Today we’d like to introduce you to Merissa Mills
Hi Merissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve spent much of my life navigating the challenges of weight loss and health on my own. I remember being in second grade and having a doctor tell my mom that if I didn’t lose some weight, I would become an extremely unhealthy adult. Since then, I tried everything I could. Every fad diet, every workout, anything you could think of that would hopefully help the number on the scale go down. Unfortunately, nothing worked. It wasn’t until high school that I realized if I was going to change my entire life, then I would have to truly make a lifestyle change. I started slow, eating more whole foods and going to my local gym to walk on the treadmill. Then, after a very long 4 months, I started to see changes. From there, I began weight training, balancing macronutrients, and truly looking at my health from a holistic approach. Fast forward a year and I was officially down over 100 lbs. After naturally losing the weight and keeping it off, I realized just how hard it can be to get support or resources through healthcare when it comes to sustainable, long-term change. This realization led me to pursue a career as a dietitian so I could help others who, like me, felt unsupported in their health journeys.
I went on to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nutrition, and since then, I’ve gained experience across a variety of settings—from fitness to long-term care to outpatient therapy. With each role, I learned how important it is to not only provide information but also to offer personalized support that takes into account an individual’s unique lifestyle and needs.
Last year, I made the decision to open my own practice. That is when Vitality Rose Nutrition LLC was born. The main force behind Vitality Rose Nutrition LLC is a deep desire to help individuals achieve their long-term diet and nutrition goals. Whether you’re seeking help with weight loss, sports nutrition, or disease prevention, each client is individually evaluated and provided with a unique plan they can successfully follow. At the end of the day my goal is simple: to offer guidance, education, and encouragement to people who are looking to reach their own health goals. I believe in empowering others with the knowledge and tools they need to make lasting, positive changes in their lives, and I’m here to support every step of that journey.
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?
When first opening a dietitian business, one of the biggest struggles can be building a client base and establishing trust. As a new practice, it takes time to build a reputation, and clients often seek out professionals with established experience or word-of-mouth recommendations. It can also be challenging to differentiate yourself in a competitive market and stand out from other healthcare providers offering similar services.
Another struggle is managing the business side of things—handling finances, marketing, and day-to-day operations while trying to maintain focus on client care. As dietitians, we’re trained to help people with their health, but running a business requires a different skill set, and it’s easy to feel stretched thin between both roles.
Additionally, navigating the insurance landscape and understanding the reimbursement process can be a complex challenge. It takes time to figure out the best strategies for making sure your services are covered and accessible to a wider range of clients.
Finally, staying consistent with professional development and keeping up-to-date with the latest research, trends, and best practices is essential, but it can be difficult when you’re also trying to establish the operational side of the business. The key is to stay patient, stay adaptable, and always keep the client’s needs at the heart of everything you do.
This process has come with many struggles. However, with each struggle I am able to learn something and become a better business owner from it. So, in an odd way, I am grateful for every bump in the road I have and will continue to face.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Of course, I provide medical nutrition therapy as most dietitians do. This means I provide assistance to individuals looking to manage weight, diabetes, IBS, body image, etc. However, it is important to note that my approach goes beyond the food. I recognize that health is about much more than what’s on your plate—it’s about how you feel in your own skin, the mindset you have toward food, and how those pieces fit together in a healthy, sustainable way.
I’m passionate about helping people cultivate a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Many dietitians focus on meal plans and nutrition, which are important, but I believe in also addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of health. I’m here to create a safe space for people to talk openly about their body image struggles without fear of judgment. By combining personalized nutrition guidance with body acceptance practices, I help clients shift their focus from restriction to nourishment, and from perfection to progress.
What also sets me apart is the rapport I am able to build with my clients. I build strong, supportive relationships because I know that health is a journey, and that journey is so much easier when you have someone who truly listens, empathizes, and offers encouragement. I’m not just another health professional—I’m a partner who’s here to guide you, celebrate your wins, and support you through any obstacles you face. This combination of practical nutrition knowledge with emotional support is what makes my approach unique and effective.
How do you think about luck?
Luck can certainly play a role when opening a nutrition counseling business, though it’s not the only factor. Sometimes, luck shows up in the form of timing—being in the right place at the right time. Shortly after opening my practice last year, I unexpectedly moved from Massachusetts to Florida. From the time of my virtual apartment tour to move in day, it was a mere three weeks. I drove here in one day with nothing but what could fit in my car. It was one of the most challenging things I have done as I took no time off of work and was balancing a new business with trying to build a foundation in a new state. However, that move was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Since then, I have met a wonderful neighbor who has since become a friend, and a mentor as they also own their own dietetic practice. Thankfully, they have provided me with a lot of fantastic opportunities as a business owner. I have been able to network with other individuals I would have never met otherwise. The connections I have been able to make in this state have absolutely changed me and my business for the better. I have also been very lucky with the clients I have been able to work with. Everyone has truly been wonderful, and they remind me of why I opened a practice in the first place. I am eternally grateful for being able to help everyone I have.
Pricing:
- Services may be covered by the following insurance companies: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem, United Healthcare, and Cigna.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vitalityrosenutrition.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merissaroserd/#
