Not just a lifestyle: Tanya Fraser builds career in nutrition
This article was originally published in Illuminessence e-magazine, July 29, 2013.
Many young professionals are just settling into their careers in their late 20s but at 33, Tanya Fraser has successfully changed careers three times.
“About three years ago, and I was bored. I had that feeling again, that my heart was wanting something new,” says Fraser, who worked as a professional actor for 10 years.
Fraser needed a new challenge, something different.
She had switched from being a web and graphic designer to a professional actor without missing a beat and despite having no acting training.
But fitness has always been a huge part of Fraser’s life. Growing up in Ireland, Fraser did competitive dancing, trained in downhill skiing and swam at regional competitions.
Fast-forward more than a decade and Fraser weaved nutrition into her career by starting a health consulting business.
Fraser established Total Balanced Health when she moved to Ancaster from Mississauga in 2012.
On becoming a nutritionist
Fraser is a holistic nutritionist and believes in a well-rounded approach to health.
“I have always been fascinated by the power of food and how we can use food to heal our bodies, to make our bodies stronger, more powerful, how it can feed our minds literally”, says Fraser
These days, Fraser has her hands full with her latest business venture Earth Bound Organic Food Market. It is the first organic food store in Ancaster. Earth Bound opened its doors July 20 selling organic and non-genetically modified foods.
From organic broccoli and sweet potato chips to organic toiletries, the store caters to health enthusiasts and those looking to get their feet wet in healthy living. The grand opening also featured samples from local gluten-free bakery Marci’s Bakery and the Green Smoothie Bar.
Getting out of a rut
While nutrition has been the guiding principle throughout her time as an athlete she did not think she would make it her career.
Fraser worked as a graphic and web designer for three years after graduating with a computer programming degree. She saw her job as a transition to the workforce from university.
But she soon realized that she needed a change.
“Although the money was great, my heart was yearning for something else,” she admits.
“I was very depressed, in fact I remember calling into work one day to tell them I wasn’t going in that day, a week went by before I went back in to work.”
After leaving her office job, Fraser immersed herself in theatre. She trained to be a professional actor and went on to perform in a range of Canadian theatre shows. Her repertoire included sketch comedy shows and improv for Toronto-based Bad Dog theatre company. Fraser also acted in independent Canadian television shows.
While theatre was “where her heart was,” Fraser says she felt the need to do something different and wanted a more fulfilling career.
“I was just at a point where I felt that I needed something else. I was going into a transition in my life. I was coming into my 30s. Where am I, where do I want to go, what do I do with myself,” she says, after a decade into acting.
From there, Fraser followed her instincts and turned back to what she was most knowledgeable and passionate about: health, nutrition and fitness. She went back to school to become a nutritionist and personal trainer.
“My knowledge in nutrition has really grown. I heard of issues that I’ve never heard of from my clients. I also grow as a person. I see myself as an entrepreneur now…It’s very rewarding to know I’ve been a part of bettering someone’s life” she states,
Fraser’s passion lies in helping her clients achieve their health goals.
Savouring success
As Fraser finally settles into her new career, she is starting to explore other personal interests and passions.
“I’m always one for trying new things, recently I’ve just taken up pottery, it’s great fun but so much harder than it looks!”
Frazer also loves photography, hiking and getting out in nature, trying new places to eat or experimenting in the kitchen at home. Fraser takes a deliberate approach to maintaining work/life balance, by making a to-do list everyday, with set times beside each task. Fraser also abides by a no-work policy on Sundays, so she can reconnect with friends and family.
“My most favourite thing to do to unwind is to travel, explore new places, people and of course trying new foods”, she ends.
For all things local, organic and non-GMO, visit Earth Bound Organic Food Market at 370 Wilson Street East, Ancaster, ON L9G 4S4