Meet Oly Cumpian

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Oly Cumpian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Oly, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a deep commitment to breaking cycles—whether it’s diet culture, weight stigma, or the harmful messages passed down through generations. I’m driven by a passion for healing, education, and advocacy, not just for myself, but for others, especially parents who want to do better for their kids.

My resilience is also shaped by my personal experiences and my ability to approach tough topics with curiosity and kindness. I’m dedicated to learning and growing, even when the conversations are difficult. Over the years, I’ve built a strong foundation in body liberation, respectful eating, and social justice, and that strength fuels my ability to challenge norms while creating a safe, supportive space for others to do the same.

I’ve also had to navigate my own journey with self-acceptance, cultural identity, and my relationship with food—experiences that have made me more empathetic, wise, and determined to help others find their own path to confidence and freedom

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

I am a body liberation and respectful eating coach, and my work is centered around helping families break free from generational cycles of weight stigma and diet culture. Through my workshops and coaching, I empower parents—especially mothers—to create a healthier, more positive food and body environment for their kids.

What excites me most about my work is that it’s not just about food—it’s about liberation. It’s about challenging the deeply ingrained beliefs we’ve inherited and replacing them with a more compassionate, evidence-based approach that allows children to develop a strong sense of self-worth, regardless of their size. I help families move away from restrictive, fear-based approaches to food and instead cultivate confidence, autonomy, and a joyful relationship with eating.

One of my signature offerings is the Empowering Kids’ Body Confidence Workshop, where I guide parents through research-backed strategies to raise kids who feel good in their bodies. I also offer one-on-one coaching for those looking for more personalized support.

Right now, I’m particularly excited about expanding access to these resources. I recently put together a Kids’ Confidence Guide and a curated podcast playlist for parents who want to start learning right away. Plus, I’m launching a founding member opportunity for my signature program, designed to provide ongoing guidance, support, and community for parents who are ready to make lasting changes.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that all bodies deserve respect, that food should be enjoyed—not feared—and that parents have the power to rewrite the narrative for the next generation. My goal is to make this information accessible, digestible, and actionable, so families can raise confident, resilient kids without the baggage of diet culture.

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

Looking back, three key things have shaped my journey: resilience, curiosity, and the ability to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs.

First, resilience has been essential. I grew up surrounded by certain narratives about food, bodies, and health—narratives that I followed for a long time, even when something inside me felt off. Challenging those beliefs wasn’t easy, but resilience helped me push through discomfort, unlearn harmful messages, and create a new path for myself and others. For those early in their journey, I’d say: expect resistance, both from others and from yourself. Growth is uncomfortable, but it’s worth it.

Second, curiosity didn’t always come naturally to me in an external way. For years, I followed the rules I was given, even when they didn’t sit right with me. But at some point, I allowed myself to fully embrace curiosity—not just as a feeling, but as a tool for change. I started asking questions, looking beyond the surface, and searching for answers that were grounded in science and human experience. That’s when everything shifted. My advice? Give yourself permission to be curious. Seek out perspectives that challenge what you’ve been taught, and allow yourself to learn without judgment.

Lastly, the ability to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs has been a game-changer. So much of what we assume about food and bodies is based on outdated or harmful ideas. Learning to recognize these biases, question them, and replace them with a more inclusive and affirming perspective is crucial. My advice? Approach these shifts with compassion. You’re not failing if you’ve internalized harmful beliefs—you’re human. But you have the power to shift your mindset and, in doing so, create a healthier, freer world for yourself and future generations.

At the end of the day, this journey isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about courage. The courage to question, to grow, and to lead by example.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I’m passionate about expanding the reach of weight-inclusive care, and I’m looking for like-minded professionals and organizations to collaborate with. My long-term vision is to build an academy that trains providers—dietitians, therapists, healthcare professionals, wellness coaches, PTs, and even gyms—to offer truly inclusive, stigma-free support.

Right now, I’m already laying the groundwork by leading trainings for parents and professionals, and I’m eager to connect with small gym owners and wellness-focused spaces that want to shift toward weight-inclusive approaches.
If you’re a professional or organization interested in learning how to better support individuals in a way that prioritizes well-being over weight, let’s connect! I’m looking for collaborators in curriculum development, funding opportunities, and spreading awareness. Together, we can create a more inclusive and effective model of care.

Reach out to me directly @olycumpianbl on all social platforms to start the conversation!

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