We recently connected with Lillian Hewitt and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lillian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

It all began on an ordinary morning, a day that was supposed to be like any other. The words “Black Women’s Heart Health” echoed in my mind as if they had been there all along, waiting for me to notice. This moment felt different, almost like a calling—a spark of inspiration that ignited a fire within me.

As I sat on the edge of my bed, the reality of my heart health journey washed over me. Despite leading what I thought was a healthy lifestyle, I was diagnosed with heart disease. This revelation left me grappling with questions and a sense of urgency to understand what had gone wrong. I realized that stress, a silent but potent contributor, was a significant factor in my diagnosis. It was clear that many other Black women were likely facing similar challenges, often without the necessary support and resources to manage their heart health effectively.

That morning marked a turning point. I understood that my experience was not isolated; heart disease is the leading cause of death among Black women, yet our unique needs and experiences are frequently overlooked. I feel a deep responsibility to change that narrative. There was an undeniable gap in the healthcare system—a lack of tailored resources that address the specific challenges Black women face regarding heart health. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it wasn’t just about statistics but about lives, families, and communities.

The logic behind the idea was compelling. If existing healthcare solutions were not effectively reaching Black women, there needed to be a dedicated platform that would. I envisioned Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC as a beacon of hope and empowerment—a place where Black women could find the information, tools, and support necessary to prioritize their heart health.

Our flagship product, the EmpowerHer Heart app, was born from this vision. It offers personalized tools and resources that cater specifically to Black women, providing them with a comprehensive approach to heart health management. We wanted to offer more than just advice; we wanted to create a space where women could feel seen, heard, and understood.

The Heart Hub is an extension of this mission, providing a community where Black women can connect, share experiences, and support each other. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity, allowing women to empower themselves and each other.

What excites me most about this venture is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of Black women. We are not just addressing a health crisis; we are igniting a movement toward lasting change and empowerment. This is a unique approach that combines education, community, and personalized support to address a critical need in a way that has never been done before.

In founding Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC, I am driven by the belief that every woman deserves the chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life. This is more than a business; it is a mission to change lives and inspire a new era of health and empowerment for Black women everywhere.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Lillian Hewitt – CEO/Vegan Chef

My name is Lillian Hewitt, and I am the CEO and founder of Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC. My journey into the health industry has been shaped by a deep passion for wellness and a personal mission to empower others to take charge of their health.

I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling and a B.S. degree in Health Education, alongside a certification in Plant-Based Nutrition. With over a decade of experience in the cardiovascular field and 15 years in the neurodiagnostic field, my career has been devoted to understanding the complexities of human health, particularly as it relates to heart and brain function. This unique combination of education and experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of how our lifestyles, choices, and environments impact our well-being.

As a vegan chef, I grow my vegetables and herbs, and I have always believed in the power of plant-based nutrition to transform health outcomes. This belief not only influences my lifestyle but also informs the foundation of my business. Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s in Global Health, further expanding my knowledge and commitment to addressing health disparities on a broader scale.

About Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC

At Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC, we are on a mission to revolutionize heart health for Black women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Black women, yet there has been a significant gap in tailored resources and solutions that address our unique needs. This is what inspired me to create the first heart health app specifically designed for Black women—the EmpowerHer Heart app.

The EmpowerHer Heart app provides personalized tools, educational resources, and support networks designed to empower Black women to take control of their heart health. The app offers features such as personalized health tips, stress management tools, diet and exercise plans tailored to individual needs, and a wealth of educational content that speaks directly to the experiences of Black women.

Our platform, the Heart Hub, extends beyond digital solutions, offering a vibrant community where Black women can connect, share their stories, and access expert guidance. It is a space that fosters empowerment, understanding, and support, allowing women to take proactive steps toward improving their cardiovascular health.

What Sets Us Apart

What sets Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC apart is our holistic approach to heart health. We recognize that health is not just about physical well-being but also mental and emotional wellness. Our focus on stress management, community support, and personalized care truly distinguishes us from other health solutions.

I am most proud of our commitment to changing the narrative around heart health for Black women. We are not only addressing a health crisis, but also creating a movement of empowerment, resilience, and positive change.

What You Should Know About Us

To my potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC is dedicated to your well-being. Our mission is to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to live a healthy, fulfilling life. We are passionate about helping you overcome barriers to heart health and are here to support you every step of the way.

In summary, Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC is more than a business; it is a commitment to empowering Black women to prioritize their health and live their best lives. We invite you to join us on this journey towards better health and empowerment.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience has been a key component of my entrepreneurial journey with Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC. One story that vividly illustrates this occurred during the development phase of the EmpowerHer Heart app. While gearing up for beta testing, we encountered a series of technical challenges that seemed daunting.

Instead of getting discouraged, I took a step back and focused on finding creative solutions with my team. We conducted thorough research, explored alternative approaches, and brainstormed tirelessly to overcome each hurdle. Our collective determination and hard work paid off, and we were able to move forward with beta testing.

This experience reinforced my belief that resilience is about maintaining focus and commitment in the face of adversity. It taught me that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow and that persistence is crucial for success. This mindset has been instrumental in driving our mission to empower Black women with the tools and knowledge for better heart health.

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

One important lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success is solely dependent on individual effort. Early in my career, I believed that handling everything alone was necessary to prove my capabilities. However, as I progressed with Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC, I realized the profound value of collaboration and community support.

As I worked on developing the EmpowerHer Heart app, I was initially hesitant to reach out for help, thinking I needed to solve all the problems myself. However, I learned that seeking input from my team and other experts brought fresh perspectives and valuable insights. Their feedback and encouragement helped refine our product and make it more effective for our users.

This experience taught me that there are people who genuinely want to see you succeed and that accepting help doesn’t diminish your achievements—it enhances them. By embracing collaboration, I have been able to create a stronger, more impactful platform. This shift in mindset allowed me to focus on our mission of providing Black women with personalized tools and resources for better heart health, knowing that a supportive network can amplify our efforts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackwomenshearthealth.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-j-hewitt-19671a50

Image Credits

Nathaniel Dickey – Guest speaker at the Heart app fundraiser – June 2023 and Ashley McGee for the Marketing of the June 2023 Heart app event. Anita Charles – CFO.