( ENSPIRE She Did That ) NOLA Native Dr. Alisha Reed Inspires Others By Being Transparent With her Own Journey Through Self-Love
ENSPIRE Contributor: Re’Dreyona Walker
Dr. Alisha Reed is a Mother, Pharmacist, Success Coach and Creator of lifestyle
brand Fly with Alisha Reed. After starting her blog Nola Bougie in 2014, Dr. Alisha Reed has inspired women to live their best lives by becoming the best version of themselves. But on Dec. 23, 2019, Alisha’s entire life changed and she began to question her purpose and message when her husband passed away from a massive heart attack at the age of 43. Heartbroken and now a widow as well as a single mother, Alisha was left with the question “How do I go on from here?”
After the outpouring of love and compassion from her following and community as well as seeing how being transparent with her own journey has inspired others, the answer to her question seemed simple. In order to live your best life, honor those you’ve lost, and defeat self-doubt you need to ‘First Love Yourself’. Alisha is still self-proclaimed bougie, but Fly with Alisha Reed provides coaching services and discusses beauty and wellness while showcasing and encouraging other women to realize there is so much more.
Alisha may not have all the answers and does not claim to be perfect but in many ways, she is a survivor. She wants her life to serve as an inspiration to every woman who has had her wings broken at some point in her life. Alisha’s work is a testimony for every woman who has wanted to give up but found the strength to keep going.
ENSPIRE had the chance to interview Dr. Alisha Reed about her lifestyle brand, her life as a frontline worker, lifestyle blogger, and success coach, as well as how she spreads her message of self-love and living your best life. She is also releasing a new ebook and a free introductory lesson in July, titled “How I Found My Wings”, based on how she regained strength and self-love after the passing of her dear husband.
Tell us about yourself and What inspired you to create your lifestyle brand and blog, Nola Bougie?
Alisha: I am a widow and mom from New Orleans, LA. I am also a Clinical Pharmacist and Success Coach. Nola Bougie was created in 2014 with a mission to inspire women to live their best lives while becoming the best versions of themselves. As a new wife and mom, I wanted to be sure that I didn’t ‘lose’ myself.
As a woman who is an inspiration to every woman who has had her wings broken at some point in her life, what is your advice on self-love as a black woman and loving yourself first?
Alisha: As women, we are natural-born nurturers. We always put ourselves at the bottom of the do list. Black women are faced with so many challenges emotionally, mentally and physically. We must make ourselves a priority. We must take our power back. If you don’t love yourself, how could you possibly love anyone else?
I plan to fly in everything I do by putting my needs, my goals, my desires, and my purpose first. I know that is what my husband would want for me. And I know when I fly, I will be able to help others fly too.
Quote: flywithlish.com
What can you tell us about your new coaching services, as well as your new ebook “How I Found My Wings” coming out in July?
My success coaching program was designed to teach other women How To FLY. There are 5 tips for FLYing and we must follow them to reach our destination. Think of me as your “virtual bestie” and I’m there every step of the way to make sure you spread your wings. “How I Found My Wings” is the story of losing my husband and rediscovering my purpose. My husband was a part of my life. We were one. What happens when you lose that other half? My ebook talks about how I was able to FLY.
You can learn more about Fly with Alisha Reed by visiting her website and her blog. You can also follow Dr. Alisha Reed on social media at @flywithalishareed on Instagram and at @flywithalisha on Twitter.
