We were lucky to catch up with La Tonya Timms recently and have shared our conversation below.

La Tonya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for helping the underdogs of the world come into their true power, regardless of what they or others believe they are capable of. The hope is that if someone were to see themself in my story, regardless of age, gender, race, etc, they will eventually see their own greatness. You do not have to become a product of your environment and can rise above your immediate circumstances. Understand that there is more beyond the four corners of what you have witnessed all your life. The pain and adversity that I went through not only became the soil for my growth, but it made me stronger. It equipped me to face a rigorous world. I hope that as I share my story it will lead to other’s finding their own empowerment. I have learned to be grateful for my journey because I transmuted my dark circumstances into light. You can and will do the same.

La Tonya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As someone that has struggled with my weight my entire life, I originally assumed that I didn’t have the right products for weight loss. Like many, I tried every product on the market; fad diets, pills and products that all gave immediate results with short term remedies.

Discovering the root to my weight gain took more time but had a bigger impact long term. I unpacked my traumas and collected the broken pieces of myself to put back together again. Real change started to take place. Sometimes it’s not what you’re eating but what’s eating you that is the real problem. The pounds began to come off over time and people began to witness the results and questioning what my secret was.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

My childhood became the lense through which I saw myself and my capabilities. I did not grow up playing sports. I was not an athlete. I was the chubby girl in the back of the class that was shy and introverted. Needless to say, I lacked confidence in myself and in turn, lacked the imagination to see myself in a different light. I had to learn that I had the power to redefine myself at any given moment.

After going through a divorce and starting a new life as a single mother with two children, I knew that this was the moment I had to refine myself. Although I didn’t feel ready, I knew I could not give up. This was my moment to rise to the occasion. I attended Loma Linda University, received a bachelor’s degree in nursing, purchased a home and raised successful twins. Once my children left the nest, I knew my work wasn’t over. I became my next project. I was determined to make the rest of my life the best of my life because I knew I deserved that. At that time I was two hundred pounds and looking to start a new life. I questioned, “if someone followed me around for twenty-four hours and observed my life, would they would know what I was passionate about?” That question became my ultimate drive to lead a life that feels authentically mine.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being living proof of what I preach has built my reputation. I am not asking anyone to do anything I have not done myself first. I have been fortunate enough to make these tremendous changes surrounded by love and support. My community has witnessed my growth and results over time, which made it that much more possible to envision for themselves. Personalizing greatness makes a tremendous impact. When we see people in our lives and in our communities achieve something it makes it feel possible for all of us. Now that I have taken personal responsibility for my own wellness journey, I seek to partner with and hold space for those that aspire to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: motivationinspirationp
• Facebook: La Tonya Timms