We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Olweya recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

One of the defining moments in my career came when I hosted my very first Self Care Funday.

At that point, I was already working as a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, helping women through one-on-one coaching and online programs. I loved helping people make healthier choices, but there was a gap I couldn’t ignore: so many of the women I worked with felt alone in their journeys. They didn’t just need information or a workout plan; they needed connection, encouragement, and a safe space to show up as themselves.

I decided to create an event where women could come together in person, not to weigh in or measure progress, but to just enjoy themselves while learning something that would help them feel better. That’s how the Self Care Funday was born.

I honestly didn’t know if anyone would show up. But they did. Women who had never met before sat together, laughed, shared stories, and supported each other. There was this moment, as I looked around the room, where I thought, This is it. This is what’s been missing.

That event changed the way I saw my role. I realized I wasn’t just a coach, I could be a connector. I could create spaces that built community, sparked joy, and made healthy living feel like something you get to do, not something you have to do.

The lesson I took away is that wellness isn’t just about nutrition and exercise. It’s about connection and belonging. Sometimes the most powerful progress comes when you simply get people in the same room, make them feel seen, and remind them they’re not alone. That realization shaped my entire business model, and it’s why I now host monthly events that blend fun, learning, and community. It’s the heart of everything I do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, but more than that, I’m a community-builder for women who want to feel confident, strong, and at home in their own skin.

My journey into this work started from a very personal place. I’m a mom of three (soon to be four!) and I’ve lived through the ups and downs of postpartum recovery, busy family schedules, and the mental load that comes with trying to take care of everyone while also trying to take care of myself. I know exactly how overwhelming it can feel to juggle fitness, nutrition, and family life, and that’s why I approach coaching with empathy, flexibility, and zero judgment.

In my business, I work with women both one-on-one and in group settings, offering personalized nutrition and fitness plans that fit real life: choosy kids, packed calendars, and all. I also run an online community called Fit Thick Fam, where we host challenges, share recipes, swap tips, and celebrate wins together. Beyond online coaching, I host monthly in-person wellness events in the Phoenix area, like DIY protein treat parties, self-care days, and fitness socials. These events are designed to make wellness fun and accessible, while giving women the chance to connect with others who ‘get it.’

I also recommend and educate on high-quality supplements that help fill nutrition gaps, boost energy, and support results. Many of my clients come to me frustrated because they’ve tried diets that felt impossible to stick with, workout plans that didn’t fit their lives, or health advice that didn’t consider the realities of being a busy mom. My approach solves that problem by creating plans that are not only doable but enjoyable.

What sets me apart is the way I integrate coaching, community, and connection. I’m not just handing over a plan, I’m walking with my clients through the process, helping them navigate challenges, and creating spaces where they feel supported and inspired.

What I’m most proud of is seeing my clients transform, not just physically, but in how they show up for themselves. Watching a mom go from feeling exhausted and discouraged to feeling confident and energized is the reason I do this work.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about my brand, it’s that wellness doesn’t have to be a punishment or an all-or-nothing grind. It can be joyful, sustainable, and deeply connected to your life and values. My mission is to help women build generational health and habits that last, and to have some fun along the way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the biggest tests of my resilience came after my last pregnancy.

I had my third baby in October 2023, and while I was overjoyed to welcome a new little one, I was also facing the reality of being in a body that didn’t feel like mine anymore. I was exhausted, juggling a newborn, two other kids, and a business, and my own health had taken a backseat.

I remember looking in the mirror one day and feeling frustrated, not just about the physical changes, but about the mental fog and lack of energy. It would have been easy to stay in that space and tell myself, I’ll get to me later. But I knew that “later” never really comes unless you create it.

So I started with the smallest, most realistic steps possible: short walks, simple nutrition swaps, and flexible workout plans I could do at home with the baby nearby. I gave myself permission to progress slowly and to focus on consistency over perfection.

It wasn’t an overnight transformation, it took months of showing up on days I didn’t feel like it, leaning on my community, and reminding myself why I started. But little by little, my energy came back, my strength returned, and my confidence grew.

That experience didn’t just help me personally, it completely reshaped the way I coach. It taught me that resilience isn’t about charging ahead at full speed; it’s about continuing to move forward, even when life feels heavy. Now, I help other women do the same, proving that you can reclaim your health and confidence without sacrificing the life and people you love.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that health and wellness have to be all-or-nothing.

Early in my career (and honestly, in my own life too) I believed that if you weren’t following a strict diet or a rigid workout plan, you were failing. I would see my clients try to stick to extreme plans, and I realized it often left them feeling guilty, discouraged, or burnt out rather than empowered. I also struggled with this mindset postpartum. After having my babies, I would push myself to ‘do it all perfectly,’ only to get exhausted, frustrated, and disappointed in myself when life inevitably got in the way.

The turning point came when I started experimenting with flexible, realistic approaches for myself. I began focusing on small, consistent actions that fit into my life instead of punishing myself for what I couldn’t do. I realized that sustainable change doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from showing up repeatedly, even imperfectly.

Unlearning the all-or-nothing mentality completely changed the way I coach. Now, I help women embrace balance, enjoy their food, prioritize movement in a way that feels doable, and celebrate progress over perfection. The biggest lesson I’ve learned, and that I now share with my clients, is that flexibility and consistency will always beat intensity and rigidity when it comes to long-term results.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fitthickwellness.com
• Instagram: @fit_thick_mama
• Facebook: Rachel Olweya