Growing up in developing countries, being active and eating healthy was just a way of life for Lia Ames. After settling in the states and enrolling at the University of Miami as an athlete, Ames has now gone on to launch one of the most recognizable South Florida meal delivery services - Lunchology. We caught up with Ames for a Quick 10 interview, but you can also follow her on Instagram - @lia.lunchology.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and how did you find yourway to the 305?
I was originally born inMonrovia, Liberia to a mother who is Liberian and a father who is from LongIsland, New York. I had the pleasure of growing up a third-culture kid, livingall over the world in mostly “developing” nations.
My family moved to America in 2000so that my brother and I could get accustomed to the American culture andeventually go to college in the states. I made my way to sunny South Florida toattend and run Track & Field/Cross Country for the University of Miami andI never left. It's been my home ever since.
How did you get your start in the health and wellness industry? Did youalways want to be an entrepreneur?
I’ve been into athletics all mylife and was never raised on junk food - on the contrary, what was mostaccessible to us growing up in developing countries were fresh fruits andveggies and slow foods. For that reason, by circumstance, a healthy lifestylehas always been a part of who I am.
Growing up, I wasalways the kid trying to solve problems. Generating ideas, self-starting andbeing motivated to perform have always been strengths of mine. Moving forwardis my thing. I had the opportunity to work for two brilliant entrepreneurs; onein high-school and one right out of college. I never looked back afterthat.
Tell us a little bit about Lunchology. Why did you start Lunchology? Isthis your first project as an entrepreneur?
Lunchology was birthed from a need. In fact, at the time I was in needof healthy food made freshly for me. I was nine months pregnant and without theenergy to shop, prep, and cook my own meals, while preparing for my son andclosing down a venture that I had started one-year prior.
Prior to Lunchology, I had a company called Groutology that cleanedlarge scale, hard surfaces (tile, grout, carpet, etc.) with technology Isourced out of Arizona. It serviced large establishments like AMC Theaters,Moss Construction, Barry University, and many more commercial spaces. With eachnew venture, I have learned new ways to grow faster and become more efficient.
So what makes Lunchology different from all the other meal deliveryoptions?
Lunchology focuses on qualitymeals with flexible options to allow people to maintain eating our mealswithout getting bored. We specialize in modifying meals to fit people needs.
The client that uses Lunchologydoes not want repetitive meals delivered in bulk. They are people who value ahealthy lifestyle and want to create a better balance in their lives by usingour service to handle their meals, while they focus on managing their activedays.
We make fresh meals daily thatfit client requests, like “gluten-free” or “no seafood” and the food isdelivered daily at a time frame that works for them. Our goal is to makehealthy eating accessible so clients don’t make bad decisions when they findthemselves in a pinch.
Are you the chef? Do you have a say inthe menu? What are some of your favorite meals?
I am not the chef, just anoperator with a mission for a passion. We have a team of awesome chefs that puta lot of love into what they do. We also have the worlds most knowledgeable andenergetic nutritionist, Monica Auslander Moreno, who believes in well-balancedmeals that give to your productivity, rather than counting calories just toconform to the norm.
What is your favorite part about owning your business and being anentrepreneur?
I love to hear the testimonials about how Lunchology is making a difference in people’s everyday lives. We have worked hard to create a product that is not only useful for people to use, but it's intimate. We often get the chance to learn about what our clients are dealing with, it allows us to optimize the product to better fit each individual need. Being “in touch” makes me feel grounded.
What's the hardest part about owning your own business and startup life?
It's a constant balancing act. What we do doesn’t come with a blueprint to follow. So we have to make a lot of educated guesses when it comes to the business. It's fun but extremely challenging at times. I'm also a single mother, so finding the balance between my business, my baby (who are the same age) and personal goals is tough sometimes, but it's also doable.
What advice would you give someone looking to start their own business?
Of course, be passionate aboutwhat you do because that passion will be the thing that keeps you from strayingfrom the ultimate goal.
Find a good team, that rangesfrom cheerleaders to business mentors that push your limits, to support you.
Finally, be transparent. You’llneed this for your employees, your clients and yourself. People are morewilling to walk alongside you through the ups and downs when they believe youare trying your hardest to make a product that everyone can benefit from.
Let's talk mind & body - where do you like train?
Wow! How connected are the two!?I love a good run outside in the elements, especially a good downpour. But on aregular, I like to bounce around to some different gyms and studios.
Legacy Fit gives me a great bootcampfor me and my little one. Anatomy has an extremely challenging Mace class withGrant Weeditz, Train8Nine is in my neighborhood and through a CrossFit-likeworkout, helps me to incorporate weights (which kick my butt) in a quick,painful hour.
Do you practice mental health in youreveryday life?
Everyday!It's totally necessary for me in order to function with the challenges ofowning a business and being a mother. I have found over time that its never thesame practice. Sometimes it's working out, sometimes its travel, sometimes itsa good dinner and wine with friends. Whatever it is, I’ve learned to honor theneed however it shows up.
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