Well, I do!
Hey there! I am Dr. Shelly Ann, and I am actually the ‘Chief Health and Wellness Nut’ around here. I am an Educator by Profession, but a Health and Wellness Nut by choice. I am also a Researcher, Business Consultant and Certified Nutrition Coach. Writing and researching are two (2) of my passions, and Almonds and Olivez is my little Fortress.
The Blog is structured into five (5) strategic categories, all in an effort to provide a complementary platform to learn, act and share knowledge and experiences in a fun and holistic way. The five (5) categories are – Topics on Health, Skintimate TM (Skincare), Fitness, Recipes, and Resources. There are also the categories ‘Shop’ and ‘Books’ that will highlight the business’s proprietary products and practical wellness offerings. So, if you are a busy professional, a health and wellness enthusiast, or moms and dads of all ages, then this fortress is also for you. Welcome!
Almonds and Olivez became a reality in 2018. In fact, we will be celebrating our eight (8) year Anniversary in October 2026 (yippee!). After years of struggles in the formal world of work, I took a leap of faith and started my own business with two (2) wellness teas and, of course, the Almonds and Olivez Blog. This business idea was conceptualized over 10 years prior, but became a reality in little over a year (that’s what happens when you have had enough, you move with alacrity!). The business has had its share of challenges (that’s a given), but I never, not even in a whimsical moment, thought of giving up, even when things sometimes seem hopeless (and they have). This is what I love to do, it’s my dream, and there is no turning back now. Why?
You can read about my start-up story here –EBook: How I started my business with no ‘real’ budget but a BIG Faith
One of my greatest passions in life has always been to help people in whatever way I can (it’s like my calling), and one way is to empower their lives through knowledge. In fact, most of my formal 9-5 jobs have been oriented around helping people. It really comes naturally to me. Further, I was always encouraged to continue on this path by a few of my past managers, work colleagues and friends alike. Nonetheless, my passion for health and wellness started sometime after my First Degree.
I guess years of stress, depression and struggles had finally caught up with me. I remember that in one year, I became a frequent visitor to the doctor. When it wasn’t one thing, it was another. At first, I found out that my chest discomfort was Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), aka Acid Reflux. This discovery was made after a few medical tests. I also suffered from constant fatigue and was never really happy with the state of my health (who would?). So, I started to research different areas of health and wellness and gradually began to change my lifestyle to a healthier one.
This included endeavouring to eat healthily (even though sometimes I mess up – I am only human ), maintaining an active lifestyle, which for me includes weekly exercise routines (Gym or at Home), Hiking (I love it!), or just taking a walking or a hill run. I also love to read (you have gotta keep the mind active as well), among other activities to keep my body, mind and soul at ease, while living my life the best way I can. That’s my choice!
As indicated, I love to read, oh yeah! Be it mystery, motivational books or those surrounding business, it all depends on what is happening in my life and what I feel like reading at a particular moment in time. I also love to write, especially poetry (i.e. dub poetry), speeches, etc. In fact, one of my nicknames as a child was ‘writer.’ I have written speeches and poems for friends and myself, and even entered competitions, in which I was successful.
I also love to draw and used to carry out my ‘artistry’ on the backs of the calendars in my house as a child and teenager, until, of course, I got a large scrapbook. While I do not draw much now as an adult, it is something I still love to do. I also love the beach as well as watching comedy-type movies or comedies in general. I will laugh my little ass off watching someone else laugh, yes, I will (hehehe).
However, I am not a fan of scary movies, at least since my early teen years, when after watching one and going to bed and then seeing my dad’s pants come to life and tried to strangle the living crap out of me. That was it! I stopped watching scary movies ‘cold turkey.’
How say you? What’s your fun fact? Life is indeed a journey, and I certainly do not want to walk it alone. As such, this blog aims to educate the masses and help to change lives ‘positively’ and ‘holistically, one healthy note at a time.
