Meet Kenya LaShelle Elliott | Therapeutic Weight Wellness Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenya LaShelle Elliott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenya, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and raised in the inner-city projects, where my early life was steeped in significant challenges, including domestic violence and sexual abuse. This environment, coupled with personal tragedies such as the loss of my daughter Kennisha, and the subsequent abandonment by my family, deeply influenced my connection with food, which became both a refuge and a source of addiction.

The hardships I faced have shaped me profoundly. The feeling of being unwanted and the struggle with food addiction have both been central themes in my life, influencing my personal and professional development. These experiences instilled in me a powerful drive to overcome and transform adversity into a source of strength. This resolve led to my dramatic weight loss and subsequent dedication to helping others achieve their wellness goals.

My background has imbued me with a deep empathy for others facing similar struggles and a strong belief in the possibility of renewal and change, regardless of past trauma. This understanding forms the foundation of my approach as a Therapeutic Weightloss Wellness Coach and the owner of IRISE INC. Through my journey, I aim to inspire and support others to rise above their circumstances and achieve their transformations.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I.R.I.S.E. (I Realize I’m Strong Enough) Transformation Coaching Firm and Boutique, stands as a beacon of transformative wellness and empowerment. What truly sets us apart is not just our holistic approach to health but the heart and soul we pour into every aspect of our coaching. Our programs are infused with the lessons from my own life—a journey of overcoming unimaginable adversities, from severe obesity and life-threatening health issues to deep personal losses, all of which I navigated to not just survive but thrive. We are not just a business; we’re a movement. Our comprehensive programs are meticulously designed to transform the body, mind, and spirit. With a foundation built on my rigorous academic background in Psychology and Professional Counseling and enriched by over 22 years of hands-on experience in the behavioral and mental health field, we offer more than mere weight loss solutions—we provide a pathway to reclaiming your life.
The journey to establish I.R.I.S.E. was filled with trials that tested my resolve at every turn. It was through embracing these challenges that I honed the resilience and empathy that now define our coaching philosophy. Each obstacle was a lesson in perseverance, teaching me that true strength lies in vulnerability and the courage to pursue healing despite the odds.
At I.R.I.S.E., we are particularly proud of our signature 5-week Transformation Program with daily accountability & coaching sessions. This isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about nurturing a supportive environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and empowered to make lasting changes. This program is the heart of our commitment to not only addressing the physical aspects of health but also healing emotional wounds, which are often the biggest barriers to wellness. We focus on 3 main components Eat Better, Feel Better, and Live Better to provide a well-rounded and consistent approach to weight wellness.
I want the world to know that I.R.I.S.E. is more than just a brand; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome. We are here to guide you through the shadows to find your light, encouraging each step towards a future where you not only live but flourish. Our story, our brand, is all about empowering you to rise from whatever depths you find yourself, to a height you once thought unreachable. Through I.R.I.S.E., we redefine what it means to be healthy, happy, and whole—it’s not just a transformation, it’s a rebirth.
“A transformation in its totality is a resurrection of one’s soul” – Coach Kenya

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Mesa, Arizona, where I currently reside, I would want to show them a fantastic time filled with unique experiences that capture the essence of the area. Here’s how I would plan a week-long trip, ensuring we soak in the best of Mesa and its surroundings:

Day 1: Welcome to Mesa
Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at T.C. Eggington’s, known for its gourmet omelets and homey vibe.
Afternoon: Explore the Mesa Arts Center, where we could catch a live performance or wander through art exhibitions.
Evening: Dine at the Blue Adobe Grille for some New Mexican-inspired cuisine, featuring their famous blue corn enchiladas.
Day 2: Nature and Nurture
Morning: Hike the trails at Usery Mountain Regional Park, enjoying the beautiful desert landscapes and city views.
Afternoon: Lunch at Worth Takeaway for some of the best sandwiches in town.
Evening: Relax at the spa at Arizona Grand Resort, followed by dinner at their rustic, fine dining venue.
Day 3: Art and Culture in Phoenix
Day Trip to Phoenix: Visit the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum for a dose of culture.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at The Arrogant Butcher in downtown Phoenix.
Evening: Catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre, a Phoenix cultural staple.
Day 4: Scottsdale Day Out
Morning: Browse the shops and galleries along Scottsdale’s Main Street.
Afternoon: Lunch at Olive & Ivy, where Mediterranean meets the Southwest.
Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Old Town Scottsdale.
Day 5: A Day in Nature
Morning to Afternoon: Take a day trip to the Superstition Mountains for some outdoor fun and perhaps a bit of the local lore about the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine.
Evening: Back to Mesa for a casual dinner at Bobby Q, known for its mouthwatering barbecue and smoked meats.
Day 6: Leisure and Local Flavors
Morning: Golfing at one of Mesa’s premier golf courses, like Las Sendas Golf Club.
Afternoon: Visit the Queen Creek Olive Mill for a tour and tasting, followed by lunch at their on-site eatery.
Evening: A low-key evening with dinner at a local brewery, such as Desert Eagle Brewing Company.
Day 7: Relax and Recap
Morning: A leisurely brunch at The Cutting Board Bakery and Café, known for its vegan options.
Afternoon: Stroll through Riverview Park, and maybe catch a game or a concert if the timing aligns.
Evening: Farewell dinner at Jalapeño Bucks to enjoy a fusion of BBQ and Mexican flavors.

I love meditation and body movement so each morning would be filled with meditation to set our intentions and coffee, its my day starter.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, I would like to Shout Out God, my family, my executive team Sylvia Plange- Kuma, LaCresia Wright, Preston Cotton, and the Team I.R.I.S.E. ambassadors. To Isagenix International and their cooperate staff as well as the friends that have supported my dream since I started this journey.

Website: www.whatifirise.com – Coaching / www.irisebeautique.com – Fashion and Mech

Instagram: @coachkenyaelliott

Linkedin: Coach Kenya LaShelle Elliott

Twitter: @coachkenyaelliott

Facebook: I.R.I.S.E. Transformation Coaching Firm & Beautique / Coach Kenya Elliott

Youtube: Coach Kenya LaShelle 2.0 @coachkenyaelliott

Other: TikTok- @coachkenyaelliott

Image Credits
Professional Photos done by(4): Jose Muniz @muniz.media