Victoria Rodriguez-Smith

Victoria Rodriguez-Smith

Tell us a bit about yourself and your career.
I am a mom of eight amazing children and am married to my best friend. I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 12 years and am loving it. I am a cosmetologist, nail tech, educator, and author of a nail industry book called A Great Nail Teacher, about how to become a good nail instructor. I take care of clients for an average of nine hours a day.

How did you decide to begin your raw vegan diet?
I decided to begin my raw vegan lifestyle when I realized that I was always out of breath, even while doing the smallest tasks. I was frequently in a foul mood, sad, and depressed.

What has been your result so far?
My results have been life-changing. My mood has drastically changed for the better. I see myself often loving life and laughing. I feel younger and stronger. I’ve lost some weight, which was my main goal, but once I realized how this wonderful lifestyle has changed me and my family I’ve decided to continue this journey. My children and husband are 70% vegan, not quite as much as me. We eat mostly fruits and vegetables and try very hard not to cook our foods, and of course we don’t eat anything with animal products. We look for organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free products.

How do you make time for the gym?
It is a choice. I absolutely feel better when I go to the gym. I take my children to school, then I go to the gym before my salon opens at 10 a.m. I go three times a week.

What’s your advice for other nail techs who want to become healthier?
I strongly advise my fellow techs to love themselves and treat their bodies like a temple. Educate yourself in the lifestyle that you want to live and just do it. Love yourself so you can love what you do.

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