We had the good fortune of connecting with Asha Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Both of my businesses felt like a calling when I started them. It was almost like my soul committed and my body and brain just had to follow through. There was a certainty, a knowing- and giving up just wasn’t an option.
I am happiest when I’m helping others. I think that’s a pretty natural state for me. So when the nucleus of the ideas for
Health in the Hood and Cured were formed, they felt extremely aligned.
I’ve also worked for lots of bosses throughout my career. Some of whom I wanted to emulate, and some who made me want to create the exact opposite environment! Working for other nonprofits and businesses throughout my lifetime (got my first job at 16 and haven’t stopped working since) motivated me to build the businesses that I wanted to see in the world. Authentic. Values based. In service to others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an entrepreneur and holistic health advocate with a mission to spread the ripple effect of wellness. As the founder and CEO of the non profit organization, Health in the Hood, I created a model that empowers individuals experiencing food insecurity, to take charge of their health through urban vegetable gardening, nutrition education, and support tailored to their unique environments.

My passion for holistic wellness led me to become a certified holistic health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
I went on to develop Cured- an innovative app designed to help users build healthy lifestyle habits with personalized wellness plans, centered around food, movement and longevity practices.

With a background in public health and years of experience in community outreach, I understand the importance of accessible health resources. I believe that true wellness encompasses not just physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social well-being My hope for my work is that it paves the way for a healthier, more connected world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d have to split our time between Miami and Palm Beach to get the full South Florida experience. We start by exploring the Miami staples: Design District, Wynwood, Coconut Grove, South Beach. Definitely a dinner at Casa Donna one night and dancing at Living Room at The Faena. Tours of my favorite workout studios and green juice bars would definitely be on the itinerary, and no Miami trip would be complete without a stop by the Health in the Hood urban Gardens. Then we’d hop on the Brightline to Palm Beach spend and few days with our toes in the sand while exploring West Palm Beach, Worth Ave., and Palm Beach Gardens- dinner at Le Bibloquet and Oceano are a must!
A perfect South Florida week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve got to shoutout my “kitchen table” – the women in my life with whom I can laugh, cry, be nuts, bounce ideas off of, mentor and be mentored. Female friendships are the secret to life, and I’d be lost without mine.

Website: https://www.ashawalkerwellness.com

Instagram: @ashawalkerwellness

Other: https://www.healthinthehood.org

Image Credits
Ivan Lanz

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