Follow Your Heart: Jackie Keller on Building a Passion-Driven Business
In the latest episode of Badass Women in Business, we had the privilege of sitting down with Jackie Keller, the Founding Director of NutriFit LLC. With 37 years of entrepreneurial experience and a steadfast commitment to health and well-being, Jackie’s journey is a masterclass in blending passion, purpose, and persistence into a business model that thrives.
From navigating personal loss to becoming a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Jackie’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to helping others live healthier lives. She’s a powerhouse entrepreneur whose heart fuels everything she does—and her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to create a business that truly matters.
Turning Loss Into Purpose
Jackie’s story begins with a life-altering event—losing her father to a heart attack when she was a teenager. This loss ignited her lifelong mission to help others avoid the same fate. “I have a personal commitment to help people circumvent heart disease and other chronic ailments,” Jackie shared. “It drives almost everything I do. It is my passion.”
This passion led Jackie to found NutriFit in 1987, combining her background in nutrition and culinary arts to create a company focused on helping people lead longer, healthier lives.
Evolving to Meet Client Needs
One of Jackie’s standout qualities as a business owner is her adaptability. She has consistently evolved NutriFit’s offerings over the years, responding to what her clients truly need. Starting as a nutrition and fitness coach, Jackie expanded into culinary education, personal catering, and wellness coaching.
“I’m a yes person,” Jackie admitted with a laugh. “If someone asks if I can do something, I say yes and then figure out how to make it happen.” This approach has kept her business vibrant and allowed her to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry.
A Customer-Centric Philosophy
At NutriFit, Jackie has built a reputation for exceptional customer care. She believes in making every client feel seen, valued, and supported. Whether through a personal email, a phone call, or a thoughtful conversation, Jackie’s approach is rooted in authentic connection.
“I want clients to feel like there’s someone on the other end who truly listens and understands,” she explained. “Every client matters, and every interaction earns or loses trust.”
Passion as a Guiding Force
Jackie’s advice to entrepreneurs is simple but profound: follow your heart. “There are a million ways to survive in this world,” she said, “but there aren’t so many ways to be truly happy. The time is going to pass anyway, so you might as well be doing something that makes you happy while you’re doing it.”
For Jackie, staying passionate means constantly innovating. Whether it’s launching new products, developing a sidewalk vending operation, or expanding her wine distribution, Jackie’s enthusiasm for what’s next keeps her motivated and her business growing.
Legacy and Looking Ahead
Now in what she calls the “legacy phase” of her career, Jackie is focused on leaving a lasting mark. She dreams of NutriFit growing beyond her leadership, creating a sustainable business that continues to help people live healthier lives for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
Jackie Keller’s journey is a powerful reminder that following your heart can lead to incredible success. Her story is a testament to the importance of adaptability, customer care, and passion in building a business that lasts.
Listen to the full episode to hear more of Jackie’s wisdom and learn how to create a purpose-driven business that aligns with your values and fuels your happiness.
Contact Information
Website: NutriFit LLC
LinkedIn: Jackie Keller
Instagram: @coachjackiekeller
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on Badass Women in Business!
