Entrepreneur Jamie Graber on Launching a Cafe after Health Coach Training
2015 graduate Jamie Graber began her journey at Integrative Nutrition with the intention to gain more confidence in speaking about nutrition.
Less than a year later, she has achieved this and so much more! As the owner of Gingersnap’s Organic, an amazing (we can vouch for it!) healthy café in New York City, Jamie confidently inspires her customers and clients to pursue their own health journeys.
In addition, she recently published Juice It, Blend It, Live It, her new book which contains over 50 recipes to energize, detox and nourish your mind and body. Jamie shared more with us below about her experience at IIN and what she loves about her work, and is also taking over our Instagram today! Follow along for her morning rituals, recipes and a look at her daily life.
What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?
My love for health and wellbeing manifested itself in the form of the café that I own, Gingersnap’s Organic in New York City's West Village, where I work every day and serve organic, vegan, gluten-free, raw cuisine. It makes me so happy that I get to help other people on their health journey, and I love that I’ve been able to create this space that fosters positivity and wellness.
What led you to explore the Health Coach Training Program?
I wanted to feel more confident speaking with my clients at the café. People from all walks of life and different nutrition ask me questions at the café, and I wanted to truly have confidence in my ability to answer them.
How did your life change after enrolling?
I gained the confidence I was looking for! I set goals and achieved them. We create our own circumstances and every choice we make produces a consequence. I aim to take some time each morning to mindfully set an intention for the day ahead – for me, that means at Gingersnaps we light incense at our altar every morning, which is an important way of making my surroundings a positive place and starting my day right!
Which topics and modules were most beneficial for you?
I loved so many of them! One of my favorite experiences was seeing Vani Hari, the “Food Babe” at a live conference. Learning form Dr. Mark Hyman was also great, as well as the modules that went into detail about sugar and its surrounding issues.
What are you doing now?
I am about to release my first book, Juice It, Blend It, Live It! Anyone who has ever been to Gingersnap’s Organic knows that I am obsessed with juices. My favorite things to juice are greens and ginger, and I can’t imagine a day without a juice! My new book includes some of my favorite recipes for nut milks, smoothies, juices, and soups, as well as information about how to “DIY” your own cleanse.
I also take on coaching clients through the café. I specialize in cleansing, how to readapt to life after a cleanse, and helping people to make lasting changes.
What makes you and your practice or product unique?
I really focus on how to make your habits last even after you're done with a cleanse. My café is unique because we really focus on the cleanest and most pure ingredients, while maintaining incredible flavor. I believe mental health is just as important as choosing the right foods and that we all have to nourish our bodies and our hearts, which is part of the whole mindset that Gingersnap’s Organic represents! I like to meditate, which is a great way to get grounded so I know that I can take on anything the day brings me.
How do you help your clients be successful?
I give the ability to realize perfection is not what we are striving for. We want lasting results, and so you need to give yourself freedom so that the changes are sustainable. You will sometimes eat things that are not ideal, and that’s okay. Just in moderation and with no guilt - I often think it is the guilt that is the most harmful!
Another thing I'm happy to be able to say is that I've worked hard to create a community at the café. Every week, a group comes together to discuss lessons from the book A Course In Miracles, which has had a massive impact on my life, while munching on our food.
What do you love about your work?
I love serving people and seeing them make lasting changes. Knowing that someone smiles more, and loves their body more than before they met me is incredibly rewarding.
Connect with Jamie: