1. Tell me a little about yourself?

My name is Kyira A. Harris. I am a New York native who loves to travel and mix and mingle with different people and cultures. I am a certified holistic health counselor as well as a licensed speech-language pathologist. I love to touch people’s lives in a positive way, especially the lives of children. I have always been drawn to children.

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2. How did you discover your passion?

I have always been interested in health. In 2003, I started seeing a naturopath due to a history of unresolved digestive problems. With the improvements I experienced in my own health, and seeing how really listening to someone’s problems could make a difference, I found my passion in health and nutrition.

3. What, in your opinion, is the first step to healthy living?

The first step to healthy living is being true to yourself and not apologizing for it. People don’t realize that health isn’t just about what you eat and how much you exercise. It’s also about how you feel about yourself and how much you love your life. Emotional health plays a major role in your overall health.

4. With all the diets and exercising options available today, what do you think is the most successful way to achieve and maintain good health?

It’s going to sound crazy, but remove the refined sugars out of your diet and major changes will be seen and felt. It’s extremely hard to do, but you’ll be thanking yourself every day once you’ve weaned yourself from the drug. As for exercise, it’s important to find something you love to do. One of the best forms of exercise, that most people can do, is power walk. Your heart will thank you.

5. What have been the biggest fear clients may have had and how did you help alleviate them?

As a holistic health counselor, I work with all areas of life, that affect overall health. One client feared leaving a job that she hated and where she received no health insurance. With my constant support and encouragement, I helped this woman alter an important part of her life by getting a new job in an environment that she enjoys. Now, she is surrounded by co-workers she likes and is receiving a higher salary and health benefits. Another client never stepped out of her box. She only did things with her family and church. I helped her realize that she deserves all that she wants in life, which for her included friends, family, fun, and healthy relationship with men. I challenged her to try new activities like yoga, participating in creative, silly, child-like activities like making collages, and going to fun adult events. She realized that there is more to life than what she had. Another client feared her health. It seemed to be declining as her medications were increasing. With lots of verbal encouragement, support, and counseling, I introduced her to healthier eating and exercise, which she desperately needed. Her doctor was impressed with her weight loss. She felt more energized , and looked healthier.

6. What is your favorite marketing tactic?

My favorite marketing tactic is having face-to-face meetings with potential business clients. I enjoy consulting in schools, teaching the students as well as the staff about healthy living. I always have my press kit with me to leave with a principal, parent coordinator, or teacher who may want my services in the near or distant future.

7. How do you relax, or spend your down time?

I like to read, travel, and spend time with friends and family. With the beginning of my new business, I can admit that down time is very precious and has to be scheduled in. I know the importance of balance, so I make me a priority in order to provide for others.

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