BY DEBBIE NAZARIAN, LEMONADE DAY NATIONAL DIRECTOR

As part of Lemonade Day’s ongoing series highlighting entrepreneurs and their journeys, this week I want to introduce you to Megan Roosevelt – Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Founder of HealthyGroceryGirl.com and spokesperson for Limoneira’s Citrus For Life and One World of Citrus Campaign. Limoneira is one of Lemonade Day’s national sponsors and biggest cheerleaders.

Megan’s entrepreneurial experiences most likely began in the womb as she comes from a family of entrepreneurs and she loves being creative. She told me she had a vision for the life and career she wanted, and she knew that being her own boss was the only way to get there.  Megan’s vision is exactly the kind of spark we see in Lemonade Day kids as they embark on their own entrepreneurial journey. It is through the support of companies like Limoneira that Lemonade Day can keep the spark alive for youth entrepreneurs.

Fun fact about Megan. She is related to Theodore Roosevelt as well as Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Megan is Theodore Roosevelt’s niece, 4 generations removed. Another nice tie-in to our blog in February on America’s leaders.

Below is my conversation with Megan. I know you will enjoy it. 

When did you start Healthy Grocery Girl and what motivated you?

Megan: I started Healthy Grocery Girl after I passed my Registered Dietitian exam. I was applying for traditional Registered Dietitian jobs, yet none of the positions I was applying for felt like me or where I wanted to spend 40 hours a week of my time. 

I’ve also had my own health struggles and know how overwhelming and difficult it is to be on a journey to wellness. I wanted to help others restore their health and their relationship with food, as I have done. 

As a successful entrepreneur, what one piece of business advice would you give to your younger self?

Megan: I have more than one :) 

Don’t wait until things are perfect or you have everything figured out to get started. Just get started! The best way to learn what you want, what you don’t want, what works, what doesn’t work is through experience.  

Business is all about relationships and if you’re selling something, people want to buy from those they like and trust. Be genuine, real and yourself! 

Underpromise and overdeliver. If you’re a “people pleaser” it’s easier to say yes to everything and make too many promises that may ultimately cause burn out or not be sustainable. Be realistic and honest about what you can do and provide and then if you can, go above and beyond! 

Not everyone is going to like you, believe in you, or understand your dreams. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and to like yourself! You need to be your own biggest cheerleader. You can achieve anything you want if you are willing to work hard for it. Hard work, consistent work, and never giving up are the real keys to success. 

Why do you think Lemonade Day entrepreneurs are positioned to succeed?

Megan: Hands-on experience is one of life's greatest teachers! Success really comes from showing up, doing the work and being consistent. Running a business teaches you leadership, organization, communication, team building and how to trust yourself. These are life and business skills that Lemonade Day entrepreneurs are learning from a young age, and it will serve them well and take them far! 

What has been your greatest accomplishment as an entrepreneur?

Megan: My greatest accomplishment has been creating a business that has hired other people, one of those people being my husband! My husband was able to quit his traditional job and join our company full-time.

Why is the Limoneira "Citrus for Life" campaign so important for our nation's health? 

Megan: The year of 2020 has reminded us just how important our health is! Numerous research studies show that plant-based foods are crucial for reducing the risk of disease, reducing inflammation, improving digestion and helping to achieve a healthy weight. Citrus fruits are one of the most versatile produce items not only for recipes but also green cleaning and natural beauty. Citrus fruits and their peels are nutrient dense and a staple for a healthy lifestyle. Lemons and oranges are a part of my everyday life and I hope to inspire others to enjoy more citrus through the ‘Citrus for Life” content we create and share. 

Megan has many great citrus-themed recipes on her website. Take a look and try some. I’ve included Megan’s full biography at the end of this blog.

Megan shares a lifelong passion for youth entrepreneurship that we know so many successful entrepreneurs have. I want to thank Megan for sharing her journey, wisdom and advice with our precious future leaders of tomorrow.

Please feel free to share this blog with others and share my contact information, debbie@lemonadeday.org with anyone who would like to know how to help us provide our program to more budding business owners who want to participate in Lemonade Day!

Thank you for reading. I welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.  For more information about Lemonade Day, please visit www.lemonadeday.org.

Full Biography: Megan Roosevelt is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, recipe video host, producer and founder of Healthy Grocery Girl®. 

Her realistic, fun & genuine approach to healthy living has cultivated a loyal online following & community at HealthyGroceryGirl.com, YouTube.com/HealthyGroceryGirl and @HealthyGroceryGirl on Instagram. 

Megan’s passion is sharing simple, healthy recipes and natural living tips that the whole family can enjoy. 

She is an internationally published author and nutrition expert for television and magazines. She also works with health-focused brands for content creation, recipe development and photography, videography as well as media services. 

As a fan of all things citrus, Megan is the spokesperson for Limoneira’s One World of Citrus and Citrus for Life Campaign.

 Megan lives in sunny Los Angeles, California with her husband & business partner, Aaron Roosevelt and their two children.