Hidden Gems: Meet Kimberly Rainey of Team Curvy and Healthy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Rainey.

Hi Kimberly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I became a fitness and wellness advocate because I watched the health decline of my Father. He had diabetes and I saw how it was slowly killing him. I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and it pushed me to become healthier. What I found difficult during my journey to become healthier, is that I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in the health and wellness realm. I am a plus size black woman. I couldn’t find any resources that seemed like they would understand me, The fitness gurus seemed glossed over and they were pushing products for weight loss. I adamantly only wanted an all natural weight loss journey. Also, everything other than product pushing seemed so secretive. Nobody wanted to share what their fitness and meal routines were. I couldn’t find meals to prep that didn’t have a million ingredients I’ve never heard of, or a fitness routine that could actually be sustainable to my lifestyle. I felt alone in my journey and therefore it pushed me to create a community of women where we empowered each other.. I created the community that I needed when I first lost weight. 90lbs down naturally and I have sustained for a decade. Not only that but I have reached tens of thousands around the world just by being open and honest about the behind the scenes of real and natural weight loss journeys.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has definitely not been without criticism. When you are a plus size person in the health and fitness world, you are looked at as if you don’t know what you are talking about and that you have no place in that sector. Like how dare you try to coach others on how to lose weight, when you yourself are not small. I have cellulite, loose skin, and huge thighs. My body is not a “normal” fitness type. However, the fitness coach that questions my body may have been fit all of their lives, or maybe have lost 30 pounds to get to their level of physique. Whereas, I lost almost 100 pounds naturally along with dealing with body dysmorphia and a longer period of caloric deficit to be able to be where I am physically. It doesn’t take away from their journey that they are fit by being able to lose 30 pounds. However, it certainly does speak to my right to be a health and fitness coach and advocate because of my 90 pound natural weight loss.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Team Curvy and Healthy community was created to empower and encourage women of all shapes and sizes to lead healthier lifestyles through an environment of support, love and accountability while embracing our bodies. You should know that it is built on the principles of a natural and sustainable weight loss ethic. We promote the foundations of health and wellness via natural principles. I am most proud of the community that we have built across the world. The information that Team Curvy and Healthy provides has assisted women across the world to become healthier while also loving themselves through that process. I am known for being a person that people can ask questions about anything related to health and wellness and will give an honest and direct answer without pushing a product on them. I am very proud that people take my advice and recommendations to heart because of my character. When social media is full of highlight reels, my community knows that they can come to me to see honesty, integrity and even some failures. Because people are lying if they say they have had no setbacks, As far as services and products; although, I was a part of an award winning meal prep business my heart is in education and empowerment. I offer a meal prep ebook of recipes that can get anyone started towards a healthier lifestyle. Every person can’t afford hundreds of dollars for someone to prepare meals for them, but I can give you a guide on how to start. And to be honest, you can search my website and social media for so much free content that can set you well along your way. Overall, I want to be known as a light. I want to be a light that brings hope and inspiration to the world even through dark times, Light up the dark.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I like that our city is an amazing food city. Memphis has some of the best cuisine in the world and we can become spoiled by that when we travel. I dare not eat any BBQ or wings outside of Memphis. I like our crime the least. I wish there was a Batman to come help us like in Gotham, but alas that’s DC Universe and not reality. I pray that those committing crimes see the humanity in themselves so that they can respect the humanity in others. If you value yourself and your life, I believe that it is harder to harm and devalue others.

Pricing:

• $7 Ebook on my website

Contact Info:

• Email: Teamcurvyandhealthy@gmail.com
• Website: www.teamcurvyandhealthy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_kimmykim/

Image Credits
Reddeye Shots