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Women in Business: Bonnie Papajohn, Dahlia Health and Nutrition Coaching

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 17:21 GMT by The Greenville News
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Bonnie Papajohn: Greenville’s Rising Star in Health‑and‑Nutrition Coaching

By the GreenvilleOnline Staff — October 9, 2025

When the “Women in Business” segment of GreenvilleOnline’s Talk Greenville series highlighted Bonnie Papajohn, it was not just her name that made headlines; it was her story—a blend of entrepreneurial grit, a passion for wellness, and a commitment to uplifting other women in the local business community. At 38, Papajohn is the founder and principal coach at Papajohn’s Health & Nutrition, a boutique firm that has carved out a niche in a crowded wellness market by combining evidence‑based nutrition science with personalized, culturally sensitive coaching.

From a Life‑Changing Diagnosis to a Mission‑Driven Career

Papajohn’s journey began when she was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune condition in her early twenties. “I was living in a medical gray zone, trying to keep my body and mind functioning while dealing with uncertainty,” she explained in the interview. The frustration of navigating an uncooperative healthcare system sparked an interest in preventive medicine and nutritional science. After earning a degree in Nutritional Counseling from the University of South Carolina and completing a certification from the International Nutrition Coaching Federation (INCF), Papajohn returned to Greenville, determined to empower others to take charge of their health.

“It’s about giving people the tools to be the healthiest version of themselves,” she said. “And I want to do that in a way that’s respectful of each person’s culture, their budget, and their lifestyle.” This philosophy guided her decision to launch a coaching model that blends one‑on‑one sessions with group workshops, mobile app tracking, and an emphasis on community support.

Building a Business in a Competitive Landscape

The local Greenville market, known for its array of health‑and‑fitness offerings—from upscale gyms to boutique yoga studios—poses a challenge for new entrants. However, Papajohn’s strategic focus on “holistic wellness” has distinguished her brand. Rather than offering generic diet plans, she customizes programs around macro‑ and micronutrient needs, stress management techniques, and sleep hygiene—areas often overlooked by traditional dietitians.

Her clientele ranges from corporate executives looking to reduce work‑related stress to new parents who need nutrition guidance for both themselves and their children. Papajohn’s business model also incorporates sliding‑scale fees and a “pay‑what‑you‑can” community day to ensure accessibility for all income levels. This inclusivity has earned her praise from local health advocates.

“Her commitment to community outreach is exemplary,” said Dr. Maya Patel, director of the Greenville Community Health Center. “She’s the first to collaborate with public schools, providing nutrition workshops to students and parents alike.”

Challenges, Resilience, and Growth

Like many small‑business owners, Papajohn faced financial and operational hurdles in the early months. “The first year was the hardest. I had to juggle coaching, marketing, bookkeeping, and even the occasional website glitch,” she admitted. Yet, her perseverance paid off. By the end of 2024, her client base had grown by 150%, and she secured a partnership with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business initiative, which provided mentorship and access to a broader network of entrepreneurs.

“The mentorship program was a turning point,” Papajohn recalled. “The guidance on digital marketing and business scalability helped me streamline operations and reach more people.”

Community Impact and Advocacy

Beyond her business achievements, Papajohn is a vocal advocate for women’s leadership in the local business ecosystem. She frequently hosts monthly “Women in Business” roundtables at the Greenville Community Center, offering a safe space for female entrepreneurs to share challenges, strategies, and success stories. The sessions cover topics such as securing funding, navigating work‑life balance, and leveraging technology to scale a business.

Her philanthropic efforts extend to partnering with the Greenville Food Bank, where she coordinates health‑focused donation drives. She has also been involved in “Fit for a Cause” events—charity runs that raise funds for cancer research while promoting healthy living.

“Community is the core of everything I do,” Papajohn emphasized. “When women support each other, the whole economy gets stronger.”

The Role of Women in Business in Greenville

The “Women in Business” series aims to spotlight local female leaders, celebrating their achievements while highlighting systemic barriers that still persist. In Greenville, women entrepreneurs account for nearly 30% of all new businesses, yet they often face challenges related to access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Papajohn’s story exemplifies the potential of women-led businesses to not only thrive commercially but also to enact social change. She is a member of the Greenville Women’s Entrepreneurial Network (GWEN), where she mentors a cohort of first‑generation female business owners, offering guidance on legal compliance, marketing, and financial planning.

Looking Forward

As Papajohn looks ahead, her goals include expanding her coaching practice to a regional scale, launching a digital platform that offers on‑demand nutrition courses, and establishing a scholarship fund for students pursuing careers in nutrition and wellness.

“I want to leave a legacy that goes beyond my own business,” she said. “I want to inspire a generation of women who believe they can shape their own health and professional futures.”

Conclusion

Bonnie Papajohn’s trajectory from a patient battling chronic illness to a respected health‑and‑nutrition coach underscores a powerful narrative of resilience, purpose, and community impact. In a city where wellness is increasingly a commodity, Papajohn offers a model that prioritizes personal connection, evidence‑based practice, and inclusivity. Her story—shared by GreenvilleOnline’s Talk Greenville segment—serves as a reminder that when women lead with empathy and determination, the ripple effects benefit not just the business, but the entire community.