Meet Genail (aka “Genny Mack”) McKinley | Holistic Nutritionist and Fitness Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Genail (aka “Genny Mack”) McKinley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Genail (aka “Genny Mack”), what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve learned later in life that taking risks has allowed me to move daily with confidence and resiliency.

I’ve always been a “risk taker” and risk assessor within my career. I started my career as an Accountant/Auditor in 2009, straight out of college, working for the largest accounting firm in the world, and I was promised career growth and financial security. I did experience just that by taking risks and accepting new projects outside of my comfort zone. In 2014, I packed two suitcases and relocated to London for 2.5 years. In 2018, I made it off to India for 3 months. These were magical experiences where I took risks to progress in my career and see the world from a different lens.

Taking risks for me also meant pursuing my passion of health and wellness as a side hustle, where I taught fitness classes after work and on the evenings, and then provided nutrition consulting on the side, too. This wasn’t a sustainability lifestyle though as my well-being was compromised.

When the pandemic hit, life required us to sit within ourselves and truly evaluate our lives and the meaning. It made me question “am I truly taking a risk to live abundantly within my passion?”. I could never answer this question clear enough, until March 2021. After becoming a co-founder of a black female owned business in March 2020 (GrillzandGranola), teaching over 400+ women nationally and creating my own nutrition business in July 2020, my answers were clearer. I am now able to take on risks which truly benefit my well-being and change the life of others to live abundantly.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My life used to involve assessing numbers, risks and controls. I know…sounds boring. Now life is a lot more exciting where I can bring my creativity to my communities. In June 2021, I launched my first premium service to my community. It’s theEATschool, which principles are to EDUCATE ourselves on the benefits and risks of eating foods, ADOPT a plant-based lifestyle to feel good and TRANSFORM our health to thrive. My mission is to empower women to take control of their health through plant-based eating, cooking, mindfulness and movement.

I created this movement as a testament to overcoming and healing from my own trauma. In 2017, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, lupus, which attacked my major organs and sent me to the hospital for a month. I decided to take control of my own life by changing my lifestyle through tuning into what my mind, body and spirit needs to heal. Fast forward to today, now I feel stronger and more confident in the skin that I am in.

My superpowers are that I bring an energetic, patient and loving experience to everything that I can do. I curate magical experiences so that everyone that I work with walks away feeling confident and with clarity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my besties come to visit me, number 1, they are getting a delicious and nutritious plant-based meal. I love to cook and try new international recipes so that the flavors and exploding with delicious taste. It’s all about the mindful eating experiences.

Then, I would take then to an outdoor experience with some form of music and entertainment (summer and fall time vibes). I probably would require them to exercise with me too, so that would be a sweat session.

Then, I’d have deep, life conversations with them about life stuff. Pick their brain on feedback, give loving advice, be a listener and learner. Then, we’d repeat all the above. All the adult stuff that we sometimes take for granted would be included in the itinerary.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I attribute my success to my family and all the dope friends surrounding me. My husband is also my best friend and rock and keeps me in check to balance all my crazy ideas. I am also extremely thankful for my business partner, Chavonne Hodges, who supports me and believes in me regardless of our business ties.

Website: www.gennymack.com

Instagram: www.instragram.com/gennymack www.instragram.com/theeatschool

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genail-mckinley-6b41a234/