Kathy Anne Jones
Kathy Anne Jones is a bio-scientist, wellness coach, natural chef, and author of Be Younger Next Month, with more than 40 years of experience in the health and wellness field. A pioneer in the natural foods movement, she founded Seasons Best—one of Iowa’s first organic restaurants—and later owned and operated Alpine Natural Foods in Summit County, Colorado.
Her journey into health was deeply personal. After losing her mother to colon cancer at a young age and watching her father struggle with heart disease, Kathy became driven to understand the connection between food, lifestyle, and disease—long before it became a mainstream conversation. She began her career in microbiology within the medical field, building a strong scientific foundation that continues to shape her work today.
Guided by her passion for both science and food, Kathy transitioned from the laboratory into culinary health entrepreneurship. At Seasons Best, she spent nine years helping people experience firsthand how real, whole foods could transform their tastebuds and redefine what healthy eating truly feels like. Her work extended beyond the restaurant, including catering for notable clients such as the Joffrey Ballet, the Neville Brothers, and President Gerald Ford.
A love of the mountains eventually led her to the Colorado Rockies, where she purchased, renovated, and expanded Alpine Natural Foods, further deepening her commitment to making healthy living accessible and practical in everyday life.
For the past 12 years, Kathy has led her coaching practice, Joyful Approach to Health, built on the philosophy that wellness should be sustainable, practical, and joyful—not restrictive or overwhelming. She is the creator of The SPEAK Method™, a simple, structured approach designed to help individuals consistently align their daily habits with long-term health, vitality, and a more youthful way of living.
Her work is multifaceted, including in-home nutrition education, cooking classes, virtual sessions focused on mindset, food, and movement, and personalized one-on-one coaching. She specializes in helping clients uncover the deeper root causes of weight and health challenges, emphasizing a whole-person approach rather than focusing solely on calories or food intake.
Known for her ability to simplify healthy living, Kathy teaches practical, real-life strategies—from budget-friendly meal planning to efficient, nourishing cooking—that empower her clients to feel younger, stronger, and more in control of their health. In today’s evolving health landscape, she is also a trusted voice in natural, food-based approaches that support metabolic health and sustainable weight management.
• University of Iowa - BS
• Featured as Influential Woman for 2026
• Featured in LA Times as one of Top 10 Heartland Cuisine of the Midwest Restaurants
• Top Wedding Caterer of Summit County, Colorado
• Amigos de Animales
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to keeping things simple and sustainable. Over the years, I’ve seen that lasting change doesn’t come from extremes—it comes from small, consistent actions practiced daily. That philosophy became the foundation of what I now call The SPEAK Method™, a balanced approach to self-care, passion, nutrition, movement, and kindness.
Ultimately, I believe success—both in health and in life—comes from progress over perfection and learning to work with your body and mind, not against them.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep evolving. You’re never too old to change, grow, or take a new direction. My own path—from bio-scientist to entrepreneur to coach—has reinforced the importance of staying open, adaptable, and willing to pivot. Just as important is learning not to be too hard on yourself and taking things one step at a time.
Growth happens when you give yourself the space to evolve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is not to overthink it. Lead with your heart and focus on connection first. While knowledge is important, what people are truly looking for—especially today—is to feel seen, understood, and cared for. You don’t need to have all the answers or teach everything at once. Meet people where they are, build trust, and the rest will follow.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the health and wellness space right now is the overwhelming amount of information people are exposed to, which often leads to confusion, inconsistency, and burnout. Time management and balance play a role, but more importantly, people are struggling to know what actually works for them.
At the same time, this creates a powerful opportunity—to simplify the message. There is a growing need for practical, sustainable approaches that cut through the noise and help people integrate healthy habits into real life. The professionals who can provide clarity, connection, and consistency will have the greatest impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the value that matters most to me. Without it, trust cannot exist—and trust is the foundation of everything, both in work and in life. I also believe deeply in honesty and kindness. When you lead with integrity, communicate honestly, and treat others with genuine kindness, you create meaningful relationships and lasting impact.
Locations
FOUNDER OF JOYFUL APPROACH TO HEALTH
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Kathy Jones
Hendersonville, NC