Meet Natalia Núñez.

We recently connected with Natalia Núñez. and have shared our conversation below.

Natalia , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I’ve always believed that as humans, we’re here to serve and love others, the way we do that just looks different for each of us. For a long time, I thought my path to service would be through politics or law.
I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, a city divided by race, wealth, and health. I saw both sides of that divide every single day. As a child, I couldn’t understand why life seemed so much more secure south of a road called Delmar. It never felt right, and I was determined to do something about it. Back then, I thought that meant fixing the public school or prison systems through systemic political change.
But after taking a few political science and law classes in college, I realized that might not be the most efficient way to make lasting impact. During my freshman year, many of my friends were joining a gym I couldn’t afford. As a lifelong athlete, I needed a place to train, so I got a job at the front desk, which quickly led to personal training.
That’s where everything shifted. I began to see the profound impact I could have on people’s lives, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. I helped clients reverse chronic disease, build strength, gain confidence, and rediscover joy in movement. It amazed me that, at 18, I could help people of all ages feel more alive and secure in themselves. That’s when it clicked: health is the foundation of everything.
That realization led to the creation of Kallpa. I wanted to build something scalable and accessible a way to help people reconnect with themselves and their health, regardless of where they live or what they can afford. Because when we strengthen our foundation, we’re better equipped to tackle the systemic inequities that exist in our world.
Kallpa [pronounced kai-pa] is a Quechua word that means “the inner life force within all natural things” the plants, mountains, oceans, animals, sun, moon, stars, and humans. It’s the energy that connects us all. I think of it similarly to how, in Catholicism, we’re taught that we’re made in the image and likeness of God, that divinity exists within us. Kallpa represents that same sacred energy, uniting us not only with the Earth but also with the greater source, whether you call that God, the universe, or something else.
I chose this name because I believe that as a society, we’ve become detached from our kallpa. Modern life has pulled us away from our intuition and inner divinity. Most of us wake up and check our phones, drink sugary coffee, sit at screens all day, eat processed foods, and end the night scrolling again. This cycle (fueled by technology overuse, ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, and constant stimulation) leaves us anxious, disconnected, and chronically unwell.
Instead of real healing, we’re sold expensive “biohacks” and wellness fads that promise balance but only deepen the disconnection. Women, in particular, are targeted by industries that profit from our insecurities. For centuries, our worth has been tied to appearance, keeping us stuck in cycles of restriction and self-doubt instead of restoration.
True wellness isn’t found in a gadget or extreme routine, it’s in the basics: moving our bodies, eating real food, resting deeply, building community, and cultivating discipline in a distracted world.
That’s what Kallpa stands for, helping people reconnect with their inner life force, their power, and their peace. Bringing people back to their kallpa.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am the founder of Kallpa, a holistic health and wellness company that unites movement, mindfulness, and community to help women reconnect with their inner strength and vitality. Our mission is to make wellness accessible, authentic, and deeply human. Grounded in connection rather than consumerism.
The name Kallpa (pronounced kai-pa) originates from the Quechua language and means “the inner life force within all natural things.” It reflects the belief that power and peace are not external goals but inherent qualities that we must nurture.
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, I witnessed how health, race, and wealth intersected and divided communities. Those early experiences inspired me to build something that could close those gaps and make wellness both inclusive and transformative. When I began personal training in college, I saw firsthand how improving physical health could ignite emotional healing and self-belief. That realization became the foundation of Kallpa.
Today, Kallpa operates as a comprehensive wellness ecosystem, offering digital programs, nutrition guidance, and in-person community events. These gatherings have become a vital part of our mission. We live in a generation that is drinking less than ever before, yet loneliness has reached record highs. My goal is to create spaces where people can meet authentically (away from screens) to move, eat well, explore culture, and rediscover community. Research consistently shows that connection is one of the strongest predictors of both lifespan and health span, which makes cultivating it essential.
Our approach has also been shaped by my time in Spain and Peru. Spain, ranked among the world’s healthiest countries, embodies a lifestyle where wellness is social, balanced, and joyful. Despite only around 13 percent of Spaniards holding gym memberships, their health outcomes remain exemplary. I learned that true wellness is not about rigid routines but about rhythm. Daily movement, fresh food, meaningful connection, and time spent in community.
That same philosophy inspired our newest venture: Kallpa Activewear. Each piece tells a story of movement and aspiration, crafted from high-quality, adaptive fabrics that move seamlessly from the most intense workouts to the flow of everyday life. It represents both beauty and functionality, designed for women who are building strength, chasing goals, and living fully.
This fall, we are also launching the Kallpa on Campus University Tour. College is a pivotal time when young women often lose touch with structured wellness. They leave behind high school sports and home-cooked meals, and are suddenly surrounded by dining halls, fast food, and the constant pressure of trends. Many turn to yo-yo diets and quick fixes that do more harm than good. Through this tour, our goal is to help college women curate sustainable wellness routines that deliver real results, habits that empower them not only now but for a lifetime.
What excites me most is seeing Kallpa grow into a global movement, a space where women can reconnect with their bodies, communities, and the life force within them. Kallpa is not just a brand; it is a reminder that wellness is not something to chase but something to return to.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Take action before you feel ready.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that clarity comes from action, not perfection. When I first started Kallpa, I had no idea how to build an app, manufacture supplements, or lead a team but I knew I had a vision that mattered. Too many people wait for the “right time” or the perfect plan before launching, but that time never comes. The truth is, you learn by doing. Every mistake becomes a data point, every setback a pivot. My advice: launch before you’re ready. Start messy, stay consistent, and trust that confidence is built through movement, not preparation.
2. Be curious and connect with everyone.
So much of my growth came from being genuinely curious about people. Get off your phone, step outside your comfort zone, and talk to everyone you can. Whether it’s someone in line for coffee or an executive at a networking event. Listen to their stories, ask questions, and become a sponge for perspective. Every person you meet knows something you don’t. Building relationships rooted in curiosity and authenticity not only expands your worldview but also creates opportunities you could never have planned for. Human connection will always be your biggest asset.
3. Create your own luck and own your difference.
Opportunities don’t just fall into your lap; they find you when you’re in motion. I’ve learned to intentionally put myself in rooms where I felt unqualified or uncomfortable, because that’s where growth happens. Surround yourself with people who are already operating at the level you aspire to reach. Their energy, discipline, and perspective will elevate yours. And when you find yourself being the only one in the room who looks like you (whether that’s as the only woman, the only person of color, or someone from a different socioeconomic background) remember that it’s your superpower, not your setback. For a long time, I felt insecure about standing out, but I eventually realized that my unique perspective is my strength. Diversity of thought and experience is what drives innovation and connection. You create your own luck by showing up, embracing who you are, and letting that authenticity open doors no one else could walk through in quite the same way.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was giving me both unconditional love and no handouts. They never made life easy, but they made sure I always felt deeply loved and supported. That balance built my drive and resilience. I learned early on that if I wanted something, I had to figure out how to get it myself. Whether that meant starting small businesses as a kid, saving every dollar, or finding creative ways to chase my dreams. But I also knew that no matter how hard things got, I had a foundation of love to fall back on. That combination of discipline and warmth shaped everything about who I am today. It made me self-sufficient but also deeply empathetic, ambitious but grounded.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kallpa.fitness www.shopkallpa.com
• Instagram: @kallpa.app @shop.kallpa

Image Credits

Benjamin Ahadzi