eating habits and exercise routines. However, it soon became evident that this approach was insufficient. With more experience, I began to realize that beyond the habits people wanted to change—such as discipline, dietary knowledge, meal preparation, and exercise—there was a significant issue that required attention: achieving a work-life balance. This was my “aha moment.” As I engaged in deeper conversations with my clients, I uncovered the immense impact that companies (and governments) have on creating well-being in workplaces. This influence extends beyond physical spaces to encompass the company’s culture and leadership style. These aspects should respect employees’ time, provide them with tools to manage stress and emotions, offer experiences with well-being experts, promote physical activities, and provide high-quality food. Countless strategies are available for companies to implement to foster healthier and happier employees. As I mentioned, my professional background initially lay in marketing agencies. During my transition into the realm of Wellbeing, a realization struck me: just as a Marketing Team benefits from agency support, why shouldn’t HR Teams have a dedicated Wellbeing agency? This realization led to the birth of Healthy Choices, a Wellbeing Agency.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
At Healthy Choices, we develop comprehensive and holistic wellness programs for companies. Using not only traditional surveys but also cutting-edge AI tools, we dive deep into the core needs of employees and corporations. Then we meticulously design and implement strategies encompassing every facet of wellness – from Wellness apps, wellness events, or workshops, coaching sessions and workspace changes. Our approach revolves around constantly gathering data during all our activities, allowing us to quickly adjust and achieve meaningful outcomes.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture?
The response from consumers towards Healthy Choices has been very positive and gratifying. We’ve witnessed a strong demand for our holistic approach to well-being in the workplace. Our emphasis on fostering comprehensive wellness programs that prioritize the physical, mental, social, and emotional health of the workforce, has resonated deeply with both employees and employers. HR managers consistently highlight how our data-driven approach, backed by comprehensive research, has led to more accurate and sustainable wellness programs. By delving into the intricacies of an organization’s environment and its employees’ diverse needs, we’re able to implement targeted tools and methodologies that yield tangible results. This approach ensures that the programs we develop are not only effective in the short term but also have a lasting impact on the well-being and overall satisfaction of the workforce. Additionally, many of our clients have reported noticeable improvements in their employees’ morale, productivity, and overall well-being. This has translated into reduced absenteeism, increased engagement, and a more positive work atmosphere.
How has your life changed because of your venture?
Healthy Choices have brought about profound changes in my life. This passion-driven journey has transformed the way I view work, well-being, and the impact I can have on others. First, has provided me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond the typical professional pursuits. Knowing that I am contributing to the well-being of individuals’ lives and creating healthier, happier workplaces brings me a profound sense of satisfaction. On a personal level, my venture has been a catalyst for continuous growth and learning. Facing very different clients’ needs, have constantly pushed me to expand my knowledge and skill set. This ongoing process of self-improvement has not only enriched my professional expertise but has also made me more adaptable and resilient in the face of change. Also, going through the complexities of running a venture, managing a team, and balancing personal well-being has tested my resilience and time-management skills. I have been learning about perseverance, adaptability and very important: the importance of self-care.
What are you working on right now?
Currently, our main focus is directed towards enhancing the research and analytics aspect of our methodology. At Healthy Choices, we recognize the importance of gaining a deeper and more nuanced understanding of employees’ needs, feelings, and concerns. Oftentimes, employees might be hesitant to openly express their thoughts, and traditional methods like surveys and interviews might not always provide the most reliable insights. In response to this challenge, we are diligently partnering with companies to develop innovative tools that reinforce the research process while simultaneously crafting comprehensive well-being programs for employees. These tools are designed to capture insights in a more organic and unobtrusive manner, enabling us to truly grasp the intricacies of what employees require to thrive in their workplaces.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
Life, both personally and professionally, can be quite the journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. But no matter how tough it gets, DON’T GIVE UP!. In your pursuit of success and fulfillment, it’s easy to get caught up in the specifics of your product or service. While these are important, it’s crucial to shift your focus to something even more vital: the needs of your target audience. Yes, that’s right, getting a bit obsessed with what your audience truly needs can be a game-changer. Your product or service might evolve and change over time. That’s a natural part of growth and adaptation. But the one thing that should remain constant is your constant dedication to understanding your audience’s pain points, aspirations, and desires. How can you solve their problems faster and better than anyone else? This is where you or your business will make a difference. Ahhh, another important thing: Believe in your journey! and remember that every setback is just a setup for a comeback.
Get in touch with her:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-sierra-vasquez/
https://www.instagram.com/healthychoices_well/
https://healthychoiceswell.com/