Today we’d like to introduce you to Zakiya Evans.
Hi Zakiya, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’m Zakiya Evans! I’m a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Technical Recruiter.
I’m a proud graduate of Tuskegee University where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Information Systems in 2020 and Louisiana State University- Shreveport where I earned my Master’s in Business Administration. In my corporate career, I work as a Technical Recruiter.
I am the founder of Best Life Inside Out LLC and I offer holistic health coaching services and sell resistance bands and fitness journals.
In 2019, my business started off as a campaign for a class Queen position at Tuskegee. I was going through my own healthy lifestyle journey, and I remember learning so much about nutrition and fitness that I was not taught growing up. And I remember thinking that I have to share this with my community.
Additionally, I have an ongoing battle with anxiety, stress eating, and don’t want others to feel alone while they battle the same things. So, I use the knowledge and experience that I’ve gained over the years to coach and inspire others through their journeys.
I get so much fulfillment by just being able to help people improve their lifestyles through physical, mental, and spiritual health along with improving their self-image. It’s important for us to view ourselves the way God views us. And that is with grace, love, and understanding throughout every stage of our life journey which even includes the good, bad, and ugly.
I got here because I followed the call from God to help people live their best lives in any way I can. I also got to where I am today by always reinventing myself and my business and remaining authentic throughout the process. No matter what I’m going through, I try my best to trust God in every stage because I know He has great plans for me.
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?
The biggest challenge for me is applying what I coach to myself consistently and giving myself grace and practicing what I preach even when times get hard and really being comfortable displaying that I struggle too.
Being in a position where I help people, I choose to do so by showing my own scars and struggles, and sometimes that can be a lot personally.
I have to pay special attention to my mental health because I do battle with anxiety and stress eating (the exact same thing I’m coaching for). And so, my goal is for my clients and supporters to see me in my authentic state like “hey I’m just like you even though I’m coaching you through it.” Instead of like this perfect person that has it all together because that’s far from true. I’m just always reinventing myself and refuse to give up on a dream.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I help women learn how to live healthy lifestyles by prioritizing their mental, physical, and spiritual health. I’m a Certified Integrate Nutrition Health Coach and offer 1 on 1 Health Coaching services for women looking to make long-term healthy lifestyle changes. I also sell challenges, fitness journals, and resistance bands which help encourage people to stay active and incorporate nutritious food and quality movement into their everyday lives.
My authenticity and the fact that I have been through exactly what my clients are going through is what sets me apart the most. I am proud to say that I’ve helped over 200 women so far in my business and can’t wait to help many more. I value my clients so much and am honored that they trust me enough to help them navigate life’s struggles as we develop a plan that helps them incorporate healthier lifestyle choices in a practical way. I view the coaching-client relationship as more of a partnership because I tailor each person’s program to them specifically and also empower them while holding them accountable on the journey to reaching their goals.
I emphasize the importance of falling in love with the journey rather than the destination and this outlook sets me apart from others in the fitness industry. Health and fitness should be enjoyed, not endured. My health coaching services are unique in that it is not just limited to diets and workouts, but also includes 12 pillars of health and takes a more holistic approach to what health looks like.
What do you think about happiness?
– Rest
– Going to church
– Spending time with my friends
– Exploring new cultures
– Playing with my dogs
– Self-care activities
– Going on nature walks
– Eating good vegan food
– Each of these things makes me happy because it helps me to stay grounded and live in the moment and appreciate all the blessings I have in my life. The moments where it feels like time doesn’t exist and I’m really in the moment feel like a break from reality and that makes me appreciate the fact that I’m able to rest like that. It means that my mental health is in a better place. It’s a reminder that life is not always pouring into others. Oftentimes I have to pour into myself too. After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Contact Info:
- Website: bestlifeinsideout.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakiya.linae/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zorange28
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakiyaevans
Image Credits
Derek
