11 Questions for Los Gatos Lifestyle, Health & Wellness Owner Laura Saunders

Lifestyle, Health and Wellness is a Los Gatos-based home business run by Los Gatos resident Laura Saunders. Her services include health and wellness, lifestyle, teen and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder coaching. She also offers nutritional counseling, teen-food coaching, educational seminars, cooking workshops and grocery store tours. The business' hours of operation are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Details: 408-656-8953, or laura@laurasaunders.com.

Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Laura Saunders: Teacher

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Saunders: I am interested in what makes kids tick. What motivates them.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

Saunders: When I got married 17 years ago my husband Jeff asked me, "When we have kids, will you be a stay-at-home mom or do you want to continue too work?" Without hesitation … my response was a working mom. After having my second child, I wanted to be home with the kids. I promised my husband that by the time the kids go to college I will have a second career in place. Not having any idea what I would do and time was ticking at 40 I wrote in my journal that by 50 I would have my dream situation and business up and running. On March 12, I received my certification for a holistic health and wellness practitioner/coach and turned 50 on March 18.

Patch: What is a wellness coach?

Saunders: A health coach is a wellness guide, educator and supportive mentor. I support my clients to effectively transform their concerns in areas such as chronic illness, weight management, food cravings, sleep and energy. My clients  develop a deeper understanding of the foods and lifestyle choices that work best for them, and implement lasting changes that will improve their energy, food choices and their health. I promote health, wellness and hope for a better life. Working with this principle of bio-individuality, I will use a personalized, holistic approach that is based on their needs.

Patch: What inspired you?

Saunders: I was certified in Nero Linguistic Programming almost three years ago. NLP is a personal development system based on an understanding of how the mind works—how people use thoughts, feelings, words and actions—and using this understanding to enhance their potential. Life’s everyday challenges can often produce stress, anxiety or anger if we are unable to find the right strategies to deal with them, so this is where NLP can come in handy. Helping others is what inspires me. My happiness comes from my family and my commitment to grow and contribute to those who are needing a holistic approach to change

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Town of Los Gatos?

Saunders: So far it's been a rewarding challenge. Everyday I get up ready to start my day with the most enthusiasm I have had in a long time. But if I were to pick one thing, it would be the juggling of my time and staying on task.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?

Saunders: It seems that everyone is healthy in Los Gatos. We moved here from LA seven years ago and I believe this town's energy has brought me where I am today. I love the people and have made many lifetime friends. 

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Saunders: I always want my clients to come with a desired outcome from each of their sessions. If not, we don't stop a session until that desired outcome has been met.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Saunders: Me, of course!

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Saunders: Nick's Next Door. Nick is truly one of the best cooks in town. There was no question when asked where to have my birthday luncheon that I would picked Nick's Next Door. Nick is such a wonderful person as well. Always wish him well.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Saunders: That I love what I'm doing now in my life and I have never felt more rewarded. Growth and contribution are the key to happiness and my new business provides this for me.