By Samia Gore
Growing up, I never thought that I would pursue an entrepreneurial career in health and wellness; in fact, I struggled with my weight all of my life. I had no examples of what it looked like to live a healthy lifestyle and I lost many family members to health complications. It wasn’t until the birth of my fourth child that I decided it was time to make a conscious change. My children heavily influenced this decision; I wanted to ensure their mom would be around for a long time.
As a form of accountability, I began to document my “Mommy Makeover” weight-loss journey on social media. My followers started their own journeys along with me and looked to me for guidance. But one question resounded among them: What is the best weight-loss supplement?
Losing weight is already difficult without the added challenge of finding the right weight-loss supplement. It seemed simple at first: I wanted an organic product that boosted energy and metabolism, curbed hunger, had no unwanted side effects, and contained ingredients I could actually pronounce. As it turns out, I was asking too much. The numerous products I tried failed to meet my needs and, further, were developed by men. It was obvious to me that supplements for women should be developed by women, but at the time, it continued to be a male-dominated industry. I was determined not to let anything stop me on my journey to a healthier lifestyle, so I took it upon myself to create the perfect supplement.
I assembled a team of female experts, including doctors, chemists, and a Black female nutritionist, Dr. Ruby Lathon, who provided the perspective of women of color like me. My team’s research and development led to my first weight-management kit, the TRIM line, which marked the beginning of my company, Body Complete Rx (BCRX), in 2017.
The TRIM line quickly grew in popularity, and I knew that I had created something special. As demand skyrocketed, so did my confidence that I had found my purpose in life: inspiring women to pursue dreams that once seemed impossible. BCRX gives women the confidence to make health and wellness a lifestyle, not just a temporary change.
Since its inception, my self-funded brand has grossed millions in sales and has changed hundreds of thousands of lives for the better. But a successful business does not come without struggles. As a Black female entrepreneur determined to break into the competitive nutritional supplement industry, I faced plenty of adversity. However, my strong faith in my product and passion for my mission empowered me to learn from my mistakes and persevere through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
Every day, I am inspired and motivated by the underrepresented women in this industry. BCRX is made to be a solution for all women, especially women of color, who find themselves hopeless when searching for the right supplement for their bodies. Because of my resilience, BCRX has shattered glass ceilings, becoming the first Black female-founded brand in The Vitamin Shoppe’s weight-management category. It has helped and continues to help many women, like myself, achieve their wellness goals.
Throughout my wellness, motherhood, and entrepreneurship journeys, I hope to set a positive example to young women and people of color that anything is possible. Although building a business is a full-time job, so is parenting. I’ve had to be very intentional about creating a healthy work-life balance that reflects the importance of both. Compartmentalization is key: When it’s time to work, I commit all of my attention to BCRX. And when the workday is over, I put work out of my mind and spend uninterrupted time with my family.
Since its beginnings, BCRX has transitioned from being solely a weight-management company to focusing on overall holistic health and wellness. In addition to the TRIM weight management supplements, we have expanded our product line to include plant-based vegan protein powders, beauty products, collagen supplements, multivitamins, superfood bars, and more. We strive to solve the problem at the source instead of simply treating the symptoms.
Our holistic approach improves health from the inside out, boasting results in not just physical well-being but also mental well-being. I am extremely proud that because of BCRX, the search for clean, effective supplements will never again be an obstacle for women on their journey to wellness.
Samia Gore is centering health for women. Gore is the first Black female founder to break significant ground in the nutritional supplement industry. The author and healthy lifestyle advocate founded Body Complete Rx in 2017 following her own documented weight loss and mommy makeover journey. Samia has been regarded as a pioneer and leader in the health & wellness space. To date, Body Complete Rx has been credited in changing the lives of thousands of women and men worldwide. In 2021 Gore was named by Inc. in the 100 Female Entrepreneurs of the year for developing supplements with people of color in mind. Today Body Complete RX can be found in all Vitamin Shoppe stores nationwide as the very first black woman owned and formulated product on their shelves making history!
