Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Jackson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Erin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
About three years ago, I left my full-time job of over 10 years as a Registered Dietitian counseling growing families. I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do next, but I knew I needed a change. I took a giant leap and left. Once I was gone, I discovered that the part I missed most was working with moms of little ones. I enjoyed supporting a family’s journey as they discovered what feeding tools and methods would work best for them. I learned that some of the most stressful feeding times for parents are in the 1st few years. I became particularly interested in the science of lactation. I decided to delve deeper in study and became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
With this credential, I began training, mentoring and teaching other nutrition counselors about lactation. I also started clinical work in the lactation field to once again pursue my passion working with moms and growing families. As I was exploring this new career path, life became even more challenging as I helped my husband with marketing a new business of his own. It was on the job training as I had to teach myself about website design and social media marketing. In that new role, I was faced with new challenges every step of the way. It was that amazing learning experience that ultimately gave me the clarity and confidence to start my own business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Honestly, I am just starting and I know there will be plenty of struggles along the way. My biggest struggle thus far has been taking risks. I have noticed that every time I let go of something secure that no longer fits my goals, another opportunity comes into my life. I have learned as I began to challenge myself to pursue my passion, I felt alive.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Littles Lactation Nutritionist story. Tell us more about the business.
I offer in-person and online nutrition and lactation consultations for families of infants and young children (ages 10 and under). I offer feeding support and guidance through social pressures, media products and mixed messages about feeding little ones. As a working mom of two I understand the challenges of feeding a growing family. I strive to bring evidence based practices into practical feeding strategies, making feeding little ones less stressful for everyone. I also plan to expand my online services in 2020 in order to reach and support more moms.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I have been pleasantly surprised by how kind, generous, and supportive my peers have been as I navigate this entrepreneur path. I have found support from re-connecting with classmates, reaching out to co-workers, and via social media platforms. When I have asked specific questions, I have been granted specific answers. I am also so grateful to have spent so many years here in San Diego which has really connected me to my healthcare community.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6192439627
- Email: erinannejackson@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littles.lactation.nutritionist/
Image Credit:
Alisa Galvan
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
