How Anayka Reilly Built Meal Prep with Nikee to Help Families Eat Healthier

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

My name is Anayka Reilly, and I’m a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) with a background in Culinary Arts. I’m the founder of Meal Prep with Nikee, a wellness brand that helps women and families take control of their nutrition through simple, flavorful, and sustainable meal prep. I teach clients how to build balanced meals that fit their goals without restriction through coaching, recipes, and a supportive community

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes—deep down I’ve always had the drive to build something of my own. I love creating, teaching, and helping others grow, and entrepreneurship allows me to blend all of those passions while staying connected to my family and my wellness community.

Are you a mamaprenista?

Yes. My advice is to involve your family in the journey whenever possible. I share what I’m working on, talk about my goals, and let my kids see the dedication behind it all. It’s important for them to understand the “why” behind what I do. Some of my best ideas come from those family moments—they remind me who I’m doing it for and keep me motivated through every phase of growth.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

When I first launched Meal Prep with Nikee, my marketing strategy was centered around social media and word of mouth. I started by sharing my own meal preps, transformations, and recipes online, showing that healthy food can still be full of flavor. My transparency and consistency attracted people who related to my journey, especially busy moms and those in the fitness community. It didn’t all go as planned I had to learn how to be more strategic with my content, branding, and messaging—but those early posts helped me build genuine connections and trust, which became the foundation of my business. 

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud of building a growing community of women and fitness enthusiasts who are transforming their relationship with food through meal prep. Seeing clients gain confidence, hit their body goals, and actually enjoy eating healthy has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve also developed structured programs and menus that reflect my culinary background and nutrition expertise, showing that healthy eating can still be full of flavor and balance.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I wish I had known that there’s no perfect timeline for success. Every stage of growth teaches you something valuable. Consistency, patience, and authenticity matter far more than rushing the process. I’ve learned to celebrate small wins and trust that everything unfolds as it should.

What did you go before starting your own business?

I currently work a corporate 9–5 in a private equity firm while running my business. Before that, I spent most of my career in healthcare and also trained in Culinary Arts, working as a chef. My culinary experience taught me the importance of balance and flavor in nutrition, and my professional background gave me the structure and organization needed to grow my brand.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

After years of meal prepping for my family, friends, and my husband who’s a bodybuilder and fitness coach—I saw how much impact it made on their health and performance. My own postpartum weight loss journey also pushed me to take meal prep more seriously, and it became the key to reaching my goals. It worked and that experience inspired me to help others simplify their nutrition, save time, and build consistency through meal prep. That passion, combined with my nutrition certification, gave me the confidence to create a business that empowers others to live healthier, stronger lives.

Do you have any recent wins?

Yes! This year, I successfully launched my Meal Prep with Nikee group coaching sessions, helping clients prep balanced meals together while learning portion control and macros. I’ve also expanded into personalized nutrition coaching for fitness clients and bodybuilders. Personally, I’m proud of balancing my 9–5 career, family, and growing business while continuing to inspire others through consistency and lifestyle changes.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

Kindle—I love reading books as part of my wellness and personal growth. It keeps me learning, motivated, and inspired to show up as my best self in both life and business. Reading helps me reset, refocus, and continue growing mentally, spiritually, and professionally.

Who are your customers?

My customers are busy women, moms, bodybuilders, and fitness-focused individuals who want to eat healthier but struggle with time, structure, and accountability. They’re looking for realistic, goal-driven nutrition support that helps them build consistency and stay aligned with their training and lifestyle goals.

What's your top productivity tip?

Consistency and preparation are everything. I plan my week ahead and set clear priorities so I know what truly needs my focus. Meal prep taught me that structure brings freedom—when you stay organized and intentional, productivity comes naturally. I try to show up with purpose each day instead of chasing perfection.

What's your favorite business tool?

Canva—it’s my creative hub for everything I do. From meal prep guides and client resources to marketing materials and social media posts, Canva allows me to keep my visuals clean, on brand, and professional. It’s simple to use and has played a big role in helping Meal Prep with Nikee look polished and cohesive as it grows.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

I focus on flow instead of balance some days my business needs more attention, other days it’s my family. I make time blocks for both, but I’ve learned to be fully present wherever I am. That mindset keeps me grounded and allows me to enjoy both parts of my life without guilt.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I avoid burnout by keeping realistic expectations and giving myself grace. I’ve learned to slow down when needed instead of pushing through every moment. Simple things like music, quiet time, or spending the evening with my family help me reset so I can come back stronger.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Start with purpose and stay true to it. Entrepreneurship isn’t about having everything perfect—it’s about being consistent, learning as you go, and believing in what you’re building. There will be challenges, but each one shapes your growth. Don’t rush the process, and don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Move with intention, keep your vision clear, and let your passion speak louder than fear.

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