Dietetic Career Spotlight on Kelly Powers, 52 Weeks and Olivaio
Let’s get reintroduced to Kelly Powers, MA, RD, who originally shared her career spotlight with NutritionJobs in the summer of 2016. Four years later, she shares how she has revamped her practice and is now the founder and co-founder of two new companies that are successfully growing. Her career has evolved a lot since her first spotlight where she worked at an eating disorder clinic. Read on to learn what she’s doing now and how she lives her carefree, day-to-day life, being her own boss with drive, determination, and a plan. - Sarah
What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?
I spent a semester studying in Florence, Italy. During my short stint abroad, I saw how other cultures (specifically around the Mediterranean) viewed and treated food. It’s ingrained in their culture – something so natural and pure. In those three months, I learned that food is more than nourishment. Yes, it fuels our body and mind, but it also transcends boundaries, fosters connection, and provides love. I soon realized my purpose was to share this beautiful, slow way of living with Americans (particularly American women). When I returned home, I changed my degree to focus on preventative care through nutrition and dietetics.
Your Job Title?
Registered Dietitian, Creator of 52 Weeks, and Co-Founder of Olivaio
Company you are with now?
My own company, Kelly E. Powers (52 Weeks) and Olivaio
Website:
Social Media:
- Instagram: @kelly.powers and @olivaio_official
Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?
I start my day by checking my email and Slack over coffee. Then I review / update my task list for the day and check-in with teammates, interns, and volunteers as needed. Most days, I head to GGP for outdoor Pilates with a good friend of mine. After my workout, I make a quick breakfast and get ready for the day.
I split my day between 52 Weeks, Olivaio, and a PT afternoon job. Right now, Olivaio monopolizes most of my time as we’re a young company that’s just hitting the market. We’re a small team that collaborates virtually and our days are not yet defined by routine. Work consists of product development, research and copywriting (blog posts, website copy, collaboration posts, press releases), customer service, SEO, design work, social media management, training and managing our team of interns, designing our affiliate program and so much more. There’s never a dull moment and there are always many things to do! I continue to stay afloat by reminding myself that action is the antidote to overwhelm (something a close friend and fellow RD once said to me).
We’re actually looking to expand our Olivaio Intern Program so please email me at [email protected] if you’re interested in gaining volunteer experience or learning more about what we do!
How did you get your current job in dietetics?
My network! And the work I’ve done up to this point (AKA, my portfolio). In the past, I held positions in private practice, eating disorders, and early-stage startups. I then went to graduate school in Rome, Italy. My graduate research and thesis birthed 52 Weeks, which is a culmination of the projects I’d previously worked on.
Publicizing and advertising 52 Weeks attracted my Olivaio business partner, whom I met at an accelerator program in San Francisco roughly 5 years ago. He works in the digital marketing and advertising space and felt I would be a good partner for his next business venture (Olivaio – an organic Italian extra virgin olive oil shipped directly to your doorstep). We had a 90-minute call and begin to collaborate the following day. That was about eight months ago.
What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?
I’m naturally empathetic and strive to develop real, deep connections with people. I also have a very strong sense of self. I’ve had to learn how to better manage my time. I’ve also had to learn how to get out of my head (which I’m still learning). Working out, meditation, and developing a practice of self-compassion have helped.
Finally, I’ve learned there’s power in saying no. Saying no will help you flourish where and when it really matters (like when you say yes). Listen to your intuition.
What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?
Find something you love and play around with it; have fun! Get to market – you’ll pivot or adjust your initial offering several times so start now. Grow your network – you never know where your next opportunity will come from. Also, put down your phone and pick up a book.
If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be?
Shared meals (and wine) with new and old faces.
