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

Hi Renee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2012, I became a Zumba instructor after learning how liberating dance fitness was for myself and others. I always had a love for dance; however, I didn’t know it would help relieve whatever stress people were going through while dancing. Throughout the years people would come up to me and thank me for making them feel good because they were having a bad day or going through depression. They would also thank me for helping them lose weight and having their doctors take them off diabetic or high blood pressure medication. After realizing I was helping the community with their health and mental well-being, it made me want to start my nonprofit organization, Healing Thru Rhythm.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Working full-time in corporate America, being a wife, mom, and running my own business has been the ultimate challenge. I realized balancing a family, career, and running my own business was tough, but I was a strong believer that finding time for myself, my health and mental well-being was very important, and it would set a strong precedent for my family and others.

I’ve learned running your own business can be a lot of work, but when you’re passionate about something you have to keep striving and never give up.

I want the world to know that life will always have its ups and downs and if you have a strong desire to accomplish any goals, keep pushing to the end. I will continue to do my best and help people who join Healing Thru Rhythm exercise their bodies and minds while dancing, try to make them smile more, and live a healthy life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I’m pretty simple, but if my best friend was coming to visit me, she would automatically know she would have to take a class with Healing Thru Rhythm on a Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. We would be at Manhattan Beach (at least 3 times of her week stay). Although I don’t physically go in the beach water, I enjoy laying on the sand, hearing the ocean waves and getting necessary vitamin D. Who wouldn’t love that especially for a friend that doesn’t live near a beach?

We would eat at Little Belize one day and Blessed Tropical Jamaican Cuisine on another; both located in Inglewood. Anyone who knows me knows I love Oxtails, Stewed or Curry chicken with Rice and Beans and can’t forget the Plantains. I’d also take her to Spaghatteni Italian Grill and Lounge one evening for a nice dinner and live band music.

Shopping is a must, and we would shop at either Cerritos or Del Amo Mall. I like to stay local especially with current gas prices.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, I have a few people to shoutout that helped me start my nonprofit organization would full love, encouragement, support, and mentorship. My husband Darrell, my children Janelle, Christian, Lynda, and Nalani. My cousin LaRonda, and my aunt Melvora. Love you guys!

Website: healingthrurhythm.org

Instagram: healingthrurhythm

Facebook: HealingThruRhythm

Image Credits
Nalani Fulton

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.