Calling 121Dietitian
digimumsni caught up with Gillian Killiner a married mum to 3 children aged 8, 6 and 4 and owner of 121Dietitian.
How would you describe yourself?
I would call myself ‘the octopus’ as I multi-task at every turn! I enjoy experimenting when I cook, I love entertaining, reading, running when possible, having fun with the kids, playing the piano and listening to great music, loud! Outdoor festivals are always a buzz.
Tells us a little about 121Dietitian
121Dietitian is based in Belfast and accessible for personal nutritional consultations, dietary analysis, improving CSR for corporate clients in Northern Ireland. However 121 Dietitian is also available throughout UK, Ireland and the rest of the English speaking world via webcam and email consultations.
What did you do before you started the business?
I qualified with an MSc. in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from UU Coleraine in 1997 and started my career in the NHS. I worked in several large teaching hospitals across the UK, before specialising in Haematology in the City Hospital Trust, Belfast.
What was your inspiration for starting up your own business?
I left the NHS due to work-life balance. It just wasn’t stacking up in my kids favour; my youngest who had been sick for the first couple of years of life was definitely getting a raw deal.
My light bulb moment was a while after I had resigned I thought “hey I can still be a Dietitian and a stay at home mum; I can be an online dietitian to the world!” My inspiration has always been my mum, she has had MS since I was very young and I have firsthand experience of how difficult being disabled can be, being an online business I wish to be accessible to all.
I set up my own private nutritional consultancy www.121dietitian.com This has been an exciting challenge as my business is primarily consulting worldwide using a webcam. Webcams have become common in the home and work place; they provide clients the opportunity to log on and liaise at a time and place that suits them. This I have found improves client compliance to the advice, consultation attendance and thus success for the client.
It is available to anyone who has a dietary concern but it particularly offers the busy business man, the housebound, disabled, and parents with no childcare the ability to access dietary advice in the daytime evenings and weekends.
What did you have to do to get your business up and running?
I purchased new technology, set up a website, attended a business course, networked as much as possible and took advice from whoever was willing to give it. I also spent weeks devising nutritional sheets, etc
I still have a great deal to learn about the business world, especially when it comes to online marketing, optimisation etc. The dietetic side is also time-consuming as every day I have to make sure I know what is happening nutritionally around the world to be able to provide up to date and accurate advice.
What support did you get then and what, if any, support do you get now?
Financially no support; I was bootstrapping from the outset which is stressful. From attending some course you always hope to meet someone who will give you great guidance, I have met many people but have yet to find that one person. I’m not sure they truly exist and you have to take snippets of help from everyone and piece them together yourself.
How do you balance running a successful business and family life?
Life is constantly pressurised, but I suppose I’m ultimately in control. I feel guilty if I have any spare time so I don’t!
What is your routine of an average day e.g. from what time you get up, what you do before you leave in the morning to a day in the business?
Up 6:30am occasionally go for a run, kids up 7am, breakfast, my husband leaves 7:30am, I drop the kids to school and nursery, work from just after 9am to 1pm collect my youngest, then shop or wait for the other 2 from school at 3pm, then its home, get changed, snack and then onto swimming, tennis, brownies, piano. Home for tea. Kids go to bed by 7:30pm, my husband usually comes in anytime after that, get his tea and I return to work at the computer 8pm to 11pm or longer.
How do you market your business?
I use various sources: professional website directories, links to other healthcare companies & professionals, facebook, twitter, media, word of mouth, cold calling...
What has been your biggest success so far?
There have been a few, but the most recent from a business point of view was being awarded : highly commended for the “Best Innovative Use of IT” at the Belfast Business Awards in April 2010.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking of starting up a business?
On the downside; it’s really full-time work and more! There is no guaranteed pay cheque, it can be lonely. On the positive; if you have a strong belief, a good business plan, some excellent friendships and a dedicated commitment, then the worlds your oyster!
What do you do to relax and unwind after a hard working week?
Try and spend some time with my husband and kids, now they are at a great age we are enjoying the quality time doing day trips, playing games, cooking, eating, cycling and catching up with friends and family.
For further information visit www.121dietitian.com or view Gillian's Shop Local listing on digimumsni http://www.digimumsni.com/business/121-dietitian
