Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexia Tuttle.
Hi Alexia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My name is Alexia Askitis Tuttle. I am in my early thirties and moved to Fort Worth in 2021 with my husband and dogs. We came from Connecticut for a variety of reasons: better weather, no state income tax, happier people, freedom, more to do, etc. What is in Connecticut, you ask? A lot of misery and being cooped up in your house, HAH! We had clients from the DFW area, and they all loved it here, so once we flew here and spent time there, we knew it was the place for us. But in reality, we are also business owners and don’t HAVE to be anywhere, so we spent time researching where we wanted to go, and DFW won in all aspects. We were surprised with how kind and open people were initially to us, with no hostility or judgment, just open arms and friendly conversations. We were drawn to this vibrant city not only for its attractions but also for its welcoming community, which embraced us with open arms and friendly conversations from the moment we arrived.
Background and Professional Journey:
My family is from a small village on a mountain, on an island in Greece. My mother was born here in Connecticut; however, her extended family is from the same place as my father’s. It’s a complicated chart of a family, but I am the only entrepreneur of the bunch who has a degree and makes a good living. I was always obsessed with not going down negative paths and getting out of a tough childhood in which I had to do a lot for myself. I always knew I wanted something more and that I needed to not be limited by a job with a ceiling. I am hesitant to explain specifics of what I have been through due to the complexity of my family relationships, but I can say my childhood “ended” at around 11 years old. I always felt like I got dealt the worst card ever, however growing up you realize that everyone has a story; it’s just about what actions you take to get through it that matters. I was absent more than 50 days per year in high school due to my situation (I got my credit back, don’t you worry), however I still got good grades! I had multiple jobs in high school, but often we were struggling, especially mentally and financially. Using your background not as a crutch but as a stepping stone is one you have to work on constantly…. I firmly believe that you are not a solely a product of your situation and you can create your own path.
How did you first become involved in your chosen profession, and what are your businesses?
I now own three businesses, being on the board of a nonprofit that helps veterans and is working on a couple of meet-ups for the DFW area, which includes veterans and various industries.
I became enthralled with all things fitness at around 18 years old. I didn’t grow up eating well or balanced, and I knew I would feel and look better if I knew more about nutrition, a key aspect of taking care of my well-being that I was missing out on at that time. I was so weak growing up and that “small girl” in my grade, so I became obsessed with getting stronger. This in turn made me mentally stronger due to the structure and discipline nutrition can give you. I thrived on the structure and discipline given I didn’t have that growing up, once I was on my own and found how great I felt getting stronger and leaner: I was hooked. I competed in bodybuilding competitions in my late teens/ early 20s and decided I was a better coach than a player, so I continued to help others with nutrition as I gained more education and experience in the field. My husband, being a Registered Dietitian, also helped push me to a higher level in a quicker timespan. I love helping others, and this was the best way for me to do so. This passion evolved into Tuttle Nutrition, a collaboration with my husband that has allowed us to impact lives globally through tailored nutrition and wellness strategies. Our commitment to integrity and excellence has been the cornerstone of our success. We help people around the world with nutrition medical therapy, weight loss clients, specialized nutrition clients, bodybuilding competitors, pageant contestants, and pre/postnatal nutrition for mothers. We are firm believers in that even when you don’t get a client to where they desire, you can still make sure you make it right and they know you tried your best.
I also have always felt that financial literacy is important and ended up having a high interest in that from a young age when I was struggling, as well as a want to “have more time to live” made me start Tuttle Equity which in time creates passive income for others and myself. I started Tuttle Equity, where I purchased multifamily properties with investors, completed our business plans, and created a better life for our residents. This is also something I am working with the city to improve on actual GOOD, honest owners who make this city better and better. The third business is Drink Mor, a water enhancer with minerals to help incentivize hydration, as we have seen this be a problem in mainstream general nutrition clients.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Challenges and Triumphs: There have been many times in which I question what I am doing, if I even know anything, if I am doing the right thing for my clients, etc… The truth is that the more we know and learn, the more we realize we don’t actually know. This is more of a humble realization that there is SO much out there, and we can learn and grow consistently in any field we are in. The times I suffer are when I can’t help a client through certain goals, and caring too much drains me. There have been moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, questioning my abilities and decisions. I have also run into a few “bad eggs” in the financial sector that have low integrity all around. This made me lose some money and time and increased headaches, but it helped me garner a great, trustworthy team in the end and some solid business lessons. I do believe all business ventures come with the expectation you will want to pull your hair out at times. Knowing that is key in terms of managing the stress that is inevitable to come. I also suffer from issues from my past coming through into adulthood: having to be over-productive for fear of falling down where I used to be, not feeling like I am ever doing enough, etc. These feelings are somewhat common for entrepreneur types, and I do believe that as long as the foundation is built correctly, this is easy to work with in time.
Who I was at 23 when I started working for myself to who I am at 33 is astronomically different. All the experiences I have been through in life and business have really helped me be a better listener, manager of my time, understand my own wants and needs out of life more, and a better wife and dog mom (to 6, yes, I said six dogs lol). The key aspect that has helped me is gaining a large amount of insight into myself. That is needed in order to improve in anything I do. My husband is allowed to call me out as well, which I feel has been key to my growth as I have a large amount of respect for him.
Reflection and Wisdom:
Throughout my journey, I’ve come to realize that success isn’t just about achieving personal goals; it’s about contributing to something greater than oneself. One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the importance of embracing humility and continuous learning. As I’ve navigated through the complexities of entrepreneurship and community involvement, I’ve often found myself humbled by the vastness of knowledge and experiences yet to be explored. This humility has not only fueled my thirst for knowledge but has also reminded me of the value of remaining open-minded and receptive to new ideas and perspectives. Moreover, my experiences have taught me the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. From navigating through business challenges to overcoming personal setbacks, I’ve learned that setbacks are not roadblocks but rather opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Each obstacle encountered has served as a stepping stone towards personal and professional development, reinforcing my belief in the importance of perseverance and resilience in achieving long-term success. I never would have expected to be where I am today, to be honest. I always felt like the outlier, and I would forever be held back by where I started. However, if I just kept going, I exceeded my expectations by not allowing myself to quit.
Another key insight I’ve gained is the transformative impact of community and collaboration. Through my involvement in various community initiatives and organizations, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of collective action in driving positive change and fostering a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through creating networking opportunities for local businesses or supporting grassroots initiatives aimed at empowering veterans, I’ve seen how coming together as a community can amplify our collective efforts and create a greater impact.
Why is it important for us to share our stories? Together, we can achieve more, learn from each other’s experiences, and build a community where collaboration and mutual support are the foundations of our collective success. What sets Fort Worth apart is not just the opportunities it offers but the spirit of its people—a spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and shared growth. Thanks for reading about my ongoing journey in Fort Worth, a city that has welcomed me with open arms and where I have found a place to call home.
What matters most to you? Why?
Integrity, high morals, transparency, positivity, and helping good people do great things.
Contact Info:
- Website: tuttlebrands.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexiatuttle1?igsh=YTRtaG4yMGoyMWMz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexia.askitis/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-tuttle
