Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Wegner.
Hi Laura, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began as a professional chef in Midtown Memphis, where I discovered a deep passion for creating food that brought joy and comfort to others. Cooking was my way of caring for people, and seeing the happiness it brought was incredibly rewarding.
This perspective shifted profoundly when my grandmother, who was a cornerstone of my life, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I poured myself into researching and preparing nourishing meals, hoping to support her health in any way I could. Unfortunately, her illness progressed rapidly, and after her passing, I returned to her home to find the refrigerator full of untouched meals—she had been too sick to eat. That moment was a turning point, inspiring me to find a way to care for people on a deeper, more impactful level.
I enrolled in nursing school that same year, which led to a career in surgical nursing and later, leadership roles in healthcare. While I found surgery incredibly fulfilling, I couldn’t ignore a recurring theme: many of my patients were undergoing procedures that stemmed from preventable conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. These experiences illuminated the profound need for a shift in focus—from treatment to prevention.
This realization prompted me to reevaluate my own health. I adopted a plant-based lifestyle, incorporated strength training, and immersed myself in understanding how proactive choices could lead to long-term wellness. The more I learned, the more I became convinced that vibrant health and a high-quality life are attainable—not through pharmaceuticals or invasive interventions, but through intentional lifestyle changes.
Today, I’ve merged my culinary expertise, healthcare background, and passion for wellness into my role as the owner of RawGirls. This plant-based business is more than a food service; it’s a platform for promoting preventive health and inspiring others to take control of their well-being. At RawGirls, we create nutrient-dense, delicious meals and fresh cold pressed juices that empower individuals to prioritize their health and thrive.
As an entrepreneur, I am dedicated to building a business that reflects my mission: to help people reconnect with their bodies, make informed choices, and embrace a lifestyle that fosters longevity and vitality. It’s an honor to combine my personal journey, professional experience, and entrepreneurial vision to make a meaningful impact in the community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has been a valuable learning experience. Transitioning from a professional chef to a healthcare provider and then to an entrepreneur required significant personal growth, resilience, and adaptability.
As I shifted my focus to entrepreneurship, I faced new challenges, such as learning the intricacies of running a business while staying true to my mission. Acquiring RawGirls was a major step that came with navigating legal agreements, financial planning, and operational changes—all while maintaining the integrity of the brand and ensuring our offerings reflected my vision for wellness.
Another challenge has been educating people about the benefits of plant-based nutrition and prevention-focused lifestyles in a society that often prioritizes convenience over health. It takes time to change perspectives, but seeing our customers embrace healthier habits makes it all worthwhile.
Through it all, I’ve learned that success is about persistence, embracing change, and staying grounded in your purpose. The road may not have been smooth, but every bump has shaped me into the leader and entrepreneur I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
RawGirls is a plant-based food and beverage business dedicated to promoting wellness and preventive health. We specialize in creating nutrient-dense, delicious meals, cold-pressed juices, and snacks that empower individuals to take control of their health through better nutrition. Our offerings are crafted with high-quality, whole-food ingredients and designed to make a healthy lifestyle convenient and accessible.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to the principles of wellness and sustainability. At RawGirls, we don’t just serve food; we provide a lifestyle that aligns with the values of health-conscious individuals. Our menu is 100% plant-based, free from artificial additives, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, seed oil-free, and thoughtfully designed to nourish the body and mind. Whether it’s our signature juices, cleanses, or grab-and-go options, every product is created with care and intention.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our mission-driven focus. RawGirls is more than a business—it’s a movement to help people reconnect with their bodies and health in a way that prioritizes longevity and quality of life. We aim to be a trusted partner for our customers on their journey toward wellness, offering not only food but also education and inspiration.
I want your readers to know that RawGirls is here to support them, whether they’re taking their first steps toward a healthier lifestyle or looking for convenient, nourishing options to complement their wellness journey. We believe health should be delicious, accessible, and empowering—and we’re proud to make that vision a reality for our community.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I believe the most important quality contributing to my success is resilience. The journey of transitioning from chef to nurse, and ultimately to entrepreneur, has been filled with challenges, from navigating career shifts to overcoming the hurdles of running a mission-driven business. Resilience has allowed me to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Resilience also enables me to stay focused on my mission, even when faced with setbacks. It takes a strong commitment to push forward when educating others about preventive health or promoting plant-based living in a culture often rooted in convenience and traditional norms.
In addition to resilience, I value authenticity. Staying true to my values and mission has helped me connect with my customers and build a brand that reflects what I genuinely believe in. This authenticity fosters trust and strengthens the relationships that are essential to both personal and professional success.
Ultimately, it’s the combination of resilience and authenticity that has guided me through challenges and allowed me to pursue my passion for helping others live healthier, more vibrant lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raw-girls.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawgirls_usa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rawgirlsmemphis/
