Today we’d like to introduce you to Sehba Nasir.
Sehba, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I remember as a kid having a fascination for food like watching my grandmother cook, my mother preparing meals for us, my grandfather getting chicken from the market in Mumbai, India. Later on when my family moved to the US, I enjoyed watching cooking shows on TV.
I began college, took a nutrition course and realized I wouldn’t mind reading these books all my life. After getting my bachelor’s degree, I went on to Chicago to get my Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Wellness.
Now back in Houston, I met few of my friends from high school and shared with them my dream of having my own business. I wanted to practice as a wellness dietitian helping others in the community. I didn’t want to solely work in hospitals/clinics, but also go to people’s homes/pantry, etc. I received support and help from my friends and family for the small business I have today.
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?
In my late teens, I suffered an illness and had to fight even harder as a young adult. It was a life awakening experience to have been told by a surgeon that I may not live and that I needed to have a tumor removed. In college, after taking nutrition courses, I saw it’s connection to health. My bachelor’s degree took me a long six years as I took classes part-time and worked jobs. I did this to pay off my surgery and some classes. My goal was to become a registered dietitian. I figured I could earn some money in the field of nutrition that I had fallen in love with.
There was a time during those years I fell into depression. I recall my brother tell me I should just finish college and I could do it. Just those words had pulled me through. Once I finished my bachelor of food and nutrition from University of Houston my family and I felt as if I had achieved my PhD. Around this time, I got married and moved to Chicago. I applied to schools for my dietetic license in that area and got accepted. I was so excited to start a program with a master’s degree but I was also pregnant!
I remember telling myself that if I had gotten through my surgery as a young adult, that I could get through this too! The director/professors of the program asked me if I really wanted to become a dietitian and complete the graduate program when I told them I was pregnant. I recall answering with a bold “yes!” as I was so nervous they would deny me this opportunity! I worked hard and completed the program with my first child.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At my business, I not only work remotely but also visit people’s homes, provide grocery store tours, provide personalized special needs pediatric as well as adult assessments, and provide private cooking lessons.
What were you like growing up?
I was very social, just as I am today. I always wanted to travel, explore different cultures and food. Growing up in Mumbai and traveling is how I remember growing up.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.nutrinirvana.com
- Phone: 2814060082
- Email: dietcoach@nutrinirvana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietwellnesscoach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nutrinirvana/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nutrinirvana
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