Meet Rukiyyah: Vegan Health Coach

Coach Rukiyyah is changing the ways we view and approach vegan food and healthy eating which is exactly how she sees it- just that- healthy eating. Read to find out how she chose this path and how she is impacting women to create a better world!

1. Tell us about who you are and your journey to where you are now!

I started my career as a middle school educator. I loved education because of the impact I made on my students, but throughout my time as a teacher and leader, my health started slipping. I found myself putting work first and very quickly gained weight by eating whatever, drinking wine entirely too much and not moving my body. I knew I wouldn't be able to sustain that way and began to take my health seriously. I eventually transitioned to plant-based and made eating well a priority. This became a passion of mine and I decided to pursue it as a career. I got certified in health coaching and plant-based nutrition and began doing meal prep. Now I work solely as a health coach, specifically focused on helping others transition to a healthy plant-based lifestyle.

2. What is the mission of your brand? How does it empower women?

My mission is to inspire and empower black women to transition to a plant based lifestyle. My brand empowers women by showing how our health is in our hands and that our power lies in embracing it.

3. How do you collaborate with women working towards a better world?

My brand was built on support from women. In starting my meal prep business, I was cooking from my mom's kitchen and she was my sous chef. My first customers were my close friends who subsequently told everyone about the work I was doing. I have partnered with Boom Shock Fitness, Rejuv Spa, YogaBeaRhythm and many other women owned brands that focus all on health and wellness of women.

4. What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to press through as a female entrepreneur and what are the steps you’ve taken to overcome it?

Self-doubt has honestly been my biggest challenge! At every step I've wondered if I'm good enough, if I'm capable enough and if I'll fail. Being surrounded by a support system that believes in my mission helps me to get out of my way. I also have to remind myself daily that anything I believe in is possible!

5. What advice would you give to a female entrepreneur in the beginning stages of launching her brand or business?

I would encourage any female entrepreneur to use her voice! We live in a world where there are many opportunities to share our stories and if there's a dream that we have, we must pursue it! It can be easy to get down or to feel that things are hard, but it is perseverance that will build us up to achieve what we set out to do.

6. What sets your brand apart from others?

My brand isn't focused on the label of veganism, it is focused on finding a healthy balance. I encourage women to embrace the food they eat and to feel comfortable exploring the world of fruits and veggies without labels. It is more about the personal journey to health and my ability to support it than anything else.