We had the good fortune of connecting with Reggie Carthon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reggie, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
My long standing history in sports guided me into a life of health and fitness. I learned the importance of taking care of myself physically and nutritionally during my career. That knowledge and experience lead me to further educate myself in both fields. My passions fueled my desired to pursue the vast industry of health and fitness professionally. I’ve always had a thirst for knowledge. I was fortunate to know what avenues I wanted to pursue prior to retiring. Upon my retiring from professional football I attended various learning institutions. I received the necessary licenses/certifications in order to become a licensed massage therapist, certified master fitness coach and nutritionist so that I could have the knowledge to excel to the fullest in health and fitness, which gave birth to “FITTASTIK”. My business partner Freida Wilson and I both share the same passions. We have propelled our love for overall wellness and the result is Fittastik Protein Products where we create artisanal plant-based products designed for people of all ages who need assistance on their nutritional journey. People are vulnerable when it comes food consumption, health and wellness. Our goal is to help make things a little simpler. You can take the cheating out of eating when you enjoy Fittastik Protein Products.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve had an extraordinary career. I’ve been able to start my career by playing a childhood game and call it my profession. Having that experience is nothing compared to the pride I feel for growing my nutrition company and my fitness and wellness business. The sense of pride I have in knowing that our business is one of very few (in the single digit numbers) that is black owned. I believe I have been training and educating my whole life for these very moments that I enjoy now. During my early years I had to settle for good nutrition but awful taste. We broke that mold when we created Fittastik Protein Products. The great taste is what sets us apart from products that are high in protein. It took some trial and error before we came up with a product that people could enjoy without sacrificing nutrition. Our products are certified gluten-free. They contain no additives or preservatives plus they are dairy and soy free. We don’t use things like processed sugars and because we are meat free we are cholesterol free. One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is that everyone is not open to knowing what’s in their foods. There are people who truly believe that willful ignorance is bliss and there is nothing that can be done or said to help them grow. I’ve had to learn to be patient in waiting and work with people on their terms.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spots are nature trails around the city. I enjoy exploring the trails. It’s a break of the monotony from gyms and other fitness facilities. I’m a bit of a outdoors person and the trails allow me to unwind and focus on the beauty that nature holds.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was raised by my mother who was an exceptionally smart, talented and strong woman. It’s because of her and the other strong women in my family that I was able to grow to be the person I am today. Because of those role models in my life I now surround myself with strong leader personalities. Which makes me stronger. I credit my business partner for exuding that similar strength. We have an extraordinary partnership because we do come from some of the same values and have similar beliefs. Her insurmountable dedication has helped to grow our business leaps and bounds.

Website: https://shop.fittastik.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FittastikProteinProducts/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FittastikProteinBars/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCcTW4NKWCDimUfxB1ECR3Q
Other: Email us at customerservice@fittastik.com and a team member will gladly assist you.

Image Credits
Photography: Sabastian Malone Photography

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