Today we’d like to introduce you to Dolapo Balogun.
Hi Dolapo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Last summer, I had the courage and privilege to pack up my belongings into my Chevy SUV and drive 3,000 miles across the country to sunny San Diego. I moved for my dietetic internship to complete my clinical practice at one of the best hospitals in the country – UCSD. Besides this illustrious career move, I was post-breakup, a new graduate, and on a journey of finding who I was as this 20-something that was starting a new chapter!
The internship posed its challenges, but day in and day out I was molded by prestigious preceptors who’ve help me navigate the type of clinician I wanted to become. When I wasn’t reading articles or working on case studies, I ventured out to see what San Diego had to offer! Social media marketing was my main source of income during this time, so almost every weekend I had the opportunity to produce fashion and lifestyle content showcasing the paradise I was blessed to call my home for the year.
My time in San Diego was truly transformative in terms of my healing journey and walk in faith. My roommates and cohort were a blessing during this time and provided shoulders for me to lean on. I also found an amazing church called Makers located in North Park where I was baptized right before my 25th birthday. My faith walk also pushed me to chase my dreams of becoming an author! I officially published “The Porch: A 20-Something’s Guide to an Authentic Relationship with God, Healing and Self-Love in the 21st Century”, now available on Amazon.
Since turning 25 in March, I’ve been able to accomplish some pretty cool things. Besides self-publishing a book, I’ve successfully passed my board exam to become a Registered Dietitian, open my private practice, Prioritea Nutrition, and began a new job as Director of Basketball Operations at the University of San Francisco.
My time in San Diego is a season of my life I will never forget, and I hope to have the opportunity to move back in the future. The people who I’ve built relationships with truly made it a one-of-a-kind experience for me!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At this point in my life, community is really important to me. Having moved to two different cities in one year, being intentional about my company is something I believe that makes or breaks transitional experiences. I’ve been blessed with great roommates, church family, cohort mates, and friends who’ve really provided me with the support and love I needed through the struggles. As someone who battles with anxiety, being social can be overwhelming but I push past this fear to build solid relationships that will last me a lifetime!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
This year, I launched my private practice, Prioritea Nutrition, which is something I want to pursue full-time. In my field, only about 3% of clinicians are African American, and to me, I feel like the bright spot in the profession that I get to be a part of this elite 3%. My practice is different because I wanted sessions to be an opportunity to talk nutrition with a licensed professional but in an environment that feels like you’re chatting with your best friend. I believe in behavior modification when it comes to making lifestyle changes, so to me, being vulnerable is a huge part of that. I want my clients to feel welcome and that they can be themselves while in my presence. I decided to have my practice go the virtual route so that I can reach as many people as possible reducing costs relating to transportation.
There are so many determinants to health and I do not want to be a professional in the field that contributes to that. I want people of every walk of life to have access to the health care and support that they need. As a woman of color, there are many aspects of who I am that group me in different social categories such as my gender, race, and class. There are many social constructs that fail to recognize our overlapping characteristics, that, in turn, contribute to systemic discrimination and disadvantages. I wanted to try my best to not add to the problem. I value your intersectionality, culture, beliefs, and lifestyle, and I want to meet you there at the center with tailored nutrition education. With an Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size philosophy, I want you to see that all foods fit. I see you, and I celebrate who you are.
Many of us fail to realize that proper nutrition is proper self-care, and we are all deserving of it. But self-care looks different to each and every one of us because food looks different to each and every one of us (due to religion, nationality, and economic resources)! Proper nutrition is a principal; it’s understanding how food is here to nourish our bodies, and working with what you have. Our bodies do so much for us and love us so much! Taking care of them with nourishing food, movement, and activities is a love letter to them that they’re so deserving of. I wanted to bridge the learning and action together. Sessions are more than education; they’re an opportunity to set time out of your day to do an act of self-care to contribute to your well-being.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Apps: Instagram, Splice, Lightroom
Books: The Porch: A 20-Something’s Guide to an Authentic Relationship with God, Healing, and Self-Love in the 21st Century, The Power of Now
Podcasts: Elevation Church, Transformation Church, Abide Bible Sleep Meditation
Blogs: Poosh
Pricing:
- A La Carte Single Sessions – $85
- 1-Month Session Plan – $300
- 3-Month Session Plan – $800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prioriteanutrition.square.site
- Instagram: @heytheredolapo
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCNRBV9C?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
