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Meet Osha Cerese of The Orchid Life & Damn Near Vegan in Atlanta Metro Area

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Osha Cerese.

Osha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The ORCHID Life, formerly known as Lovely Footprints, was started in 2012. I’ve always loved working with youth and wanted to create an opportunity for myself outside of being in the medical field. My aunt, Shunda Milhouse created The April Lynn Jamerson Foundation in honor of my cousin whose life was taken in Birmingham, AL. She has multiple events including an annual fashion show. I was inspired when my aunt shared that the little girls she was working with developed self-esteem when they learned how to runaway walk. I decided to create a camp with curriculum utilizing fashion, modeling and design as the platform to build confidence and character in our youth.

My camp started as a four week program and has since grown into an eight week camp. It’s for boys and girls, ages 4 and up. All of our activities are based on our ORCHID principles, (Originality, Respect, Confidence, Honesty, Integrity and Determination).

We just initiated our self-love workshop for young ladies ages 8 and up which incorporates much of the curriculum of the camp but has more focus on self-love, self-esteem, self-awareness and self-respect. This is a workshop we are hoping to take to different cities.

The ORCHID Life is now working on a fall camp curriculum and plans to be available for birthdays and parties for youth. We are available for pop up workshops and our guided journal is also available on our website. We also have a brand based off of our first principle called “Cool Weirdos”. Weirdo is an acronym for, “While Everyone is Replicating…Demonstrate Originality.” We have t-shirts, hoodies and more.

Damn Near Vegan is a platform I created because I decided to become alkaline vegan in 2016. After six weeks of the strict diet, I decided to be less restrictive and follow a standard vegan diet. I did this for five months before intuitively adding seafood back into my regimen. In addition to changing my eating habits, I’ve been on a journey to change my mindset as well as getting more in tune spiritually.

The platform I created is to bring people along with me on my own journey of holistic wellness and provide them with nonjudgmental guidance with their own journey. Damn Near Vegan is on YouTube. Facebook and Instagram showcasing recipes, tips, reviews, merch and personal updates.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been challenges with The ORCHID Life. From learning how to successfully run the program, having consistent support to juggling it with a full-time job. I am so grateful for all of the struggles because they have all been wonderful lessons on how to handle it better. I decided to step out on faith and leave my career as a pediatric nurse in February to pursue my dreams full time. It hasn’t been easy but I feel like I’m in alignment with exactly where I need to be on my personal and professional path.

Please tell us about The Orchid Life & Damn Near Vegan.
The ORCHID Life is a self-esteem building, youth enrichment service. We train runway models but we create role models. We touch on peer pressure, bullying and individuality. There is so much that the participants get out of our programs. They get to engage in creativity, expression and goal setting. I’m so proud that the youth and the parents recognize the growth and increased confidence once they’ve completed the program. It is so rewarding to witness and be apart of developing.

Damn Near Vegan is different from many other platforms because it is nonjudgmental based! It is difficult to find support in this community without being ridiculed for your choices that may differ from others. I’ve provided recipes and meal prep for people who are surprised at how flavorful vegan food can be and helped them lose weight. I have an ebook which details my journey with being an alkaline vegan to how I eat now and provides people with great tips on how to be successful with the journey.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I’m not sure that I have one particular childhood memory but my favorite times always involve family. My family is very important to me. I’m close with both sides of the family and I am grateful for those relationships.

Pricing:

  • Summer Camp $299
  • Self Love Workshop $149
  • Meal Prep Starting at $50

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Nishettas Photography

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