We are pleased to spotlight Valyn Reed one of our February Community Educators
About Valyn Reed
Valyn Reed-Crenshaw is a native of Rochester, NY; raised on the eastside of the city. She
completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Akron earning her bachelor’s in
Dietetics. She is in her final semester of a graduate school/internship program of dietetics at
D’Youville College in Buffalo. By August 2018 she will be a Registered Dietitian. Valyn has
always had a heart of service; therefore, when it was time to pick a major she knew she wanted
to be in a position where she could do the greatest good.
When did you start your business?
Where did you get the inspiration for your business brand?
VR: The name “Better Choices, Better You” can apply to many things; specifically, in the name of nutrition: better food choices can lead to a better life (you). However, when I started my business I quite literally meant if I make better personal choices, I could be a better me.
What makes you want to teach/do your business?
VR: When I started this journey, I knew I wanted to be in a position of service particularly to the black community. I knew there was a knowledge deficit in terms of nutrition and I wanted to take an opportunity give it back to the people I love.
For you how does your business relate to wellness?
VR: My business is a health and wellness consultation service that ranges from: healthy cooking classes, grocery shopping (food label reading), one-on-one wellness consultation. Once I am a registered dietitian (2018) I will offer more services.
How do you stay healthy?
“Healthy” covers an array of areas as a human. You can be physically, spiritually, mentally, etc. healthy. I would say I try to pay attention to my body. Our bodies communicate with us all the time.
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your career?
VR: Dr. OZ! But really, the internet/organizations that have not done the work. I find myself constantly dispelling myths about food and nutrition.
When you aren’t teaching classes what do you like to do?
VR: I love to read! In fact, that’s one thing I am truly looking forward to having more time to do after graduation. I also like social events/gatherings in any fashion. I like to bowl, play pool, going to a café, traveling, and SHOPPING!
What is it that inspires you to keep going as entrepreneur?
VR: Independence, and remaining available in the community.
What are you working on now?
VR: I am collaborating with a friend on a meal prep plan for people who want to lose weight/improve their lifestyle.
What’s has been your best experience thus far in your business?
VR: My best experience in my business are occurring right now. The momentum is high now, working on collaborations, building my client base, getting my name out there, staying busy and productive.
What has been your biggest challenge? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
VR: I don’t see it as a challenge because that’s just apart of it, but putting myself out there to increase my client base. Nothing happens overnight, so I am just open and humbled by wherever God takes me.
What advice do you have for others interested in pursuing their own business?
VR: Stay organized. Remember you are your brand; how you present yourself to the world is what you are selling, not just the product/service. Everyday won’t be perfect but keep working at it. Also, when “working at it” that doesn’t always mean working 10+ hours in a day on a project. That just leads to burn-outs and frustration. Read up on entrepreneurship. I call this “not recreating the wheel”; meaning someone else went through all the stress and headache that is associated with entrepreneurship and there’s information out there to help you. Lastly, always do your best. If you have to walk away from your business, you leave knowing you did your best.
Is there anything else you’d like the readers to know?
VR: Stay tuned!
Please list any contact info you’d like to include (blog, twitter, email, FB, etc): www.bcbynutrition.com,
FB: Valyn Reed| valyn@bcbynutrition.com
Valyn’s workshop
Sugar Addiction In The Black Community: Detoxing Your Family In 4 Easy Steps
Wednesday February 7 // 7-8:30 PM
540WMain, Inc. 