Many of us have a “best friend in our head.” You know, that person who you might never have the chance to meet, but their life and work are tools you use to master your own life? Well, Hey Fran Hey is mine. She’s more than just a member of the powerful trio that makes up The Friend Zone podcast. She’s more than just a health and beauty guru on Youtube and her blog. She is the epitome of black girl magic, whose life mission is to educate us on how to be better versions of ourselves. Below are a just a few gems that have the power to influence your lifestyle decisions and change your life. Keep reading to see why I love Hey Fran Hey, and soon you will too.

Blavity: You’re a pretty busy woman with a popular website, YouTube channel, and podcast, along with teaching workshops. Some people don’t know just how much works goes into a podcast alone. Can you tell us what it’s like having a podcast and the work that goes into it?

Hey Fran Hey: It can get pretty hectic, especially because I’m not the biggest fan of schedules. But I’ve had to meet myself halfway by finding the right balance between being a ‘free-spirited’ creative and the discipline that allows my brand to be as productive as possible. With the podcast, it’s a lot of research, debating and planning in regards to the topics. The goal is always to stay on pulse with social issues folks want to discuss while also posing fresh questions, angles and perspectives. Loud Speakers Network covers the tech side of production, so that’s definitely a huge help.

B: How did you develop your brand and a create a community around it?

HFH: I suffered from a chronic illness years ago. The doctors were unable to help me and I was tired of being high on meds all day long, so I took it upon myself to research ways to heal my kidney naturally. I spent months studying holistic living and figuring out the best way for me to transition. To help me stay focused and accountable, I decided to jump on Tumblr with weekly posts documenting my journey back to health. Before I knew it, my health posts began growing and circulating. People began asking suggestions about their own ailments and I would try to figure out natural ways to help. And that’s how ‘Hey Fran Hey’ was born.

B: You discuss the benefits of juicing on your website, what’s the starter pack for juicing?

HFH: Juicing saved my life, for sure. It helped me overcome my addiction to fried/greasy foods and sugar by cleaning my blood. You have to focus on it as a major health boost and not the flavor. A starter kit would include a Breville Juicer (reliable and affordable for beginners) kale, spinach, parsley, ginger and an apple, as a dope go-to boost for the immune system.

B: What’s the difference between juicing and smoothies? Is one better than the other?

HFH: Juicers extract the nutrients and water from the produce but remove the fiber. This is extremely helpful for those with digestive problems (like I had during my illness) because it hits your bloodstream much quicker, allowing your body to absorb everything with way more ease since there’s no pulp to process. A blender, on the other hand, pulverizes the produce in its entirety and creates a smoothie. This fiber option is great for those who need a quick breakfast or pre- and post-workout boosts, since the fiber slows down digestion and makes you feel full longer.

B: How do you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle?

HFH: Honestly, the results keep me motivated. I love my energy and mental clarity. And am proud of how my body looks and feels.

B: How do you protect your hair during workouts?

HFH: I pour ¼ cup of Jojoba to a small spray bottle and add 5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil. This helps break down odor and freshens the scalp. As far as my actual hair, I used to try to keep it in chunky twists with a headband. But now I go as is. I’m good as long as I have my concoction with me.

B: What are your top three hair care products?

HFH: The conditioner and deep conditioner from the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Shea Moisture line. And I’ve been using the Beautiful Curls Shea Butter Curl Activating Cream as my daily leave-in.

B: What are three tips for self-care that you can provide our readers with?

HFH: Weekly warm baths with essential oils and Epsom salt for the ultimate mental and emotional hygiene. 20 drops of the Passion Flower herbal extract as a natural remedy for those struggling with anxiety. And using meditation apps such as Headspace to remind you to check-in with yourself on a daily basis. Essentially more ‘me time.’

B: What’s next for you?

HFH: Just living in the now and going with the flow 🙂

Thanks to Fran, we no longer have excuses for not working out and living our best lives. Get gems like this and even more from Blavity’s EmpowerHer conference on May 21st in New York City! Until then, catch me at my local grocery store buying oil and spinach.

EmpowerHer Panelist Hey Fran Hey — Photo: Giphy

EmpowerHer Panelist Hey Fran Hey

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