Back in the day being vegan was a taboo. It was one of those things that seemed way too hard and way too expensive. Many of us made the mistake of ignoring the impact of eating less animal products thinking that it would be way too hard. But like many, Kyna Willis in Atlanta, GA, found herself suffering from fibroids. Inspired to make the transition to a plant-based diet, Kyna later started a web-series to share her journey. With her web-series, The Turnip, Kyna is introducing well respected African American restaurant owners who are adding a little flava to the vegan and plant-based lifestyle. As a publicist, Kyna saw that she could not only give exposure to these owners, but also educate Black & Caribbean women on how a plant-based diet eliminated most of her fibroids. Kyna said NO to suffering in silence and said yes to the green life. We dub Kyna the queen of plant-based, TURN-UP!
What inspired you to start your business and why?: “The Turnip”, a new, exciting yet insightful web series that focuses on plant-based living and features some of the most well respected African Americans restaurant owners in the plant-based & vegan community. I wanted to show that plant based living is all inclusive and not exclusive to a certain group and dispel the myth of plant based living is just tofu and salads.
I was inspired to create The Turnip as an African American woman advocate for plant-based living and women's health. I was introduced to plant-based living as a result of suffering from fibroids for more than a decade. I suffered in silence for years, in and out of hospitals due to severe anemia and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), all caused by these fibroids in my uterus. However, I knew surgery wasn't for me. After learning that more than 70 % of African American and Caribbean women will suffer from fibroids by the age of 50, I knew that a full plant-based diet would be the ONLY answer to my problem. With the help of Gessie Thompson, Dr. Amsu and Dr. Amun from the HOPE Beyond Fibroid Program, I transitioned into a full plant-based/fruitarian diet in May of 2016. Since then, I have been able to eliminate most of my fibroids and have become a mentor and coach to other African American women seeking to transition to plant-based living due to fibroids or just a better quality of life.
With the creation of "The Turnip," this allows me another medium, a much broader way to spread the word of plant-based eating and educate other women who are suffering in silence from fibroids.
What does your company stand for?: The Turnip stands for plant-based living with soul.
How do you create the life you want?: I create the life I want by being honest with myself. I understand my limitations. I understand what I can and can't do, and I am fine with that. I am not afraid to say no and I am no longer afraid of failing. I actually understand the power of saying no. I now can take personal time for myself instead of allowing work to lead my life. It gives me a newfound confidence. It gives me a sense of peace and freedom.
Where do you find inspiration?: I find inspiration in seeing the transformation in others. I love receiving emails and text messages from other women sharing in their victories of going plant-based or incorporating plant-based meals into their diets. That makes it all worthwhile.
How has your business made you a better person?: I know that "The Turnip" has made me a better person by making me more vulnerable in sharing my story. By sharing this journey with others, I have been able to help other women heal. It has also made me a more honest person by sharing my truth no matter how hurtful it is for me to face.
What makes you HUMAN?: My ability to be vulnerable, my honesty, and my willingness to not be perfect. I don't like to make mistakes and I try to prevent them, but if I do make a mistake, I am willing to dust myself off and keep trying. I don't beat myself up with making mistakes anymore. That what makes me HUMAN!
Website: https://youtu.be/1eXGW6XdQ10
Social Media Handles: FB , IG: @turnipcrew & @kynalee
Email: kyna@kynalee.com