Meet Trailblazer Elizabeth Wiley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Wiley.

Elizabeth, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My passion for holistic health initially started because I grew up overweight, eating unhealthy, being inactive, and using food as an emotional coping mechanism. I wasn’t aware of those things on a large scale in my life until I got deeper into my adulthood and realized I had the power to change them. As I began my own journey to eating healthier, giving up animal products, using natural remedies, being active, exercising portion control, honoring God with my body, and losing weight, I began to share it with others because I saw such a positive difference within myself that I simply wanted other people to experience the same and be educated on how they could in the simplest of ways. People began asking me how had I changed and how could they also and I realized that my life was changing by doing small things at a time. I noticed that many people felt overwhelmed by big statements like, “eat healthier and consume fewer animal products.” So, I changed it to, “add spinach to your smoothie and use almond milk instead of cows milk.” Those were two very small, specific, and intentional steps that people responded well to, “oh wow, okay, yeah, I can do that!” That’s how Healthy Nuggets was born because I realized that I myself was getting healthier one nugget (piece of information) at a time and I was helping others do the same. My first food product and the one I’m most “known” for is Better Way Alfredo. This was born out of my frustration for finding a really good vegan alfredo sauce in stores. I decided to fix the problem myself by trying various recipes online. One day, magic happened with one that was just right, so I started making it for my friends and they loved it so much (even my meat and dairy loving friends!) that I eventually decided to sell it at a tiny event and it sold out! Ever since then, we have sold out every single time at various events in Atlanta.

Has it been a smooth road?
Haha! Of course, not. The beauty is that is apart of the journey. If everything in life was easy, we would never develop into a better person or business owner. I have laughed at a lot of things that went wrong so that I didn’t allow it to ruin my day, but sometimes, I have had to cry, pray or talk my frustrations out. One time, I was getting ready for The Village Market ATL which usually has thousands of people in attendance and as I was preparing food in the kitchen, almost an entire pan of our sauce spilled not only on the floor but INSIDE PART OF THE OVEN! All I could do was scream in shock and then laugh! I knew I had to stay focused and that I could not allow that to ruin my mood, attitude or perspective as I try to do all my food in absolute love. I literally out loud said, “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay.” Just like you would to a kid when they fall down and hurt themselves, ha! I cleaned it up and made a new batch of sauce and kept it moving.

If you are just starting your journey, here are a few key things that make the world of difference or me every day:
1) Believe in yourself.
2) Pray.
3) Say what you’re thankful for.
4) Say affirmations over yourself and your business out-loud.
5) Do everything with love.
6) Treat everyone kindly even if they are not so kind to you.
7) Try to do everything in decency, order, and excellence even if it’s not 100% perfect just try your best.
8) Last but not least, do not be afraid to TRY and go for it! Have faith over the fears. You might just go for it and realize your dreams literally become your reality.

We’d love to hear more about Healthy Nuggets.
Healthy Nuggets educates and provides people with healthier alternatives to all different aspects of life by way of our food products (such as our Better Way Alfredo, various sauces, stir fry and more), public speaking, videos, social media posts, and more. We want our planet, our people, and our animals to thrive together by making conscious decisions that empower all of those at once. We believe that by bringing awareness and education to better, healthier options we can help people make better choices and ultimately, live a better life!

Inside of my business Healthy Nuggets, I offer services including one on one “Healthy Help” talks for those that just have a few questions, need advice, or someone who can relate to them. I am a rising private, plant-based chef so whether you need someone to cook for your staff meeting, event, or just a home cooked meal – I can help. I have a line of food products called, Better Way which includes hot dishes and to go sauces. We are most known for our Better Way Alfredo which is a plant-based, vegan, gluten free, soy free, sugar-free and mostly organic sauce, and pasta dish. I am currently a “chef in training” and am learning from some of the most amazing plant based chefs in Atlanta. I am slowly starting to offer private cooking services. I was hired to cook for a staff meeting recently and it was absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to do another one. I also have a YouTube channel which included my Healthy Nuggets Talk Show wherein our last episode, we discussed Mental Health with Silence the Shame. I also do review videos for events and various products in Atlanta. Outside of Healthy Nuggets, I also teach water fitness locally.

We are set apart from others because we do everything and treat everyone with love. For me, it’s not just about food or money, but creating an amazing, positive, love and light-filled experience with each person we come into contact with. I want them to feel a little bit better and loved when they leave us or try our food. We can successfully say that this reigns true with the majority of people we serve.

I’m most proud that I have not given up, but am continuing to rise, grow, and become better. My dreams literally are becoming reality right before my eyes and I am so thankful.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have had so many amazing people help me, omg! It truly is true that nothing great is built alone. Someone has helped us at some point. I have an amazing group of friends and fellow business owners/chefs that have given me so much of their time and resources to help me get to where I am today. I thank them so much. The Village Market ATL is a great way to network and/or get mentors for your area of business. Being a part of the Village has made a huge difference in my personal development and business development. The Village is where I met a lot of the chef and business mentors that I have now.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.healthynuggets.com
• Email: yourhealthynuggets@gmail.com
• Instagram: healthy_nuggets
• Facebook: yourhealthynuggets
• Twitter: healthy_nuggets

Image Credit:
Elizabeth Wiley

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