Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jasmen Richmond . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jasmen , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I created R.I.C.H Health LLC from experiencing a death in my family. My family member experienced health complications due to being morbidly obesed. After her passing I wanted to find some type of way to educate individuals in my community, on healthier lifestyle practices. That’s where R.I.C.H Health would come into play. (Rejuvenating Inner City Health). Before the pandemic we would provide free Health seminars for the Binghamton community at the Binghamton development center. We spoke about ways to prevent and maintain health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression. We also hosted free cooking classes so we could show individuals how they could still indulge in healthier practices while still staying within their budget. We were on a roll until the pandemic came. Afterwards we could no longer host our seminars or cooking classes at the center. I eventually switched into the cooking lane. I started off by selling all natural fruit smoothies and fruit arrangements. It eventually led me to selling Vegan food.

Jasmen , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a veteran and prior to the military I did not believe I had a passion for cooking. I actually taught myself how to cook meals while in the military due to minimal appetizing and appeasing food hall options. After transitioning from military lifestyle and starting R.I.C.H Health LLC, I realized my new passion was to create tasty vegan meals. I offer catering for any type of event, and meal preps. I also participate in community events, festivals, Health fairs etc,. If there is any type of event in the city, I try to be there. I’m currently working on trying to virtually provide free cooking demonstrations and Health seminars. I am enrolled at the University of Memphis in hopes of becoming a dietitian. After I am certified I will be able to legally give advise on healthier food practices, and create meal plans for individuals struggling with health issues. I believe my passion to want to genuinely help individuals is what sets me apart from many people. God has blessed me with so many things, and I just want to be a vessel to members in my community. I want them to have access to healthier food, I want to teach them how to shop for whole foods, I want people to understand how high and low blood pressure works. I want to teach people about what it means to be Diabetic. There are people that take medications for diabetes, and can’t tell you how the medication is supposed to benefit them. I want to help people understand that their bodies and food should have a good relationship so their lifestyle can be sustainable.
I am most proud that I am receiving opportunities to inform people about my line of work. I am also proud to say that people are becoming more open to Vegan options. I want people to know that it’s ok if you’re not vegan. I don’t want anyone to feel like I’m forcing the vegan lifestyle on them. I just want people to know that you have to start taking better care of your body, because you only get one. R.I.C.H Health LLC is a food and beverage service that can help you accomplish that goal.

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

This particular story is a bit graphic, but hopefully this story will encourage someone to take their Health more serious. Last year, my step dad suffered from a stroke. He struggled with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and colitis so long that he started to lose an excessive amount of weight. He was technically anorexic. I’ve never seen him in that condition prior to the diagnosis. Growing up with him, I always knew him to be active. As he got older his weight and eating habits fluctuated. Once, diagnosed with IBS and colitis I believe it was too late, but that is when he started to become more Health conscious. Unfortunately and unknowingly, he had blood clots in his brain. One day while visiting my mom, I noticed he wasn’t responding to my question I had asked. He was still trying to move the bedding as if to try to get out of the bed. I didn’t think anything of it. Once he stood up, he collapsed on the side of the bed. I instantly yelled for my mom to come into the bedroom to see what was wrong. When she asked him what happend he could not speak.. He could only make groaning sounds. We called the Ambulance immediately. We Were able to get him into a chair to wheel him outside to meet the ambulance. Once at the hospital the staff struggled to find out what exactly caused him to collapse , and from the delay he missed the window to receive the stroke medication that could possibly help prevent brain damage. Those blood clots in his brain caused him to have a stroke. Due to the stroke he suffered from extreme brain damage, and he had to have brain surgery that required a piece of his skull to be removed. He lost mobility in the right side of his body and he could not speak. One year later after therapy, he is able to speak (still working on reading and learning words and pronunciation), has his skull, and walks with assistance. He still struggles with right side mobility. I told this story because it embodies my families resilience and their efforts/involvement to push R.I.C.H. Health LLC. They realize the message and importance behind the name.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When you have a business you have to be ready to pivot. I had to make an unforseen adjustment by switching to cooking after the pandemic. I had to personally make adjustments to pause my business after I suffered from Covid. I have to make marketing adjustments due to season/product availability. It’s a constant cycle. That you should plan for. Be flexible, be ready, and more than anything be strong. Strength is what is going to keep your drive and motivation going.

Contact Info:

• Website: Under construction
• Instagram: Richhealth_vegan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichHealthVegan
• Other: Email: [email protected] Google: RICH Health LLC Meal prep location Memphis kitchen Co-op 7940 Fischer Steele Rd.