Sarah Pelc Graca founded Strong with Sarah Weight Loss Coaching, a company that helps men and women lose weight while still enjoying all foods (including chocolate and wine).
As a graduate of the University of Michigan (BA – Psychology/BFA – Dance), Sarah believes in helping her clients lose weight with a unique approach that blends mindset work, nutrition changes, and accountability together.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Sarah to learn more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. Tell us a little more about your journey as an entrepreneur – how did you get started? What inspired you?
Sarah: I began my entrepreneurial career as a personal trainer in Chicago. I loved navigating my clients through challenging workouts, but many of them were not achieving their weight loss goal.
This wasn’t because the workouts I provided weren’t effective – but rather because my clients needed help making healthier nutrition choices.
I went back to school to become a nutrition coach, and as soon as I incorporated nutrition coaching with fitness, my clients lost weight and felt the best they had in years!
Q. What are your long-term goals in business? Paint a vision for the future
Sarah: I want to continue offering 1:1 weight loss coaching because that is the best way to receive accountability, support, and a nutrition game plan that is customized to your life.
However, I would love to implement a group coaching program for those people who thrive in a group setting.
Q. What motivates you?
Sarah: I’m motivated by the hard work of others – especially our Strong with Sarah clients who show up for themselves and make changes, even when life is busy!
Q. What business-related book has inspired you the most, or what is your favorite book?
Sarah: Atomic Habits by James Clear! The principles in this book are the basis of my coaching practice, but they also provide the foundation for how I live my life. I strive to make small, 1% improvements to all areas of my life on a daily basis, and this is something I try to teach our clients.
Q. What is the most memorable thing you’ve done since you started your business?
Sarah: Having a successful mindset is the difference between success and failure for most goals (Including building a business and losing weight). I optimize my mindset by journaling and envisioning my own success.
In terms of optimizing performance, I keep an open mind about learning about the strategies that work for my business (and my life), and those that aren’t serving me anymore.
Q. If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Sarah: Have Fun, Work Hard, and Create Change!
Q. What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
Sarah: I think the best investment I have ever made (and continue to make) for myself is learning how to best manage my time. Time is a non-renewable resource, meaning we can’t get it back. I prioritize making time for myself, my loved ones, and my business so that I show up as my best self in all 3 of those areas in my life.
Q. Where do you see the future in your niche/industry 3-5 years from now?
Sarah: With technology continuing to improve, I hope there are more accessible weight loss devices and apps to help clients reach their weight loss goals. I also hope to see a decline in extreme weight loss programs promoting unhealthy behaviors (like banning certain foods or food groups).
Q. What is your ‘one-sentence’ piece of advice you’d like to give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur, coach, or business owner?
Sarah: Doing something is better than doing nothing! Show up and put 1% more effort into your business today than you did yesterday.
How this Nutrition Expert Reached 300k TikTok Followers(Opens in a new browser tab)
To keep up to date with Sarah and her journey, connect with her on Facebook, and Instagram.