We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Raymond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derek, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, starting my own business was about answering a deeper calling to serve others. Around 2019, even though I was working my dream job as an animator in film and TV, I found myself at a real low point—I was overweight, constantly getting sick, and not truly happy. I realized that checking off big career boxes wasn’t enough if I didn’t feel good in my own body and life.

That’s when I decided something had to change, so I stepped way outside my comfort zone and took a five-week trip to East Africa. I trekked with gorillas in Uganda, camped on safari in Kenya and Tanzania, floated in a balloon over the Serengeti at sunrise, hiked Mount Kilimanjaro, and ended the adventure on the beaches of Zanzibar. It should have been the trip of a lifetime, but looking back at the photos, all I saw was how unhealthy and unhappy I looked. I was embarrassed to share those pictures, and that was my real wakeup call.

That discomfort pushed me to work with a fitness coach, and then to discover energy healing—which completely changed my relationship with my mind, body, and spirit. The transformation I experienced showed me how powerful community and support can be when someone’s ready for change.

Then, when the writers’ strike put my animation career on hold, I realized it was my chance to truly lean into what had already changed my life: holistic wellness and building real community. My thought process was pretty simple: If I could create a space where people feel seen, supported, and inspired—just like I needed when I was struggling—then I’d truly be living my purpose. That’s how Nourish, Heal and Thrive was born, rooted in my love for helping others break through their low points and step into growth. Now, I get to encourage and witness real transformation every day—and that’s what keeps me going.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What really sets my work with Nourish, Heal and Thrive apart is how personal and community-focused it is. My approach as a Holistic Fitness and Transformational Coach is rooted in my own journey—deep healing, lots of trial and error, and a true passion for serving others. I weave together movement, mindset, and energy practices in ways that meet people where they are, especially those who might feel out of place in typical wellness spaces.

The thing I’m most proud of is seeing real transformation happen in the community—those moments when someone starts to see their own strength, or finds genuine connection and support in the group.

The road here was far from easy. Transitioning from animation work to running a wellness community meant starting over, embracing uncertainty, and learning from a lot of setbacks. But asking for support, building community, and focusing on service over perfection helped me push through.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and Nourish, Heal and Thrive, it’s that this work is about more than just workouts or wellness tips—it’s about shared healing, belonging, and giving people a place where their story genuinely matters.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to LA for a week, I’d want them to get the real local treatment—the kind of experience that’s as much about community and soaking up the city as it is about hitting big tourist spots.

On the first day, we’d kick things off early with a hike at Griffith Park. There’s something about starting the day outside, looking out over the city, that just sets the right mood for a trip. Afterwards, I’d bring them to Philippe’s for a classic French Dip sandwich—can’t get more LA than that—and then head downtown to Grand Central Market to try a few different stalls, just to keep it interesting.

The afternoon would be all about exploring some of my favorites downtown: checking out the Broad Museum’s inspiring art and wandering through The Last Bookstore, which is like no other bookstore you’ve ever visited. If we’ve still got energy, maybe hit a rooftop for an end-of-day view.

On the second day, it’d be all about the beach. We’d walk from Santa Monica down to Venice—people-watching, catching the ocean breeze, ducking into a few shops along the way. Lunch would be at Ggiata or Gjusta in Venice because the food is always on point and you can taste how much love goes into what they do.

Somewhere in the week, I’d make sure we see a show at the Ahmanson or Pantages, and if I could pull off the impossible and snag tickets, a night at the Magic Castle is a must. There’s just nothing else like it—magic, old Hollywood atmosphere, and vibes for days.

And you can’t beat a quick road trip out of LA—Ojai for a peaceful hike and some quiet time at Meditation Mount, then up to Santa Barbara for wine tasting in Santa Ynez and Los Olivos. If time allows, why not keep it rolling up to San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles? There’s great food, beautiful scenery, and plenty of moments you just can’t plan for.

That’s how I’d show someone the “real” LA and beyond—a mix of hikes, food, art, local flavor, and time to just hang out and connect. That’s my favorite way to explore anywhere—and honestly, what makes the memories stick.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I could have come this far without the support of some amazing people. First, a huge shoutout to my wife Kate—her love and encouragement are my foundation, and marrying her this June has been a true highlight.

Lee Hayward leehayward.com, played a pivotal role, getting me started with Precision Nutrition and designing an exercise program that made a lasting difference in my health journey. His practical approach has been a massive influence on my own coaching.

Brent Michael Phillips awakeningdynamics.com, deserves special thanks for helping me reclaim my personal power and open up spiritually. Brent’s mentorship challenged me to go deeper, change limiting beliefs, and find greater purpose in every part of life.

Amos Bracewell bumpglobal.tv/learn-more?ref=zyj5c, showed me the true value of community and helped me nurture a Facebook group that feels more like a family. Amos’ leadership and generosity around building meaningful connection have shaped how I serve and lead.

And Alan Boal has also made a meaningful impact—not just with business guidance and support, but as a friend who’s always in my corner. Alan’s advice, encouragement, and genuine friendship have meant a lot as I’ve built and grown Nourish, Heal and Thrive.

There are countless others whose support has helped me along the way, but Kate, Lee, Brent, Amos, and Alan have had the biggest impact on my journey and how I show up for my community every day.

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