We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Mareno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is showing up authentically. First and foremost, I am my brand. Clients choose to see me for support in healing from disordered eating and eating disorders because of my holistic and therapeutic approach as a registered nurse. Showing up authentically means that I clearly communicate my mission of helping people feel better about food and their bodies. Potential clients and referral sources see me show up authentically in person, on my website, and on my Instagram account.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own and operate Nurture Consulting, LLC, a private practice in Atlanta, GA. As a Registered Nurse and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, I help people heal from chronic dieting, disordered eating, and eating disorders. I counsel my clients through the process of intuitive eating which helps them to listen to their inner wisdom and body cues to determine what, when, and how much to eat. There are very few registered nurses in private practice that treat eating disorders, so that instantly sets me apart. I use a whole-person, therapeutic approach that combines my knowledge of medical and mental health issues with nutritional counseling, behavioral change, and wellness. I offer virtual/in-office counseling sessions, one-to-one tailored meal support (eating with clients), meal planning, and grocery shopping support. My ideal clients are adults who struggle with chronic dieting or binge eating disorder while managing health issues like polycystic ovarian syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. My journey to a successful business has not been easy! There was a huge learning curve, both in learning how to operate a business, and in gaining the knowledge needed to treat eating disorders. I’ve completed lots of continuing education, attended numerous networking & marketing seminars, taken a business e-course, and I’m currently working with a clinical supervisor/mentor. I’m always learning!! One of the most important factors in my growth has been developing and cultivating relationships with other medical and mental health care providers in the community. These connections have led to friendships and to creative partnerships that have produced much-needed community support groups and educational offerings. Cultivating genuine relationships has absolutely helped me grow my business!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend in town for the week here’s what I would plan for us (during non-pandemic times!!!): Eat: We would eat at some of my favorite restaurants in the city- JCT Kitchen, Bone Garden Cantina, Canoe, and brunch at Local Three. The Ponce City Market’s food hall and Alon’s Bakery are great for a casual meal! Drink: For coffee, I love Brash Coffee at the Atlanta History Center and would definitely have us visit the AHC after we had our coffee. For cocktails and people watching, the bar at the St. Regis in Buckhead. For wine, I’d go to Chops or stay & relax at my house with a great bottle from one of my wine club shipments. Visit: I’d take my friend for a long walk on the Beltline, play a round of golf at Bobby Jones Golf Course, take a trip to the Buford Farmer’s Market, and walk along the Chattahoochee River. If there was a soccer or football game at Mercedes Benz stadium and/or a baseball game at SunTrust Park, I’d take my friend to one or both! For a fun day trip, I’d head south of the city to Serenbe, a wellness community and working farm connected to nature. It’s a wonderful place to hike, meditate, be in the presence of animals, and grab a delicious meal. Other places to check-out: The Junkman’s Daughter (an eclectic shop in Little Five Points), Piedmont Park, and maybe catch a concert at the Fox Theatre or at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are two main groups of people that deserve credit and recognition in the story of my success. The first group is my family. Their unconditional love, encouragement, and support keeps me centered and inspired. The second group of people is the team of professionals that treated me when I was recovering from anorexia. My psychiatrist, therapist, and dietitian saved my life. This amazing group of people encouraged me to start my own business and have continued to mentor me as I grow my practice. I’m endlessly grateful to both my family and treatment team; they all deserve a shoutout!

Website: www.nurtureconsultingllc.com
Instagram: @intuitiveeatingnurse