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

Tonya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The genesis of my company’s name is a journey woven with threads of passion for nature and a love for all living beings. In my younger years, I was affectionately dubbed ‘Ellie Mae’ by dear friends who recognized my affinity for animals. Whether astride a horse or caring for the rescued pets that filled my life, nature became my haven.

As the years passed, I became synonymous with the natural world. I sought solace on hiking trails and found joy in the rhythm of horseback riding. When I delved into the realm of creating recipes from whole, plant-based foods, a new identity blossomed — ‘Naturalellie.’ This unique name found its home as my Instagram handle, a tribute to my culinary adventures.

With time, my culinary philosophy evolved to embrace more raw, whole foods. It was during this transformative period that ‘RAW’ seamlessly merged with ‘naturalellie,’ giving birth to my brainchild, RAW naturalellie®. This name, forged over a couple years of organic growth, now stands proudly as the heart of my thriving business.

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

Sharing the transformative power of Plant-Based, Raw, and High Raw Lifestyles is not just my profession, it’s my profound passion. Holding certifications as a Master Trainer and Nutritional Coach from ISSA, coupled with a degree in Exercise Science, I bring over 18 years of extensive research in various nutritional lifestyles to the table. However, my true specialization and fervor lie in the realms of Raw & High Raw Plant-Based living. Introducing more raw foods into my daily routine has been nothing short of a revelation, significantly enhancing the quality of my life. For over 17 years, I grappled with severe, at times debilitating, migraine headaches. The discovery of the raw lifestyle was akin to stumbling upon a treasure trove of health and vitality.
Subsequently, I confronted additional health challenges — knee and back pain, obesity, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, low energy, IBS, acid reflux, and the discomfort of unexplained ailments. I initiated my journey by incorporating raw juices into my daily regimen, gradually embracing more raw fruits and vegetables. This shift resulted in a remarkable 40-pound weight loss and a rejuvenated sense of well-being. Miraculously, my fibroids shrank, liberating me from pain.
A follow-up with my primary care physician revealed astounding results. In just six weeks, my bloodwork and blood pressure had normalized to optimal ranges. As the weeks progressed, my migraines waned, along with the symptoms of IBS, and the general sense of malaise. Today, I feel so vibrant that I struggle to recall when I last felt otherwise.
This monumental transformation inspired me to extend a helping hand to others, as I wholeheartedly believe in the potential for positive change that lies within each individual.
This monumental transformation inspired me to extend a helping hand to others, as I wholeheartedly believe in the potential for positive change that lies within each individual. To further this mission, I have established an online community exclusively for women. Here, they find invaluable support for weight loss and the creation of a vibrant life rooted in wellness. Within this close-knit community, women have the space to share their health concerns both privately and as a collective, fostering an environment of mutual resolution and empowerment.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Believe it or not, word of mouth has played a pivotal role in expanding my client base. The power of personal recommendations and satisfied clients sharing their success stories has been truly remarkable. It’s a testament to the genuine impact that my approach to Plant-Based, Raw, and High Raw Lifestyles has on individuals.

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

The most significant lesson I had to unlearn revolved around my understanding of what constitutes a truly healthy lifestyle. For years, I was ingrained with the belief that strict caloric restriction or significantly cutting down on carbohydrates was the ultimate path to weight loss and overall well-being. This conviction led me to embark on a low-carb diet, which did indeed result in substantial weight loss.

However, as time passed, it became evident that while I shed pounds, I inadvertently sacrificed a portion of my overall health. This realization prompted a deep dive into the intricate workings of nutrition and how different foods interact with the body. It was only through this process of unlearning and re-educating myself that I could truly grasp the essence of genuine, holistic health and well-being. This journey reshaped my entire perspective on what it means to live a nourishing and balanced life.

Contact Info:

• Website: RAWnaturalellie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawnaturalellie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonya.portis.5
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-portis-49066342