Meet Jen Koffie | Women’s Health & Wellness Blogger/Content Creator

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

Hi Jen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a young age I learned that entrepreneurship was in my blood. My grandfather owned a lounge/bar back home in Ghana, which my mom would help take care of as a child (she is the eldest of 5, so naturally she took on more responsibilities). Throughout my adolescence, I always had a love for fine arts, dance, music, and even fashion. In high school is when I first tested my business skills by selling my own handmade, personalized birthday cards to students and staff. I’ll share a fun fact–after high school, I wanted to pursue a career in fashion merchandising, but with my mom’s guidance I decided to enroll in business school and later graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in marketing. In retrospect, it was probably for the best haha.

During my teenage years, I struggled with debilitating menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea. According to the National Institutes of Health, 80% of women experience menstrual pain at some point in their lives. It would cause me to miss classes, work, events, and even lose sleep. After using traditional OTC medication to try to alleviate my pain, I found little to no relief.

Fast forward to my twenties, the biggest change occurred when I explored integrative medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, African, and other holistic healing practices–my cycles, hormone health, and even weight management improved drastically. My personal victories inspired me to use Instagram as a digital food diary, documenting the nutritious meals I had been making that helped me feel better inside and out. Over time, my audience grew, women started reaching out and asking about my journey, and that’s when I knew I wasn’t the only one looking for answers.

I then launched my wellness website So Healthy of Me and Instagram page (originally @/whatwouldjenneat). My journey started with What Would Jenn Eat as a way to document my new dietary habits which had a huge impact on my cycle, hormone levels, and overall health. My mission in the wellness space has evolved to highlight critical daily habits like keeping a food diary, movement, mindfulness, feminine care products, and more. I share habits that show how to work with (not against) the menstrual cycle for better energy, mood, and most importantly, reduced pain.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My mission is to help women understand that they can effectively manage their menstrual pain. I want us to feel empowered to voice our concerns to our healthcare professionals, learn about how our reproductive system works, to understand why periods are painful, and talk about our experiences both good and bad with our friend groups, especially as we reach peak fertility age. Honestly, I think we are missing out on so much by not talking openly about menstrual health, especially in the black community. From uterine fibroids to endometriosis to PCOS to ovarian cysts, there are a number of reproductive issues that afflict women and girls, and they don’t get talked about enough. It doesn’t help that women’s health issues are underfunded and under-researched, so I appreciate how social media can be used as a vehicle to spread awareness and help improve the lives of so many people who feel alone in their struggles. It also gives us an opportunity to share our stories and build community, which is an incredibly important part of the healing journey. Through my advocacy, I hope to build a community of supportive people who can also advocate for themselves.

Many of us have been told that pain with our menses is just part of being a woman–but it’s not true. Painful periods that interfere with daily activities are not normal. I want to help educate as many women and menstruating people about this, to improve their quality of life. Once we understand that this doesn’t have to be our reality and that there is something we can do about it, our attitudes about periods will change.

I’ve worked with colleges like Lincoln University’s ‘Periodt Hub’ to promote menstrual wellness and share period-friendly recipes. I also enjoy partnering with health companies and food brands to connect with audiences of all backgrounds and ages to inspire people to eat a more colorful, anti-inflammatory diet. I emphasize how I’m able to manage pain starting with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods, and sustainable habits. Some of the most powerful moments for me are receiving messages from women about things they’ve seen me try that have also worked for them too! It serves as confirmation that this is the work I am meant to do. I want everyone who menstruates to know that they don’t have to suffer and that easier periods are possible.

When I first started talking about this subject on my Instagram page, I was unsure about how it would be received. The topic of periods (even saying the word) is taboo, right? haha. So, it was a huge risk for me. In business, I’ve learned that you have to speak in your customer’s language. It’s been a balancing act trying to craft content that I feel people would feel comfortable sharing, while also learning from it.

A bit of advice I always carry with me is to always remember your “why.” Use it as your guide, your anchor, your North Star. Your ‘why’ redirects you to your purpose and clarifies why you started in the first place – at least for me it does. It essentially quells the insecurities or imposter syndrome that comes up as I work toward my goals. It’s not always easy to believe in yourself and keep the momentum going, but for many entrepreneurs, creatives, and content creators, it’s the most rewarding decision we can make. You can’t lose when you have faith + believe in yourself.

When it comes to health, I believe it’s all about balance. As a recovering workaholic and perfectionist, I’ve learned that I operate at a higher level when I take care of myself first. This can include developing a realistic morning routine, eating within an hour of getting up to optimize my energy levels, avoiding caffeine (unless it’s green tea or matcha), and participating in self-care activities. The concept of self-care overall is wonderful, but the way it gets represented online can sometimes be misleading. For me, self-care is doing small things every day to take care of myself to try to avoid burnout. Little habits like mindful eating, practicing self-discipline, exercising, stress management, intuitive eating, drinking water first thing in the morning, going for walks, stretching before bed, meditating, or even staying away from inflammatory foods. Finding balance has been a balancing act in itself, but I think it’s important to determine what your mind, body and spirit truly need on a daily basis to feel and be your best, then prioritize it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I grew up in New Jersey and have always appreciated the ease of exploring different cities and small towns with my family. First, I would take my bestie down the shore (they can’t leave without seeing the infamous MTV Jersey Shore house), then stop by a few farmers markets and wineries in South Jersey (I’d purchase some fun souvenirs for them like local honey, salt water taffy, and other treats).

Another area we’d tour is Camden. I’d take them by the Adventure Aquarium, Rutgers University-Camden campus (my alma mater), and the site of the famous Victor Talking Machine Company, which was acquired by RCA Records in the 1920s. Before leaving town, we’d stop by the tavern now located at the historic site called Victor’s Pub, for a quick bite. You can actually see the Philadelphia skyline from the restaurant.

Afterwards, we would venture to Central Jersey (yes, it exists), and go on a mini college tour to both the Princeton area and New Brunswick where Rutgers University’s main campus is located. Princeton is a lovely, quaint college town with great upscale restaurants, cafes, museums, and casual dining options. We’ll also stop by a couple nice spots for photo ops. Later in the week, we’d venture up north to Jersey City and Hoboken to enjoy the food scene, nightlife, and see the magnificent New York City skyline. A few notable attractions I’d take them to are the Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, Colgate Clock, and the Statue of Liberty.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As I reflect on my journey, I feel immense gratitude for the unwavering support and guidance of my family. Additionally, the wealth of knowledge and inspiration I have gained from listening to insightful podcasts and reading books/articles, has been instrumental in shaping my mindset and fueling my ambition. I’m a huge podcast junkie and enjoy many genres! And if you asked me what book I would recommend, I’d say “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday for sure. I think it should be required reading for all college students because it’s such a confusing and challenging time in a young adult’s life. It really helped shape the way I think about the world and how I view success and failure.

Website: https://www.sohealthyofme.com

Instagram: @sohealthyofme

Facebook: @sohealthyofme

Other: TikTok: @sohealthyofme

Image Credits
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