Meet Mompreneur Janelle Casella of Perfectly Nourished

Macaroni Kid Newburyport: Let's start with the crazy part. How did you get sick?

Janelle Casella: It was pretty scary. When Caitlyn was 3 and Lauren was 1 year old I began experiencing a lot of pain and fatigue. I actually went blind in one eye due to something called optic neuritis, which is usually the first sign of multiple sclerosis. The doctors thought I might have MS but they couldn't give me a diagnosis.

So I changed my entire life. I became very health conscious and took steps to reduce stress. I realized I was putting too much pressure on myself - to be the perfect mom, wife, and career woman - and all that stress was affecting my health.

After I recovered I went back to school to earn my degree in Health & Nutrition Coaching [from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City]. That's when I decided to take a step back from my career in sales and marketing and share what I had learned with others.

MK Newburyport: A lot of people change their lifestyle for health reasons, but few make the leap to coaching others. What inspired you?

Janelle: Dealing with all these health issues I just got so fed up, and I began to let my attitude show at work. I felt a lot of resentment - like my work was getting in the way of enjoying my children. It was time for a change.

In 2013 I started Perfectly Nourished, my nutrition consulting company, and for a while I worked part-time at my old company to help make ends meet. I was recently able to leave my corporate marketing job to pursue a full-time career in nutrition.

MK Newburyport: What services does Perfectly Nourished offer?


Specifically, I offer two main services: First, I design and administer group online programs, such as my Summer Nourishing Cleanse. Many women enjoy the camaraderie and support of a group while appreciating the comfort, flexibility, and anonymity of an online format. Second, I provide one-on-one personal consultations, using food and other natural remedies to achieve individual health goals. I also offer meal and menu planning, creating shopping lists and simple five- or six-ingredient recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients.

MK Newburyport: What do you enjoy most about being a health and wellness coach?

Janelle: I definitely enjoy working one-on-one, providing highly personalized tools and support to help each of my clients achieve her own specific health goals. While there are some basic nutritional truths that apply across the board, I believe in "bioindividuality," meaning that there is no one-size-fits-all dietary approach to health and wellness. Everyone is unique, and what may work for you may not work for another.

And it doesn't have to be a major overhaul: It's amazing how making just a few simple changes can have such a huge impact on health. I love seeing the pride, joy, and satisfaction women experience when they realize they have the power to heal themselves.

So many women - myself included - have been taught to put everyone else's needs first. We're always "go go go," trying to meet all these demands without nourishing ourselves properly. We have to learn to take a step back and care for ourselves, too.

MK Newburyport: What do your daughters think of mom's new job?

Janelle: Caitlyn and Lauren (now 8 and 6) absolutely love it! They think what I'm doing is kind of noble: They say, "Mom helps people get healthy." They both understand what that means and they're proud of me. Caitlyn thinks I should have my own smoothie stand!


Find some of Janelle's recipes for slimming summer smoothies here. To learn more about Janelle Casella and Perfectly Nourished, click here.