Jessica Van Antoine helps entrepreneurs beat burnout and reclaim energy with Phoenix Functional Health

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

As an entrepreneur, I spent too long surviving on caffeine, sacrificing self-care, and snapping at my team when stress was high. I hit rock bottom when panic attacks made it impossible to lead. Then I discovered Functional Diagnostic Nutrition. By testing, not guessing, I uncovered the root causes: cortisol dysregulation, hormone imbalances, gut inflammation, and mineral deficiencies. With targeted supplements, data-driven meal plans, and a consistent detox protocol, I regained my energy, patience, and joy.

Now I love helping other founders and entrepreneurs do the same with functional health coaching. I work one-on-one with clients to build personalized health plans that fit into their busy lives and coach them into implementing small, sustainable changes so they can maintain progress on their own. After all, WE are our business' greatest asset. If we're not functioning at 100%, how can we expect to give 100% to our companies?

Who are your customers?

Female entrepreneurs struggling with brain fog, fatigue, anxiety and sleep problems or who are just feeling burnt out.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I've been in the health and wellness industry for 16 years in a variety of roles. I've been a self-employed massage therapist, Shiatsu practitioner, and an instructor of yoga, qigong, meditation, as well as massage and Shiatsu. I also owned a wellness retreat company for 7 years. This transition into health coaching has provided me with the best platform to utilize all the knowledge and skills I've gained in this industry over the past decade and a half. 

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I've always been an entrepreneur at heart. I like to joke that I have more business ideas than I can possibly bring to fruition!

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes and no. It was something I sort of grew into. My first real career was massage therapy, and I always had my own private practice. But for many years, I always had another job just so I could have a more stable and reliable source of income. Those other jobs were always with small businesses - maybe 2-4 people. I fell in love with the development aspect of business - the ideation, the creation, the systems-building. I loved every single one of those businesses and am grateful for the leadership roles into which I was put (whether I was ready or not).

But I always found myself pushing bigger and grander ideas than the owners themselves were willing to take on. I knew I needed to start my own business someday so that I could put all of my energy and passion into growing something beyond my wildest imagination!!

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I first launched Phoenix Functional Health, my marketing strategy consisted of spreading the word to my existing network through social media. I thought I would be inundated with new clients! And I did have a strong start - $17K in the first six weeks! But after that, things dried up SUPER FAST. So I started marketing HARD on social media. I didn't make any sales for five months. So no - it didn't really go as planned.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

I haven't been able to boost a post on Instagram. And trust me, I've spent HOURS in chats and support tickets with them trying to find a solution. They've assured me that everything is good to go on their end, but it still hasn't worked. This has been incredibly challenging for me because I've seen my peers' accounts blowing up with new followers, new leads, and their sales soaring - all because of a boosted post. 

But I've also seen colleagues struggle with their boosted posts because, while their audience has grown, it hasn't necessarily grown with people that fit their avatar, qualified leads, or people that can afford their services. So I've switched my mindset to building deeper, rather than broader, connections with people - really engaging with my current followers and playing the long game. And I've pivoted: really leaning into collaborations and my inner circle a bit more - offering workshops to their teams to get exposure and grow my audience that way. It feels more authentic to me anyway. I'm all about quality over quantity.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I've been featured in Inc. Magazine as a "leader in the health and wellness industry."

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

The launch of my business!

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

I plan to add group coaching programs so that I can help more people and have offerings at a lower price point. I also have a vision for a self-guided course. I plan to hire a team so that I can stay focused in my zone of genius - teaching and coaching. I'd like to create a series of webinars, masterclasses, and challenges.

And longer-term, I'd love to facilitate a summit with 10-20 other experts, as well as host a podcast. I have a Philosophy degree, so one of my strengths is deep conversation, and I just love the dynamism and chemistry that comes in conversation with others.

What is your top productivity tip?

Meditation is an amazing way to clear your mind of the mental clutter. And on the other side of a practice, the most important things float to the top. So it's a great way to prioritize tasks for the day!

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

Haha, great question! This is my area of expertise, after all. I listen to my body. I hit it hard when I have the energy and feel motivated. And on days when I don't, I slow down - I do more of the rote stuff that doesn't require a lot of creativity or brain power. I have systems, spreadsheets, and trackers in place to keep me organized, so I don't have to think about what I need to be doing. It's already on my calendar. 

That being said, I also allow room for flexibility, and if I'm fired up about one particular project more so than what's on my calendar, I move things around. I have a consistent bedtime and wake time, which helps regulate my circadian rhythm, leading to both better sleep at night and more alertness during the day. I don't abuse caffeine. I eat whole, nutritious foods. I exercise 4-5 days/week for 30 minutes. I meditate 4-5 days/week. I get up and move my body every hour. 

...you know, all the things we're SUPPOSED to do to keep ourselves healthy and well. But the biggest game changer for me is functional lab tests. They tell me what's out of balance in my body chemistry, so I can use targeted supplementation to get it back in line. That helps me sleep better, wake up motivated, have more energy, and the mental clarity to tackle my days.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

I mean, as an entrepreneur, I'm always kind of thinking about my business in the back of my mind, you know? I do try to keep strict work hours, but I'll start half an hour early or go half an hour late if I'm feeling particularly motivated. And same for putting in an hour or two on weekends. And if I'm having epiphanies outside of my work hours, I'll put them in a Note on my phone to revisit later. When the motivation and the ideas are flowing, you gotta go with them! Cause I've found that I can't just say "Oh, I'll remember that later." It never works. I never remember. And when the inspiration sparks, it doesn't really feel like work anyway.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

How truly supportive this community would be.

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

Omg, so many. But Notes is probably my biggest crutch. It's where I write down ideas when I'm not working, so I can easily access them when I get back in the office.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

Zoom! It's made it so easy to work from anywhere and still feel connected. Don't get me wrong, it's absolutely not a substitute for in-person meetings and events, but it's way better than just a phone call!

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

If you have an idea that's lighting you up, keeping you up at night, that you can't stop thinking about - do it! Pursue it! You'll never know unless you try. Even if the business doesn't fly, you'll learn a ton along the way, and so either way, it's a win in my book. And if it DOES fly, then win-win!!

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