Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Escobar.
Vanessa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started this business not knowing it was going to be a business back in 2015. I was working at a health care insurance office helping elderly people with their medicare benefits. While being in an office full of potlucks and donuts I was really just trying to put a stop to a personal problem I had going on with my weight. I hated the way I felt and looked. I wanted change physically and mentally. I started working out at brother Eric’s gym Campxcel where I had a trainer give me structure meal plans. Great meal plans that I would follow but were not sustainable for me. Meal plans that consisted of your basic unseasoned meal preps: broccoli, Chicken, Tilapia and asparagus. By the time I would be on my 5th day, I was sick and tired of those meals and I would go on a fast food binge. I started including sauces that were calorie friendly and incorporating more Mexican inspired dishes.
Overall for me was shifting my mindset to I can do this only for four weeks and or can I do this to make this a lifetime. I soon started getting the results I wanted AND kept them off. Eric’s clients began asking what I had been up to and one day my brother said jokingly ” You’re not down to quit your job and meal prep for clients at camp?” I didn’t quit my job right then and there but I did start meal prepping for clients on the weekends with my moms help. Soon after, I did resign my old job and dedicated myself to meal prep full time. I had ZERO knowledge about calories or MACROS and I saw what worked for me and learned as I went. Then applied it to other men and women and delivered them results they were looking for.
What started off as something that was meant to help me lose weight turned into a whole operation.
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?
I personally feel nothing ever runs smooth. Whether you’re in business or not. You always in way have to prepare for the worst and best case scenario. Nonetheless with Xcellent Nutrition we went through a name change. Before we were known as Xcellent Food. Eric and I faced obstacles with city building department. One thing led to another that led us to open a whole year later after we initially planned to open. This was way before the business had even opened. Once we opened of course you have to worry about taxes and all the levels of taxes you have to worry about. Payroll, produce, customer retention, marketing, and other expenses. Other people can simply look at this just give up. Nothing is ever smooth. Expect problems and lots of them, but also do not dwell on them. A bad moment does not last a lifetime.
It’s just how you come to your senses and solve your problems. My advice to women/ young women would be is not be lazy or entitled and willing to learn. Sometimes you have to miss out on parties, relationships, friendships, family events, or other events and put those hours into developing your business. It’s not fun but you HAVE TO DO THE WORK to get where you want to be. Understand some people are temporary whether its relationships or employees not because they are not ready for you but because you may not be ready for them as well and it’s okay. Use these people as lessons to what you want/ need in your business.
What should we know about Xcellent Nutrition? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Xcellent Nutrition is a Meal Prep Service. We specialize in making healthier Mexican inspired meals enjoyable to eat rather than it feel like a chore. Its a storefront in Norwalk. We offer Grab N Go Meals which is a service where you walk into the store see what we already have made in the fridge that are vegan, vegetarian and low carb. Something we are known for are our Enchiladas and that is something that gets our members coming back for more. What sets us apart and that I am most proud of is our ambiance and customer service .when you walk in our doors someone always greets you with a smile. We develop connections with our members to help them get to their results by catering to their individual needs. Everyone’s journey to health is unique, we take believe our meal service should reflect. With us it’s not a one size fits all.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I do feel women can be exposed to opportunities they just have to put themselves out there. and if there is not a category make one to create opportunities for others.
Pricing:
- Grab N Go 3 for $25
- Happy Hour Special (includes one meal , fruit cup, water bottle) $10
- 10 Meal for $92
Contact Info:
- Address: 12000 Civic Center Dr Ste D Norwalk CA 90650
- Website: xcellentnutrition.com
- Phone: 562-340-5371
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xcellent_nutrition/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xcellentnutrition/
Image Credit:
Tres Leches Media – IG : Treslechesmedia
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