Today we’d like to introduce you to Cori Kozak.
Cori, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a school bus driver. Yep. I’d sit on the banana seat of my bicycle and ride up and down our street making stops at each house to pick up “the kids.” Later in life, I envisioned myself being a successful businesswoman working in a fancy, high rise office building. After one accounting class at the University of Georgia however, I realized my brain did not really think that way. I needed a plan B, or was this C or D? I knew my personal interests included nutrition, exercise, and people. So, I changed my major to Nutrition & Dietetics. Here, I found my place among all of the science, the food, the cooking, and helping people.
After receiving my BS in Nutrition, I attended Georgia State University for my MS in Nutrition and the internship required to sit for the Registration Exam. I had the privilege of working with the Women’s US Gymnastics Team and their Nutritionist while completing my Thesis.
As an RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist), I was able to work in healthcare settings that covered many lifecycles ranging from newborns to the elderly and various disease states. I loved working with clients individually to help them reach their health and wellness goals, as well as teaching group programs and cooking classes.
A year after starting a family, I made the decision to become a stay-at-home mom. Years later, I began experiencing some health issues of my own. I joined a health and wellness company after having great success with their products. Now, I have built a business for myself but not by myself. I have the privilege of helping others with their health, wealth, and wellness.
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?
It has not been a smooth road. But, I believe the bumps along the way are where we can find our greatest strength.
One of my biggest struggles was my mindset. I dreamed of having my own business, but I didn’t always have the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone and make it happen. I also worried too much about what other people thought. Isn’t it crazy how we can become our biggest obstacle? My advice to young women beginning their journey is to pour into personal development books and podcasts, put your blinders on, and go do that thing you’ve been dreaming of.
And… I did have one other big challenge. In September of 2016, I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. While it does run in my family, it still came as a huge shock. I don’t think anything can prepare you to hear the words, “You have cancer.” Fortunately, because of the business and relationships I built, I had a huge support system in place. I also had residual income coming in when I cannot imagine having to work a 9-5. Cancer treatment, surgeries and the lingering effects of it all are not fun. But honestly, there have been so many blessings through it all. Now, I am more determined than ever, to live a healthy, abundant life, and help as many people as I can do the same.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a Registered Dietitian, mom, and cancer survivor, I am on a mission to spread the importance of gut health, good nutrition and cancer awareness, and prevention. My passion is to help women find the health and happiness they deserve. So many of us put ourselves on the back burner and life is just too short for that. I help others embrace a healthy lifestyle with an emphasis on whole foods, exercise, and mindset. I love to incorporate virtual coaching, group challenges, and healthy recipes. I am proud of the community of women I have helped bring together. We hold each other accountable and encourage one another. My motto is: “We are better together.”
I am honored that I have been able to inspire so many others through sharing my own health journey. I turned my mess into my message. To me, health and wellness are not about dieting or a number on the scale. It’s about feeling your best and living your life on purpose.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mom and my grandma have been my biggest inspirations. My mom raised me to dream big and believe that anything is possible. She has worked hard and made so many sacrifices to ensure I felt loved, supported and received the education I had hoped for. My grandma was another huge inspiration to me. I was born on her 50th birthday and we’ve always had a special bond. She inspired me to live life with grit and grace. I admired her for the strength and independence she had even after becoming a widow and later being diagnosed with colon cancer. Even though my cancer diagnosis came after she had passed, I gained strength during my own battle knowing she kicked cancer’s booty and lived to 95!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.corikozak.com
- Phone: 770-241-6989
- Email: ckozak@me.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messyonpurpose/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corikozaknutrition/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cori_kozak
Image Credit:
Cori Kozak
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