Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Bell.
Hi Courtney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story really begins in 2012. I became an ICU nurse at a large hospital here in Atlanta and absolutely loved it. I knew I wanted to help people feel better and have a higher quality of life. While I loved my job, I was struggling in my personal life. I was battling depression, infertility, ADHD, and my skin was a mess. In 2016 I began looking for natural ways to help my body feel better because adding medication after medication wasn’t making me feel any better; it was masking symptoms, not healing the root cause. I learned how the right foods can support homeostasis in our bodies and how plants can provide so many healing properties. I read study after study supporting the evidence behind plants, including essential oils and herbs. This was all so new to me, even though I had a Bachelors degree in science! I knew I was on to something. My friend and hospital colleague Nurse Practitioner Eliza Bacot (of The Organic South) confirmed what I was discovering and introduced me to essential oils and other plant-based medicine modalities. A lot of transition has taken place over the last several years. What started out as helping people find safe and natural remedies for common minor ailments (like certain essential oil blends for sore muscles, or a headache, etc.) turned into helping people restore their gut microbiome and get control of their health again (goodbye bloating, irritated bowels, constipation, and digestive pain!). As I continued to learn and study the body from a holistic and functional perspective, I knew restoring the microbiome was critical to disease prevention and was essential to helping people not only feel better but to truly heal and live a life that is vibrant, healthy, and thriving. I still work in the ICU, but only a few times a month to keep up my skills. Now I help people actually heal their bodies from the inside out and experience health on a whole new level. It’s the most amazing privilege and honor!
On a personal note- I am happy to report that I no longer struggle with any of the aforementioned health issues, and we naturally conceived the most beautiful baby girl born in 2020. Restoring and rebalancing my microbiome changed my life.
One other thing I should mention that has significantly shaped me is the several years I served as a nurse at our local birth center. I love holistic health and I love to empower people (especially the women around me!), and I was able to carry out those things in my role there! I learned so much about the strength of a woman’s body during that time, and I learned so much from the midwives who helped usher in precious new life. I learned that when a women is empowered and supported, it is more than just her immediate family that benefits… the whole community is made stronger. My experience there sparked a flame in my heart to empower and support the women in my community. Truly, my heart is serve them.
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?
No, I would not say it’s been a smooth road. Although, every struggle and bump along the way has strengthen me and shaped me into the person and business owner that I am today! I got pregnant in March of 2020, about two weeks after the world shut down and I was pulling shifts in the COVID ICU. It was a terrifying time on many fronts for all of us. There was a lot of suffering in our world. I was extremely sick during my pregnancy, and it was a challenge to do any kind of work, let alone work 12 hour shifts in hospital. As an entrepreneur, your business relies on your consistency, and it relies on clients. Surviving the pandemic meant we had to adapt, transition to virtual education/meetings, and show up on social media. During a challenging pregnancy, this all felt very daunting to me and I found myself making my own health and wellness (and that of my growing baby) a priority. My business suffered for a bit, but we’re back and stronger than ever!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about One Holistic Mom?
I offer my clients the GI MAP test. The GI Microbial Assay Plus (or GI-MAP™) test is a DNA-based stool test that provides a detailed analysis of your gut microbiome. This test analyzes the levels of both good and bad bacteria, parasites, viruses, worms, fungi, as well as immune and digestive markers in your gut. This “map” allows me to tailor a program that will help restore balance to the biome of your gut improving your digestion, mood, immunity, and overall body function. Each client gets a customized protocol that is 90-120 days long, designed specifically to address the imbalances and pathogens found in their gut.
Each GI MAP client also get a 1 hour consultation with me to discuss their protocol in depth, address any questions or concerns, and discuss lifestyle and dietary recommendations. They also have access to me throughout their protocol for support and education. Most of my clients qualify for my free Home Detox Assessment, where I make recommendations on ways/products they can use to reduce their toxin exposure in their home. I make the process so easy for them!
I also partner with various healthcare professionals and show them how to incorporate the GI MAP test into their wellness practice. Once again, I make the process easy for them.
I love what I do. I am proud of the work that I do. It is an honor to walk alongside people who are eager and motivated to take ownership of their health. I have a lot to offer my clients, given my unique experiences as a nurse and my passion for holistic wellness. I love to empower people… what better way is there to empower somebody than to give them the tools and education necessary to live their healthiest, most vibrant life?!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
You can’t push a wet noodle. Go ahead and laugh, but I’m serious! People who aren’t ready or committed to taking ownership of their health can not be forced. I can not make them prioritize their health if they aren’t there yet. And it’s okay if they’re not there yet! I never give up on people, but I do not spend exorbitant amounts of time or energy on those who just simply aren’t ready. This really can be applied in so many areas in our lives: you can’t force people to do what they don’t want (or may not be ready) to do… in business, in relationships, etc.
Pricing:
- GI MAP consult: $475 (includes consult, protocol, and ongoing support). This initiates the GI MAP collection kit be mailed to you.
- GI MAP laboratory processing fee: $359 (billing to insurance is an option)
- Home Detox Assessment: $350 (free to qualifying GI MAP clients)
- 60-minute Wellness Lifestyle Consult: $250
Contact Info:
- Email: oneholisticmom@gmail.com
- Website: www.oneholisticmom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneholisticmom/
Image Credits:
Audria King
