Influential Woman · Healthcare Financial and Wellness
Layla Rahmanparast
Wellness Advocate, Collocamotion Financial & Wellness
Maitland, FL
Her Story
About Layla
I grew up in Miami, Florida, where I developed a passion for photography. At the time, I had little understanding of the health industry or its significant impact on individuals and communities, including myself. It wasn’t until high school that I faced a series of health challenges that left medical professionals stumped. Over the years, I have grappled with various autoimmune conditions, such as Raynaud's Phenomenon and lichen planus, which are often poorly understood.
One particularly challenging condition I encountered was vulvodynia, known for its frustratingly vague causes and difficulty in treatment. During this period of unexplained symptoms, I felt compelled to take charge of my health after experiencing a lack of effective support from doctors. The discouragement of navigating numerous appointments without adequate solutions led me to carry a notebook to meticulously track my daily intake and identify possible triggers.
I delved into different exercises and researched the potential effects of my diet on my health. This self-exploration ultimately helped me pinpoint the root cause of my vulvodynia, which I was able to address with specific vitamins available over-the-counter and by eliminating certain foods from my diet. For my autoimmune conditions, I realized that lifestyle management was essential. This shift motivated me to adopt a vegetarian and, later, a vegan lifestyle, focusing on exercise to mitigate flare-ups.
Through this journey, I learned the importance of understanding my body and cultivating self-compassion, recognizing that my experience might not resonate with everyone. I came to appreciate the profound connection between mental and physical health; maintaining this balance is crucial to keeping everything in harmony.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Layla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to perseverance and a willingness to learn from others—be it peers, professors, or mentors. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to absorb the knowledge around me and explore the topics that spark interest. I firmly believe that education is a lifelong journey, and I am enthusiastic about the idea of continually discovering something new throughout my life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received came from my father, a successful entrepreneur. He firmly believes in pursuing your passions, regardless of what others might say. While it's natural for those around you to have your best interests at heart, the most crucial perspective comes from how you feel about your choices at the end of the day. If you feel confident that you're making the right decision, chances are you are on the right track.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I strongly encourage you to connect with inspiring women who you admire and wish to emulate in some capacity. One of the best pieces of advice I've ever received is to surround yourself with top professionals in your field. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from exceptionally knowledgeable educators.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the notable challenges in the holistic world of biohacking is the limited availability of scientific funding paired with the lengthy and often expensive approval processes for certain products designed for public utilization. Nonetheless, there is an encouraging aspect: I regularly participate in conferences that significantly broaden my understanding and expose me to innovative products that I genuinely believe could change lives in the future. If these wellness innovations secure approval, they could truly transform the industry, finding their way into spas, wellness centers, resorts, and even nursing homes and hospitals.
I also feel fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who have access to these incredible tools that have the potential to revolutionize people’s health. It allows me to be involved in the early stages of trial and error, helping to identify what works best for the public.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that I hold dear in my personal life include hospitality, compassion, and empathy, all anchored by a strong foundation of scientifically backed research. These principles can beautifully intertwine to create an exceptional experience for individuals seeking wellness services tailored to their unique needs.
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