Her Journey Will Inspire You to Begin Yours
An inspiring Q&A with a renowned health coach, Shivangi Desai, who turned her personal challenges into a lifelong wellness mission .
1. To begin with, could you share with us a bit about yourself?
I was born with thalassemia minor, which made me believe that fatigue and low haemoglobin were my reality. Doctors told me my haemoglobin would never exceed 10, but I refused to accept that. As a shy child from a middle-class family, I began seeking change by attending seminars and learning from mentors. Gradually, I broke my limitations and shifted my lifestyle. My haemoglobin rose from 7.8 to 14.2, enabling me to push my physical limits. Now, I can do 50 push-ups, squat 80 kilos, deadlift 90 kilos, trek to Everest Base Camp twice, and I’m a licensed skydiver with over 65 jumps.
2. What was the turning point in your life that made you realise you wanted to become a health and wellness coach?
My transformation marked a significant turning point.
As I evolved, those around me began to ask, “How did you do it?” I started guiding friends and family, and witnessing genuine, lasting change in their lives, such as someone reversing diabetes or getting off long-term medication, made me realise this is my true calling.
My husband and mentor, Sneh Desai, recognised my passion before I did. He encouraged me to share my knowledge, leading to the creation of Fit Bharat Mission—a movement for a healthier, medication-free India.
Our country faces a silent epidemic of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, and thyroid issues, especially among youth. We don’t need more medications, but greater awareness and inspiration. Fit Bharat isn’t just a health campaign; it’s my commitment to helping others recognise their innate ability to heal and thrive.
3. What challenges did you initially face, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge wasn’t the world—it was me. Challenges are rarely external. They lie within our own beliefs, fears, and limitations. I had to overcome self-doubt, the fear of being judged, and the question that haunted me: “Am I really good enough to help others heal?”
Coming from a middle-class background, nothing came easily. I lacked confidence, had no business knowledge or medical degree, but I had lived experience, curiosity, and a deep drive to help others heal. So I invested in myself, spending over ₹50 lakhs learning from global experts in lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and healing. I didn’t just study—I mastered it, so I could serve with confidence. Every challenge was overcome by growing from within, because once you conquer yourself, nothing can stop you.
4. Many people are becoming more aware of health and wellness in today's info-packed world. Why would they approach a health coach?
In today's world of Google and Instagram, there’s no shortage of health advice—just a lack of real information. People know what to do, but struggle to do it consistently or in a way that fits their unique lifestyle. That’s where a health coach comes in—not just to give tips, but to offer guidance, accountability, and personalised support. Just like a gym trainer, we help you stay on track and build lasting habits. In an age of information overload, what people really need is clarity, consistency, and a coach who walks the journey with them.
5. As a health and wellness coach, what is one of the most rewarding aspects of your work?
For me, the most rewarding part is watching people reclaim their power. Watching someone go from pills to marathons, or from self-doubt to self-love, is truly priceless. Many of my clients have reversed conditions like diabetes or PCOS through lifestyle changes—but it’s the emotional transformation that moves me most. Seeing them rediscover confidence and joy is why I do what I do. It’s more than work—it’s purpose.
6. Can you share an inspiring success story from your career that stands out to you?
Many moments have deeply touched me, but two stand out in a very special way.
The first was when I shared the stage with Dr. Deepak Chopra—a global icon in health and spirituality. As a young girl, I used to read his books. Never in my wildest imagination did I think I’d one day stand beside him on the same stage, speaking on similar subjects. That moment reminded me that dreams do come true, but only if you dare to follow them.
The second, and closer to my heart, is a journey of more than 1150 health coaches certified through my program. Seeing housewives, doctors, engineers, and students turn passion into purpose—and create real healing in their communities—is truly magical. That ripple effect of impact and empowerment is my greatest legacy.
Knowing that I’ve helped build a ripple effect of healing through them—that’s my real legacy.
7. As a female entrepreneur, what unique challenges have you faced in building your business, and how have you navigated them?
I truly believe a woman is Shakti—a divine force. She holds the power to transform anything she touches. Women are naturally gifted entrepreneurs. They have the innate power to lead—just look at how they run households with heart, discipline, and intuition. If they can manage a family, they can run a business. The challenge isn’t ability—it’s the lack of support. I’m deeply grateful to my family, especially my husband, Sneh Desai, for being my rock.
Support goes beyond encouragement; it’s about shared responsibilities and space to grow. Every woman holds greatness—she just needs the right environment to thrive. And when a woman is fulfilled, the entire family flourishes.
8. The entrepreneurial journey is not always easy—what was one of your biggest hurdles, and what kept you going during those tough times?
One of my biggest hurdles was learning how to attract the right people—those who truly understand and support my mission. In the beginning, I tried to do everything alone, but soon realized every mission needs a tribe. I learned that when your thoughts, emotions, and actions align with your purpose, the right people and opportunities appear. I also had to stop taking criticism personally—emotional resilience became key. The support from my team, family, and husband kept me going, even on tough days. With people who believe in you, every challenge becomes a stepping stone.
9. How do you balance being a woman entrepreneur with your personal life and health goals? Any tips for women looking to juggle both?
Honestly, I don’t aim for perfect balance—I aim for alignment. I’ve learned that trying to do it all leads to burnout. Instead, I align my time with what matters most—whether it’s business, family, or health. As a health coach, I prioritize my well-being with self-care each morning. My health is treated like my business—scheduled and protected. At home, I set boundaries, ensuring work stays separate from family time. My advice to women: Don’t try to be a superwoman—be a supported one. Ask for help, delegate, and don’t feel guilty for prioritizing yourself. When you're well, everything flourishes. Design your life with intention, one conscious choice at a time.
10. The landscape of health and wellness has evolved over the years. What are some of the most significant changes you've seen in terms of people’s interest and wellness trends?
Health and wellness today have moved far beyond just diet plans or gym memberships. One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is how people are now looking at health holistically—not just as the absence of disease, but as the presence of energy, clarity, and purpose.
Personalised wellness is on the rise, with people seeking solutions tailored to their body, genetics, and lifestyle. As Director of Welocity Genetics, I’ve seen how genetic insights help people make better choices for their health. Preventive health and clean supplementation are also gaining traction, with families becoming more mindful of what they consume. That’s why I started RHN Supplements—to offer clean, effective products for daily wellness. Mental and emotional health, including meditation and breathwork, is now essential. The wellness industry is evolving to blend ancient wisdom with modern science, and we’re just getting started.
11. In your opinion, how has the global pandemic changed the way people approach their health and well-being?
The pandemic was a wake-up call. It reminded the world that health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. For the first time, people truly understood that immunity can’t be built overnight, and medicine has its limits if the foundation—our lifestyle—is weak.
Before COVID, health was often considered only when people got sick. Now, there’s a deeper focus on prevention, resilience, and well-being. People are eating cleaner, moving more, managing stress, and sleeping better—not just as a trend, but out of necessity. Health has become personal.
The pandemic also highlighted the importance of emotional health, with practices like meditation, journaling, therapy, and connecting with nature becoming mainstream. I saw a rise in people using natural methods and clean supplements to build immunity, reflecting a lasting shift. People are now seeking control over their health, not just cures.
COVID didn’t just change how we live; it changed how we value life. That’s the biggest shift.
12. With more people seeking wellness advice, what do you think is the major difference between online and offline coaching, and how to choose wisely?
Both online and offline coaching have their own strengths—it really depends on your personality, lifestyle, and goals.
Offline coaching offers a personal touch, building trust and motivation, especially for physical therapies or emotional blockages that benefit from in-person connection.
However, online coaching has revolutionized the process, breaking geographic barriers and providing access to world-class experts from home. When done well, with accountability, personalisation, and community, online coaching can be just as, if not more, effective.
The key is not where coaching happens, but how. Choose a coach with proven results, a clear framework, and an understanding of you as a person. Look for someone who combines knowledge with compassion and drives transformation from the inside out.
13. You are active on social media, what do you think of this digital wave in the health and fitness sector?
The digital wave has been both a blessing and a responsibility. It’s amazing how accessible information is now—people can learn yoga, healthy eating, and take charge of their health from anywhere. Social media helps spread awareness, break myths, and make wellness achievable for all. I use my platforms to educate, connect, and provide practical tools, not just inspiration.
However, the overload of content can overwhelm people, leading them to follow misleading advice. The pressure to “look fit” often overshadows the goal of being well. Creators in the health space must lead with integrity and authenticity.
The digital space is powerful, and with great reach comes great responsibility. Used wisely, it can create a healthier, more conscious world.
14. What advice would you give to people who are struggling to prioritise their health in today’s hectic world?
First, I’d say—you’re not alone. Most people know health is important, but they feel they don’t have time. But here’s the truth: if you don’t make time for health now, you’ll be forced to make time for illness later. Health doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small. Wake up 30 minutes earlier, walk after meals, eat mindfully, and sleep on time. Even tiny, consistent changes can lead to powerful results. You don’t need to do everything—just do something every day that moves you closer to the healthiest version of yourself.
Stop chasing perfection. One unhealthy meal won’t ruin your health, just like one workout won’t fix it. What matters is the overall pattern.
Don’t treat health as a luxury or a “to-do.” It’s the foundation of everything—your energy, focus, emotions, relationships, and career. Make it non-negotiable.
Your body is your permanent home. Treat it with care.
15. Lastly, if there was one piece of advice you could give to someone just starting on their health journey, what would it be?
Start with self-love, not self-judgment. Don’t begin your health journey because you hate your body—begin because you care for it. Health is not a punishment; it’s a form of self-respect.
You don’t need all the answers right away. Just take one step, then the next. Consistency always wins over intensity. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet or perfect workout—only what works for you. Pay attention to your body, be patient with your progress, and understand that setbacks are part of the journey, not the finish line.
And most importantly, don’t do it alone. Seek guidance, support, and surround yourself with a coach or community that lifts you up. With support, transformation isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
You have everything within you to heal, grow, and thrive. Just trust the process—and trust yourself.
Check out Hello Fitness Magazine. There is never a wrong time to go on a fitness quest. Contact us and allow us to assist you in leading a better lifestyle. Follow us on Instagram. We share the best Health & Fitness related Articles for information based on healthy eating, health and fitness recommendations, health problems and their solutions, human body fitness, and much more.
