Today we’d like to introduce you to Vedra Strong.
Vedra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
February 2, 2017, I started a healthy meal-prep business out of my garage. I had absolutely no experience when it came to the culinary world, barely knew how to cut an onion properly.
What I did have was a deep experience with fitness. I went from being overweight and unhappy to completely transforming my body. I learned what to eat and how much to eat in order to change your physique after competing in 3 NPC bodybuilding shows and working as a personal trainer for three years.
I felt an intense passion to merge my knowledge in fitness with the culinary world, but this wasn’t the easiest task.
We have woken up early and gone to bed the next morning, cooked out of homes, rented kitchens where we could not store any of our products or equipment, and have loaded and unloaded vehicles with more than 200 meals at a time to make this dream come true.
I had no idea how to run a meal-prep business, but I did know how to push through the sleepless nights, how to stay positive through every trial & error, & how to trust that God would bring me all that I needed to make this company grow—including my parents, siblings, the amazing employees that work for Glow Meals, & our deeply appreciated clients—without them this company would be nothing.
One year later, on October 9, 2018, we finally purchased our very own kitchen and plan on opening to the public very soon. Anything is possible if you have faith and never-give-up, no matter how crazy the dream.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey, but the journey has been beautiful and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
When I started Glow Meals, I had $1,000 to my name. I had no help from the bank, nor did I have any help from investors. I started with what I had to work with and found a way to make it work until I had more.
I didn’t know where to buy food at a better price, nor did I have any idea of how to buy in bulk. I felt lost and frustrated most of the time, not to mention I was also consumed with making sure the food was prepared and executed as best as possible.
It was a lot to handle, but it wasn’t impossible to handle.
God doesn’t bring anything the way that isn’t meant to either teach you a lesson or to make you stronger, but it’s your job to put in the work and to have faith.
You have to earn your best life.
The best advice I can give to those starting a new business is to have patience, put in the hours, and understand how important it is to stay positive, even when everything around you is complete chaos.
Take it all one day at a time. Don’t worry about what can happen tomorrow. Live in the present moment and ask yourself how you can make today the best day, and then do just that.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a personal trainer and owner of a healthy meal-prep business named Glow meals.
I specialize in weight-lifting (specifically in teaching technique and form to beginner weight-lifters) and in nutrition, with a passion for gluten-free, non-processed foods and how they can transform your body.
I am most proud of my Personal Training clients and my Glow Meals clients. I work with some amazing ladies on a daily basis and I am so grateful for them. Our time in the gym is all smiles, progress, and connection. They have all changed in some way, and nothing makes me more proud than to be able to impact others in a positive way.
The clients that purchase Glow Meals are truly incredible. We’re a start out company and every single one of them has been patient, understanding, and so kind. We have grown because of them, and it blows my mind with gratitude when I think back at their grace and love for our company.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mother, who taught me that whatever I do in life to make sure I always do my best. Growing up I saw my mother work, raise kids, cook and clean the house consistently for all of us to live our best life. The job always got done, it didn’t matter if she was tired or didn’t want to.
My mom always found a way to make it happen, and everything she did was a masterpiece.
I don’t think she realizes this, but her perseverance stuck with me over the years and built me to be who I am today. I admire her so much for teaching me how to not only do what I have to do but to do my very best.
My sisters and tias, a pack of women who are so fierce. The women in my family are not the only kind and giving, but are themselves. I admire all of them for their uniqueness, and for teaching me to always be myself and go after what matters to me.
My two best friends, Isuet and Isle, who have taught me loyalty. I admire them both for different reasons, but the one thing I admire about both of them is their ability to be there for those they love. They have made me a better woman and make me want to always continue to be better.
Rosnay, one of my chefs and friends, who two years ago was a complete stranger to me, has impacted my life greatly. I have never met someone like her. She has two children, works two jobs, and pulls strength straight from the love she has for her kids, and in a way reminds me of my own mother. I admire her for teaching me how to be firm when it comes to my dreams, to not take no for an answer, and how to work tirelessly for what I want.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @glowmeals, @vedrastrong
- Address: Our new location for Glow Meals opening soon!
1915 west 60th street Hialeah, Florida - Phone: 305-876- 5525
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