Today we’d like to introduce you to Mona Vand.
Mona, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was always really passionate about health, wellness, and skincare but my initial goal was to be a pharmacist (mainly because it was stable and practical). To make a long story a little bit shorter, on the first day of my job as a pharmacist, I hated it. I spent six years in school, and when the day came to start my career, I was miserable. I quickly realized I wanted to do my own thing, whether that was consulting, writing a book, or starting my own brand. I took the leap and just started blogging, consistently posting on Instagram, then eventually appearing on shows like The Doctors and The Telegraph and just kept striving to meet my goals. I believed in myself and getting messages from my followers about how I have made an impact in their lives, even if it was in the littlest way, inspired me to keep driving for what I wanted, and I still have that same feeling! My dissatisfaction for my job as a pharmacist is definitely what pushed me to seek satisfaction through doing what I actually loved and that’s really how I got to where I am today.
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’m not sure if there is such a thing as a “smooth road” when it comes to going out on your own and pursuing your passion but if there is I definitely didn’t experience it! I struggled a lot throughout my journey (and still do, btw- nothing’s ever perfect!) and would feel mixed feelings of anxiety, pressure, and stress along with feeling self-conscious and doubt. It’s always a little scary when you take the leap, but my advice for women who are starting their journeys is this: 1) know that it’s going to feel scary for a while and try not to let that get you down, 2) ask for help if/when you need it – just because you’re an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you have to do every little thing on your own! 3) do something for YOU every single day – it can be really tempting to just fixate yourself on your brand, website, book, or whatever it is you’re working on but making time for yourself throughout the journey is something I wish I did more of and lastly, 4) trust your instincts – if you have a gut feeling that a certain brand deal isn’t right for you or if you think you’re rushing into a partnership or whatever it is, trust that feeling because most of the time, you’ll be right.
What should we know about Dr. Mona Vand? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I would say that I have more of a blend of specialties but that I’m most known for being a wellness expert and a doctor of pharmacy. I think what sets me apart from others is my pharmaceutical background because I learned how to understand things at a chemical level, which has ultimately helped me develop a greater grasp on the science behind nutrition and skincare/beauty products. I’m especially proud of the fact that my brand has genuinely helped people reach their goals, obtain a healthy lifestyle, or stay motivated and that’s honestly the pride and joy of my job. Especially because I really do my best on a daily basis to educate and advise my followers about certain products, diets, and fads and I try to address any common questions that I see in my comments (because yes, I definitely look at each one and value what you guys have to say!), so whenever I hear that I’m making a difference in someone’s life I definitely feel proud of what I have built.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I’m sure, so many things have impacted my success. The core values my family instilled in me are a huge factor. I’ve always had a good head on my shoulders, and I attribute that to my conservative upbringing. I also feel fortunate to have come across a few specific mentors in my life that have really pushed me, taught me and inspired me to be better. One thing all of them have said to me is that I’m a great student. I’m like a sponge – when I find someone I think I can learn from, I absorb everything they tell me. One piece of advice I would give is that if you find someone you want to mentor you, listen to them and actually follow their advice. Don’t waste their time. This will show them the respect and appreciation you have, and encourage them to want to help you even more.
Contact Info:
- Website: DrMonaVand.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmonavand/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/drmonavand/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmonavand
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/drmonavand
Image Credit:
Mona Vand
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