Bridging Wellness and Culture: The Empowering Journey of Samantha Gnimavo

From Family Struggles to a Purpose-Driven Business

Samantha Gnimavo brings a distinct and necessary perspective to women’s health and nutrition, shaped by empathy, cultural awareness, and lived experience. As the founder of Happy Body Ltd., a London-based nutrition coaching business, Samantha Gnimavo brings a unique approach to wellness—one that recognizes the personal, cultural, and ancestral ties women have with food. Her method is not built on restriction, but on restoration. Not on rigid plans, but on flexible, sustainable habits. At its core is her identity: a Black woman dedicated to serving women who, for too long, have been overlooked in traditional nutrition spaces.

Samantha’s path to entrepreneurship was deeply shaped by her upbringing. Growing up with four sisters who each faced distinct health challenges, she witnessed firsthand the gaps in women’s health support. That personal connection drove her to study nutrition with the goal of creating real-world, accessible solutions. As she pursued her education, a friend and fellow entrepreneur advised her not to wait until graduation to launch her business. Taking that advice to heart, she founded Happy Body Ltd. while still in school—channeling momentum into meaningful action.

A Realistic and Culturally Inclusive Approach

Unlike many nutrition professionals who rely on standard meal plans and generic templates, Samantha’s work is rooted in individualized support. “There is no one-size-fits-all,” she explains. “I want to get to know the woman, and build her plan around her.” This approach is especially impactful for clients whose traditional foods are often left out of mainstream dietary recommendations.

Samantha Gnimavo, whose family is from Africa though she was born in France, believes that food is not only fuel but culture. “I love rice, and in Africa, we eat lots of rice. I would never tell someone to stop eating rice—it doesn’t make sense,” she says. “Instead, I teach my clients how to build a balanced plate, so they can honor their heritage and still improve their health.” This culturally informed guidance empowers women to sustain lifestyle changes without disconnecting from identity, community, or joy.

Launching with Intention: Overcoming the Fear of Starting

Starting a business was not without challenges. Samantha admits that the hardest part was taking the first step. With encouragement from her coach and peers, she embraced entrepreneurship and built her business in just six months. “Studying has always been the key that opens a new door,” she reflects. “So I gave it my all.”

Her background in sales and learning development proved more useful than expected. While she found sales difficult at the time, those experiences helped her approach people more confidently. Her time in learning and development sharpened her ability to lead workshops, create engaging presentations, and connect meaningfully with audiences—skills she now uses to run wellness webinars with music, exercises, and built-in reflection.

Representation Matters in Nutrition

As a Black woman in a predominantly white industry, Samantha knows her presence matters. “I don’t see a lot of Black nutritionists out there,” she says. “I want to fill that gap so people feel comfortable working with me.” While her clientele is diverse, many Black women specifically seek her out. “Some say they’ve been looking for a Black nutritionist because they want to feel seen and understood,” she adds. “It’s not just about food—it’s about feeling heard.”

She approaches this responsibility with empathy and openness. “I would never recommend something I wouldn’t do for myself. Everything I suggest, I’ve tried and believe in.”

Making Sacrifices, Staying Grounded

Running a business while maintaining personal wellness requires boundaries. Samantha is honest about the sacrifices involved. “I haven’t been socializing as much. I’ve missed out on phone calls and weekend chats with friends,” she admits. “But I’ve realized that if I’m not looking after myself, I can’t help others. My well-being has to come first.”

That self-awareness has helped her prioritize what matters most: continuing education, content creation, and personal growth. “Whatever I learn, it can benefit someone else,” she says.

Networking and Visibility as Catalysts for Growth

Since launching Happy Body Ltd. in 2024, Samantha has leaned into community connections to elevate her brand. She credits Grow London, a local entrepreneurial support initiative, with helping her build a stronger digital presence and gain national visibility. “They put me in touch with the right people,” she says. “Thanks to them, I was featured in Metro UK on February 4, 2025, and have an upcoming magazine feature that was on my vision board five years ago.”

Networking also plays a key role. “Before the pandemic, I led meetup events regularly,” she says. “Now, I make sure I network at least once a month. It helps with collaboration, referrals, and simply feeling less alone as an entrepreneur.” One connection even led her to a long-term wellness partnership with a Reiki and psychotherapy practitioner she now sees regularly.

Vision for the Future: Education, Empowerment, and Equity

Looking ahead, Samantha Gnimavo envisions growing Happy Body Ltd. into a full-time, revenue-sustaining business that also provides pro bono services for underprivileged women and families. She dreams of meeting women where they are—in homes, communities, and even grocery stores—guiding them with care and intention. She also hopes to educate younger generations about nutrition, especially in marginalized areas where health education is lacking.

“My legacy?” she pauses. “I’m just a normal person with a dream. I started this because I knew if I didn’t, I’d regret it for the rest of my life. I want every woman, regardless of skin color, income, or religion, to feel like Happy Body is for her.”

Words of Wisdom to Future Nutrition Entrepreneurs

Samantha offers direct advice to Black women considering careers in health and wellness: “Go for it. Start sooner. Nail your digital presence early, and don’t be afraid of being seen.”

Connect with Samantha Gnimavo

Website: www.happy-body.co.uk

Instagram: @samantha.nutrition

Email: samantha@happy-body.co.uk