Hot Tea with Umo & Bri

What if your next best client came from a relationship you already have? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, Umo and Bri talk about why referral systems are one of the most powerful ways to grow a sports nutrition, fitness, or wellness business. They share how trusted partnerships can bring in aligned clients, shorten the decision-making process, and create steady growth outside of social media. From building relationships with physicians, physical therapists, coaches, chefs, and other professionals to creating simple referral packets and tracking contacts in a spreadsheet, this conversation is full of real-life business tips. They also remind founders that referrals are built through care, follow-up, and genuine connection. Sometimes, one kind message or compliment can open the door to a lasting partnership.Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitianBri's Instagram: @theathletitianJoin our communiTEA: hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signupIf you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else!Episode highlights:(1:23) Why referral ecosystems matter for sustainable business growth(2:12) How referrals build trust and credibility(3:21) Using physicians, clinicians, and patient word of mouth as referral sources(5:38) How referrals help clients make faster decisions(6:27) Attracting aligned clients through aligned partnerships(7:32) Why nurturing referral relationships matters(8:20) Referral growth versus relying only on social media(10:31) Why LinkedIn can be a strong place for professional connections(12:22) Choosing the right strategic partners(15:18) Tracking referral contacts and follow-ups(17:14) Creating simple referral systems and packets(19:36) Using events, webinars, and collaborations to keep referrals active(21:00) Building real relationships beyond business(23:27) Why a simple compliment can start a great connection

What if the reason delegation feels so hard is not your team, but the way the work is being handed off? In this episode, Uma and Bri get real about why delegation often falls apart for business owners, especially when you care deeply about your work and struggle to let go. They share honest lessons from their own hiring mistakes, including hiring in chaos, unclear expectations, and assuming people know more than they do. They also talk about what actually helps: clear communication, strong systems, detailed SOPs, examples, accountability, and giving team members the support they need to succeed. This conversation is a must-listen for wellness and nutrition entrepreneurs who want to grow without carrying every part of the business alone.Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitianBri's Instagram: @theathletitianJoin our communiTEA: hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signupIf you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else!Episode highlights:(1:23) Why delegation feels harder than it sounds(3:26) Early hiring mistakes and lessons learned(6:24) Common reasons delegation fails(11:21) Setting clear expectations from the start(14:40) Why systems, examples, and SOPs matter(17:06) Accountability, ownership, and team autonomy(20:47) Defining success and supporting different work styles(23:30) Collaboration, team culture, and founder support(26:23) Final takeaway on building a business that can grow

What if the visibility you are chasing could lead to real clients, brand deals, and lasting business growth? In this episode of Hot Tea with Uma and Brie, Uma and Brie talk about why speaking, podcast features, media quotes, and even local events can do much more than boost your name. They share how the right visibility can build trust, show your expertise, and open doors to partnerships you may never expect. They also keep it real about fear, preparation, staying true to your niche, and why going viral does not always help your business. This episode is a smart reminder that the best opportunities come when your message, your values, and your offers all work together.Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitianBri's Instagram: @theathletitianJoin our communiTEA: hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signupIf you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else!Episode highlights:(0:48) Visibility as a business growth tool(5:02) Different ways to share your voice(7:04) Surprising opportunities from media(12:21) Speaking as a business strategy(20:11) Choosing topics that fit your passion(26:01) How to prepare for speaking and media(29:48) Consistency vs viral moments(38:12) Pairing visibility with your offers

What happens when you feel pressure to chase every trend online while trying to grow a real business? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, the hosts talk about the struggle many entrepreneurs face: choosing between owning a clear niche or following what is popular on social media. They share how focusing on the right audience helped them grow their businesses, why new professionals should build real experience before calling themselves experts, and how trends can sometimes hurt credibility. The conversation also covers when pivoting actually makes sense and how to expand your niche without confusing your audience. If you’re building a business in fitness, nutrition, or wellness, this episode will help you stay focused and grow with confidence.Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitian Bri's Instagram: @theathletitianJoin our communiTEA: hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signupIf you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else!Episode highlights: (1:27) Season two kickoff and the big question: niche vs trends (3:37) Why having a clear niche attracts the right audience (9:59) Social media pressure and the trap of chasing trends (13:27) The problem with calling yourself an expert too early (18:56) When pivoting your business actually makes sense (23:36) Expanding your niche without losing your message (24:27) Building real authority through research and learning

Highly recommended to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gg5Tx_d5dCQAcross these standout clips, you’ll hear powerful reminders you don’t need to be ready or perfect to begin. You’ll hear why starting small beats waiting too long, how looking inward instead of outward can change the way you grow, and why systems, boundaries, and rest are not luxuries, they are requirements. This episode touches on everything from hiring with intention and packaging your services with confidence to navigating slow seasons, preparing ahead, and building a business that can actually support your life.You’ll also hear deeply human reflections on faith, obedience, resilience, and trusting the process even when outcomes feel uncertain. These are the lessons learned through experience, repetition, missteps, and courage, not theory.If you’re building a career or business in wellness and want clarity, steadiness, and real talk without the fluff, this episode is a powerful reminder of what truly moves the needle.Press play and revisit the moments that matter most.

What if the way you parent, show up, or even just exist is your version of art? In this powerful and honest conversation, Dezi Abeyta, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, performance strategist, and founder of Food Talk Nutrition, shares why he believes creatives should be treated like elite athletes. From getting real about burnout and rebuilding his life after Red Bull to creating performance teams for touring musicians, Dezi drops gems on owning your identity, taking risks, and rewriting your roadmap. He also talks about parenting with intention, being “professionally petty,” and the power of your pen. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by traditional career paths or wondered if you’re “too different” to succeed, this one’s for you.Connect with Dezi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deziabeyta/Can't Believe I Made It Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/cbimi/Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitianBri's Instagram: @theathletitianIf you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(2:22) Who was Dezi before the career & podcast?(6:01) What sparked his passion for wellness & performance(8:54) His first unconventional career move & “kill list” motivation(13:53) Realizing he didn’t need permission to create his own lane(17:23) Why creatives are the new athletes(25:21) How he supports musicians like athletes(29:20) Gatekeeping vs. sharing: Where Dezi stands(36:04) Advice for breaking into a brand-new space(42:02) Diversifying income & the Men's Health journey(47:17) Parenting, risk-taking & working with purpose(59:41) What’s next? Dezi’s vulnerable relationship with writing(1:06:07) A message to aspiring BIPOC professionals(1:09:09) Staying grounded with inner child work(1:17:10) Dezi flips the script: Umo & Bri’s vision for the podcast(1:22:42) Soft launch hint: Something BIG is coming!

What do you do when life feels too heavy to carry? In this honest episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, the hosts open up about how 2025 pushed them to their limits: personally and professionally. From unexpected pregnancies and loss to burnout and business stress, they share how therapy, faith, and stepping back helped them move forward. If you’ve had a hard year too, this one’s for you. Raw, real, and full of hope.Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitianBri's Instagram: @theathletitianIf you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(2:17) Social media vs. real life: balancing motherhood, business & emotions(5:20) When fitness isn't the answer—learning to rest(6:22) The hardest year yet: pregnancy, loss, and leaning on faith(12:10) When stress impacts your health: a wake-up call(16:09) What worked and what didn’t in 2025(19:05) Stepping back from client work: finding new roles(21:10) Planning for peace and purpose in 2026(24:25) Building a better business while showing up for family(28:00) Protecting your peace online and offline

Are you already feeling behind and the new year hasn’t even started yet? In this energizing episode of Hot Tea with Uma and Bri, your favorite duo shares real, practical steps to help you close out Q4 with intention, and hit the ground running in Q1. From setting clear, trackable goals to refining your systems, team, and tech, they break down why “doing it all” isn’t the move, but planning smart is. You'll hear personal stories, hard lessons, and honest truths about what didn’t work, and what finally clicked. They also dive into how to avoid burnout, set strong boundaries, and why financial planning (yes, taxes too!) is a non-negotiable. If you're a health, wellness, or fitness entrepreneur, this one’s your must-listen game plan.Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitianBri's Instagram: @theathletitianIf you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(1:26) Why year-end reflection is crucial for a smooth Q1(2:45) Celebrate your wins—and learn from the misses(4:35) How to avoid a Q1 scramble in the healthcare space(6:00) Real talk: setting realistic, trackable goals(8:10) Mini-goals and aligning systems, team, and tools(10:15) Year-end tech, team, and tool audit(13:16) What you should outsource (and when)(15:33) Why it always circles back to the business owner(16:26) Avoid overcommitting during Q4(18:10) Boundaries and saying “no” the smart way(19:59) Taxes and financial planning: do not skip this(24:47) Don’t ignore industry trends because your business depends on it(25:34) Final thoughts: You don’t need a new you. You need a clear plan.

Have you ever felt like you don’t fit into the career “box” everyone else seems to thrive in? In this episode, Umo and Bri shares their biggest takeaways from presenting at FNCE 2025 in Nashville, where they spoke on Using Your Uniqueness to Thrive in Sports Dietetics. Tune in for an episode packed with encouragement, real stories, and practical advice to help you take that next bold step forward.Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitianBri's Instagram: @theathletitianIf you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Download your free Personal Blueprint here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2RbgtHi_vXl9CtXL9HmHNF1_F5S8JZ3/viewEpisode highlights:(1:13) Recap of FNC 2025 presentation and theme(4:59) Resilience and redefining your own path(7:01) Umo’s winding career journey(10:59) Bri’s story: athlete to entrepreneur(17:28) 3 core strategies to build a standout career(20:32) Why a personalized career roadmap matters(23:03) The power of authentic networking(27:02) 3 simple takeaways you can apply this month(31:27) Free roadmap template in the show notes

Is your business ready for the slow season, or does it leave you stressed every year? In this episode, we open up about the common fears that fitness and wellness entrepreneurs face when client demand dips, especially around the holidays. From tracking trends and managing your cash flow to building recurring revenue and keeping client relationships strong, this conversation is full of practical advice. We also share why rest, reflection, and authenticity matter just as much as your next big idea. Whether you’re using the downtime to recharge, revamp your marketing, or beta test a new offer, this episode will help you feel more confident about embracing the quiet seasons with intention.Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitianBri's Instagram: @theathletitianIf you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(1:20) What is a slow season, and why it happens(2:44) Identifying slow periods in your business(4:32) Budgeting and cash flow tips(5:15) Revenue ideas during slower times(7:14) The power of group challenges and beta testing(9:08) Local events and talks for visibility(11:08) Marketing check-in and audience feedback(13:32) Staying authentic on social media(16:05) Preparing clients mentally for the holidays(17:45) Supporting clients through real-life challenges(20:10) Investing in professional growth or rest(25:01) Fancy conference announcement + community sneak peek(27:01) Final words: Embrace the slow season with purpose!

Are one-off sessions leaving you feeling burnt out and financially stuck? Bri and Umo share how building a membership model transformed their income, their impact, and their clients’ results. They open up about the ups and downs of creating a community that works with the seasons of your business and your life. From starting small to testing out ideas through beta launches, they break down how you can offer consistent value and create predictable income, even when business feels slow. Whether you're a dietitian, trainer, or coach, this episode gives you honest insight, tech tool tips, and a supportive nudge to take the leap, without taking on the world all at once.Learn more about Amy: https://reimbursementdietitian.com/Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(2:02) The real problem with one-off sessions(5:06) How to build a membership your clients actually want(10:28) Using memberships to support your income in slow seasons(19:58) Why starting small saves you time, money, and stress(22:40) What a beta test is—and why you should do one(26:42) Tools and platforms to keep your membership simple and smooth(35:13) Outro

Can one free talk really launch a six-figure practice? In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Amy Plano (aka The Reimbursement Dietitian) picks up where she left off, diving deeper into how dietitians can grow a successful insurance-based business without burning out or overspending. She shares how saying “yes” to free, strategic opportunities opened massive doors in the sports performance space, and why mindset is what separates those who succeed. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen to how Amy’s story started, it’s the foundation of everything she shares here.Learn more about Amy: https://reimbursementdietitian.com/Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(1:45) How Amy’s first free challenge led to huge growth(4:01) Using insurance for sports nutrition clients(5:44) The power of free talks (and why they’re worth it)(14:50) Common mistakes dietitians make with insurance(19:49) Hiring lessons Amy learned the hard way(27:31) Tools she actually uses (and what she avoids)(33:50) Creating content people actually care about(39:04) Amy’s programs, clients, and how to work with her(47:30) Outro

Is taking insurance as a dietitian too risky, or are we just being told the wrong story? In this raw and powerful episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, guest Amy Plano (aka The Reimbursement Dietitian) gets real about what it actually takes to succeed with an insurance-based practice. Amy breaks down how dietitians are still being told outdated myths, why professionalism is at an all-time low, and why many in private practice are chasing passive income before they’ve earned active income. You’ll hear why sustainable success takes time, grit, and smart systems, not perfection. Whether you’re already in private practice or thinking about starting one, this is the no-fluff conversation every dietitian needs to hear.Learn more about Amy: https://reimbursementdietitian.com/Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(2:15) Why dietitians fear taking insurance(4:52) Making care accessible for eating disorder and performance clients(6:05) Amy’s mission to reach every dietetics student in the U.S.(7:23) Who should not be taking insurance(10:11) Resilience: why private practice is like Division 1 sports(12:05) When your "why" needs to be stronger than the hard days(17:27) Telehealth fatigue and bloated practices in 2025(21:09) The return of in-person care and first-world business principles(24:36) Why being “locally successful” matters more than being everywhere(28:10) Sustainability over speed: why slow growth wins(30:48) The only system Amy says you truly need(33:08) Why indecision is one of the biggest practice killers

Are your client packages burning you out or building your business? Tune in as we tackle the common trap of doing too much for too little and explain how to create offers that are both effective and sustainable. Hosts Umo and Bri get real about their own “broke helper” era, the pressure to over-deliver, and how they finally found balance by setting smart boundaries. You’ll learn how to design clear, valuable packages that feel good to sell and deliver, plus how to price based on both your time and your energy. Whether you’re solo or scaling with a team, this episode will help you rethink how to serve your clients without draining yourself.Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(1:17) What makes a package feel good for you and your client(2:00) The “broke helper” trap and how to stop overgiving(5:00) Why boundaries start with your packages(6:20) How clarity in offers helps avoid client confusion(10:00) The danger of copying someone else’s packages(12:25) The 3 P’s of building your signature offer: Problem, Promise, Process(19:15) Time vs. value-based pricing(20:12) Adjusting packages for life seasons (maternity leave, capacity shifts)(27:29) Final thoughts: Can you consistently deliver what you’re offering?

Are you undercharging for your services and second-guessing your rates? You’re not alone. In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo & Bri, the duo shares the real talk every wellness, fitness, and sports nutrition professional needs to hear: how to price your services with confidence, how to raise your rates without guilt, and why your worth isn’t up for debate. They open up about their own missteps, the importance of aligning pricing with impact, and why imposter syndrome doesn’t get to decide your value. Whether you're brand new or rethinking your packages, this episode is packed with advice, practical steps, and mindset shifts to help you build a profitable business rooted in real value.Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(1:40) Struggles with pricing and imposter syndrome(4:30) Charging for your time and unseen work(7:00) Confidence is the foundation(10:01) Show the transformation, set the rate(12:02) Helpful tools and pricing calculators(13:25) Knowing when it’s time to raise your rates(19:00) Communicating pricing changes with clients and brands(23:26) Serving different income levels with intention(27:10) Practical tips to audit and adjust your rates(28:05) Building belief in your value

Is accepting insurance as a wellness or nutrition professional a smart move or a nightmare waiting to happen? In this episode, the duo gets honest about their journeys with insurance, sharing both wins and growing pains. From expanding client access and boosting revenue to denied claims and unexpected headaches, they walk you through what taking insurance has looked like in real life, not just on paper. Whether you’re a new RD or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you decide what’s right for your business, goals, and sanity.Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(1:13) The insurance question every dietitian asks(2:22) How COVID shifted the game(5:28) Access and values in your private practice(6:56) From self-pay to insurance: a real transition story(10:53) Why insurance is a game-changer for athletes(13:01) Pros of accepting insurance(17:45) Let’s talk cons: denied claims and delays(24:18) Self-pay vs insurance: building hybrid options(26:05) Helpful resources and who to follow(27:15) Final thoughts: Is it right for your practice?

Can you really grow a business and raise a family without losing yourself in the process? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, we’re talking straight to the wellness coaches, dietitians, fitness professionals, and mompreneurs trying to do it all. We share raw, honest stories of how their ideas about “balance” have shifted over time, especially as kids, marriage, and business all started pulling in different directions. From setting boundaries to dealing with mom guilt, carving out rest, and building smart systems, this conversation is both encouraging and practical. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at everything while trying to give your best to everyone, this one’s for you. Remember: rest is not a reward. It’s necessary.Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(1:33) Why “Somebody’s Mama, Somebody’s CEO” is more than just a title(2:03) What balance looks like in real life(3:21) Raising kids while running a business(3:54) Boundaries and saying no(7:11) Letting go of perfection(9:02) Scheduling rest on purpose(13:22) Helpful tools and tech that save time and energy(17:21) Protecting your peace with structure(21:00) Setting communication rules for your team and clients(25:21) Redefining productivity and hustle(31:15) Giving yourself grace in messy seasons(33:05) Mini getaways and unplugging on purpose(34:30) Outro

Are you feeling swamped in your business and wondering who you should hire first? Should it be a virtual assistant, a social media pro, or another clinician? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, your hosts share their honest experiences with hiring for their growing practices. They break down the real-life challenges and lessons learned, like hiring out of panic, creating a solid SOP, and the importance of doing a time audit. This isn’t just about hiring, it’s about hiring smart. Tune in to hear how to avoid costly mistakes and set yourself up for success, one thoughtful hire at a time.Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(1:30) Who should you hire first?(2:18) The pressure of hiring early in business(4:04) Roles of a virtual assistant vs. a dietitian(7:06) Knowing what you need before hiring(10:06) Mistakes to avoid when hiring(11:27) SOPs and setting expectations(12:10) Time audits and identifying your needs(14:13) Determining hours and ROI(20:21) No one-size-fits-all hiring approach(21:37) Sneak peek of next episode: work-life balance tips

What if the best way to grow your business wasn’t on Instagram ads or fancy funnels, but through genuine connection and showing up as your real self? In this episode, we talk with Christina Chu, a Boston-based sports dietitian and founder of Christina Chu Nutrition. Christina shares how she grew a thriving client base starting from scratch during the early days of COVID. With zero dollars spent on advertising, she built her business through word of mouth, authentic partnerships, and simply offering her skills for free to the right people. She breaks down how she chose gyms, protected her brand, stayed true to her values, and still finds joy in content creation. If you're a wellness pro trying to get clients without selling out, this is a must-listen.A Chicago-area/virtual sports dietitian who serves athletes, including professional fighters, D1 wrestlers, NWSL players, actors, former NFL athletes, corporate executives, youth baseball recruits, and more. She maximizes athlete potential through science-driven, realistic, and effective nutrition interventions. Every athlete is truly unique, which should be embraced, not diminished, when developing a proper fueling strategy.Reach out to Christina: Web: https://www.christinaychu.com/IG: @christinaychuPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/ChristinaChuStudiosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-y-chu/Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(4:11) Growing through word-of-mouth and referrals(5:41) Being a woman of color in wellness(7:41) Common mistakes new dietitians make(10:11) Finding aligned clients and dietitian referrals(12:41) Building gym partnerships(18:11) Using free sessions to build trust(22:30) Clear messaging vs aesthetic marketing(24:41) Selling without overselling(34:11) Vetting brand partnerships(39:19) Gut checks and knowing when to say no(44:37) Final advice for starting out and growing sustainably

Are you starting a business and feeling overwhelmed by all the things you think you need to do? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, the ladies get real about how they each launched their businesses, from juggling school, motherhood, and contracts to saying yes way too often and learning to say no. They talk about what you actually need to start (spoiler: it’s not a fancy website), how to legally protect your brand, why your business bank account matters, and how to set up systems that make life easier now and later. Whether you’re working full-time or starting a side hustle, this episode gives you a grounded, honest look at what works, what doesn’t, and how to stay focused on your vision without burning out.Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(1:30) Starting your business: side hustle or full-time(5:00) Shifting from student to business owner(7:48) What do you think you need vs. what’s truly essential(11:02) Setting up your legal structure(18:31) Getting your NPI and other practitioner basics(19:03) Business bank accounts and keeping finances clean(22:04) Systems and platforms to simplify your workflow(27:56) Understanding and defining your service offerings(32:45) Creating a realistic, sustainable work schedule(36:18) Outro

Ever felt like school left out the most important stuff about starting your career? In this episode, the hosts get real about the gaps between certifications and running a business. They share the struggles of figuring things out on their own, from setting up LLCs to learning how to hire and create systems, with no handbook in sight.Umo and Bri talk about the power of mentorship, leaning on community, and using free resources when funds are tight. They also offer personal stories about making mistakes, learning from chaos, and staying consistent even when things get tough. If you're in the early stages of building your business or feeling overwhelmed, this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported.Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5 star review and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(1:23) The reality after getting certified(3:57) Feeling lost and figuring it out(5:51) Starting without money or guidance(9:06) Community support and networking(11:06) What school didn’t teach us(16:39) Finding your lane by spotting the gaps(19:42) Mentorship and real-life guidance(24:48) Free tools and resources(27:36) Learning key business skills the hard way(35:00) Growth through chaos and setbacks(37:15) Final tips for staying grounded(39:46) Outro

In our very first episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, we’re spilling the tea on what it really looks like to build a career in sports nutrition and wellness... without a roadmap, without a blueprint, and definitely without perfect confidence.We open up about starting our businesses in complete uncertainty, taking messy action, navigating motherhood, and battling the self-doubt that comes when you're the only one in the room who looks like you. From landing our first clients to reaching a breaking point that forced a major pivot, we share the moments that shaped us and the mindset shifts that kept us going.Whether you’re a dietitian, an entrepreneur, or someone trying to find your voice in a space that wasn’t built for you, this episode is your reminder: you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin.Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5 star review and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights:(0:00) Intro(1:10) Welcome to Hot Tea with Umo and Bri and how their careers began(3:00) Navigating early uncertainty and building a career without a model(5:04) First client moments and finding confidence through small wins(7:10) The 2022 business crisis that led to a critical pivot(10:37) Family, identity shifts, and redefining confidence(13:19) Doing things scared and taking chances in entrepreneurship(16:57) Advice they wish they had when starting out(20:51) Why documenting your vision matters in moments of doubt(22:35) Final encouragement: You don’t need to have it all figured out

In this kickoff episode, Umo and Bri introduce Hot Tea with Umo & Bri—the podcast for sports nutrition, fitness, and wellness professionals ready to take control of their careers, break down barriers, and build sustainable success on their own terms.With 30 years of combined experience, these two powerhouse sports dietitians and entrepreneurs are here to spill the real tea: the lessons, the strategies, the struggles, and the wins that no one talks about. From imposter syndrome and brand building to attracting clients and generating income beyond the 9-to-5, they're pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to thrive in this industry.Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, you're not alone anymore. Grab your hot tea, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to build the career you’ve always wanted... with zero gatekeeping and a whole lot of heart.Umo's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian/Bri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian/If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5 star review and spill the tea with someone else!