Meet Lara Coursey

We recently connected with Lara Coursey and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lara, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

Starting Naturally Yew was not only a professional transition but also a personal journey. Helping others break free from systems that didn’t serve their well-being reminded me of my own struggles and inspired me to craft solutions rooted in empathy, understanding, and sustainable change.

My work with victims of human trafficking and domestic/sexual assault profoundly impacted my perspective. Witnessing their courage and resilience while navigating unimaginable circumstances helped me develop a greater sensitivity to the complexities of human experiences. It was humbling to see their strength and reminded me of the importance of approaching everyone without judgment.

Over a decade of navigating personal health struggles gave me firsthand insight into the emotional and physical toll of feeling unheard or overlooked in the healthcare system. This shaped my understanding of how crucial it is to truly listen and validate someone’s experience. It taught me patience and the value of meeting people where they are.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My journey is rooted in a deep desire to help people heal and thrive. Over the past decade, my personal experiences with wellness challenges and my work with trauma survivors have shaped both my professional and personal missions. I’ve dedicated my life to empowering others, whether through functional healthcare or the fight against human trafficking.

Professionally, I focus on two core passions:

1. Functional Nutrition and Wellness (Naturally Yew):
I am the founder of Naturally Yew, an online functional healthcare practice built on the belief that the body has an incredible ability to heal itself when given the right tools and support. My work goes beyond surface-level solutions, offering a direct, no-fluff approach that gets to the root causes of health challenges. I specialize in creating personalized wellness plans, including health history sessions and lifestyle strategies to help clients regain balance.

What’s most exciting about this work is seeing people break free from the cycles of dependency on big pharma and endless doctor visits that yield no real answers. Instead, we focus on empowering them to take control of their health in a way that’s sustainable and life-changing. I also collaborate with other wellness professionals to ensure my clients get the best resources and guidance available.

Naturally Yew isn’t just a business; it’s an extension of my faith and life’s purpose. It’s about meeting people where they are and walking alongside them toward better health and self-discovery.

2. Fight for Freedom:
I am also the founder and director of Fight for Freedom Collaborative, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources in the fight against human trafficking. Houston, unfortunately, leads the nation in trafficking, and I’ve spent over seven years working to educate the public and support survivors.

Each year, our collaborative hosts an impactful event focused on human trafficking awareness, child safety, and domestic/sexual violence. Inspirational leaders and survivors share their stories to shed light on the realities of trafficking and inspire change. We also offer free resources to help families safeguard their loved ones.

What makes this work so special is the opportunity to give survivors a voice and help communities become better equipped to protect and advocate for vulnerable individuals.

What Ties It All Together
While these two areas of my life—functional nutrition and Fight for Freedom—may seem different, they are deeply connected. Both are about restoration and empowerment. Whether I’m helping someone rebuild their health or helping a survivor regain their life, my focus remains on meeting people where they are, offering practical tools, and guiding them toward hope and healing.

I’d love for readers to know that these efforts are not just about me. They’re about all of us working together to create change, whether that’s within our bodies, communities, or systems.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story, and I hope it inspires others to take a step toward their own healing or advocacy journey.

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

Looking back, three qualities and skills have been instrumental in shaping my path:

1. Empathy and Active Listening
Empathy has been the cornerstone of everything I do. Whether working with clients in functional healthcare or supporting survivors and victims, being able to truly listen without judgment allows me to connect deeply and understand their needs. Empathy gives me the ability to meet people where they are and guide them in ways that feel authentic and personalized.

Advice:
To cultivate empathy, practice active listening. Focus entirely on the person speaking, without interrupting or planning your response. Reflect back what you hear to ensure understanding. Volunteer with organizations or engage in conversations with people outside your usual circles to broaden your perspective.

2. Resilience and Adaptability
The journey hasn’t been easy, but resilience and adaptability have helped me navigate challenges. Whether transitioning from a two-decade corporate career to entrepreneurship or confronting the systemic complexities of human trafficking, I’ve learned to embrace change, adapt to new realities, and keep moving forward with purpose.

Advice:
Build resilience by viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with mentors or supportive communities who can guide you through hard times. Mindfulness practices can also help you process setbacks and stay grounded in your purpose.

3. A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
I’ve leaned heavily on my willingness to learn—whether it’s diving deep into functional nutrition, understanding the nuances of advocacy work, or developing leadership skills in the nonprofit sector. Staying curious and seeking knowledge has allowed me to serve others with greater expertise and confidence.

Advice:
Invest in your education, both formally and informally. Attend workshops, read books, and seek mentorship in your field of interest. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit what you don’t know—it’s part of the learning process.

Final Thoughts
For those early in their journey, focus on building a strong foundation of empathy, resilience, and a growth mindset. Understand that progress isn’t linear, and setbacks are part of the process. Trust in the value of your unique experiences—they’ll shape your ability to connect with and inspire others. And most importantly, remember that your journey is about progress, not perfection.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am actively seeking impactful partnerships with organizations that champion health, wellness, and advocacy, driving the creation of stronger, more resilient communities. Here’s who I’d love to work with:

1. Businesses Offering Functional Nutrition to Employees and Contractors
Companies that want to promote a healthy, mindful work environment are ideal partners. Functional nutrition services can greatly enhance employee well-being, which in turn boosts productivity, reduces absenteeism, and improves retention rates. Offering these services is not just an investment in your team’s health—it’s an investment in your company’s success.

2. Health and Wellness Retreats
I’d love to collaborate with health and wellness retreats to provide functional nutrition classes and personalized guidance. These additions can help participants achieve their wellness goals more effectively, ensuring their retreat experience leads to long-lasting, positive changes in their lives.

3. Businesses and Corporations Committed to Ending Human Trafficking
For businesses that want to take a stand against human trafficking, I’m looking for sponsors for Fight for Freedom Collaborative. Partnering with us sends a powerful message that your company supports this critical cause. As awareness of human trafficking grows, consumers increasingly align themselves with companies that demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.

These partnerships offer a unique opportunity to create meaningful impact, whether through enhancing health and productivity or standing against human trafficking. Together, we can foster healthier individuals, stronger teams, and safer communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.freedomcollaborativehou.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturally_lara_
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/lara-coursey-88596b84
• Other: https://www.naturally-yew.com

Image Credits

Photo Credit: Jade Elizabeth Portraiture and Al Torres Photography