Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Andrews.
Hi Lisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been a dietitian for 30 years now! I started my career as a clinical dietitian at the VA medical center. After getting my Masters degree, I had one foot out the door learning other skills- cooking demos, freelance writing and community nutrition. I stayed at the hospital for 23+ years but was part-time for a good part of it (3 days/week).
I started my small business in 2008 while still working at the hospital. As work started to pick up, I left the VA medical center in 2014 to focus solely on business and also spend more time with my two daughters.
Most of my work was seeing 1:1 clients for nutrition counseling and doing presentations (cooking demos and group talks). About five years ago, I started making food pun merchandise. I have a quirky sense of humor, and this is how it came out.
Having seen families in need at my girls’ school and poverty around the city, I wanted a way to give back.
I rebranded my tee shirts to “Lettuce beet hunger” where part of the proceeds of food pun merchandise go towards programs that support food insecurity.
Some of the profit goes towards programs that teach individuals and families about nutrition and some goes to a local soup kitchen that feeds families all over the city.
I spend my ‘thyme’ freelance writing, marketing my food pun stuff and doing food demos and community presentations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Having a business means hustling all the time. I had great referrals from doctors that I’d met at the VA years ago that sent referrals, but have gotten burned out on counseling and wanted a way to switch things up.
In a small business, you have to find the work yourself. Luckily, I like to network with people, though it’s been challenging with Covid.
Competition for tee shirts is pretty high and my items are a niche market. I’m working on partnering with dietitians that need gifts for students, interns, chefs, etc.
My challenge is asking for help. I’ve never been good at it and tend to do everything myself. I don’t know how to navigate some of the things I’d like to do (like getting my merchandise beyond my living room).
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Don’t ask me to draw a picture- I’ll disappoint you. But if you asked me to name a new food or come up with a slogan, I can help.
I’m known for my food pun prowess. I’ve always had a brain for puns. I started my tee shirt designs five years ago with four ideas and have about 35 currently. My ideas are “clean” and people can wear the tees in front of anyone without being offensive.
I’m most proud of their mission in giving back to food insecurity programs. In Cincinnati, 1 in 8 people suffer food insecurity. I believe everyone has a right to eat nutritious food. It makes me happy to see someone I know (or maybe I don’t know) wearing one of my shirts. It feels good when someone gets my message and wants to support my cause.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Favorite childhood memory was going for a Saturday drive with my dad. He’d take me and my little sister to flea markets, yard sales and a favorite ice cream shop for candy or a cone. I miss him dearly.
Pricing:
- Mugs 13.99 and 17.99
- Short sleeve tees 23.99
- Totes 23.99
- Long sleeved tees 27.99
- Hoodies 33.99
Contact Info:
- Email: lisa@soundbitesnutrition.com
- Website: https://soundbitesnutrition.com/shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrigirl66/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/soundbitesnutritionllc
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nutrigirl
- Other: https://soundbitesnutrition.com
