Today we’d like to introduce you to Aishia Ike
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I think about a story—my story—I reflect on the experiences that have shaped me into the woman I am today. Let’s start with my name: Aishia. My mom always told me that in Swahili, my name means “life.” She chose this name for me because my arrival into the world was anything but easy.
My birth was a major health scare for my mother—one that left her in a coma for six weeks. I had to be delivered via an emergency C-section while she was slowly losing life. She once told me that after naming me Aishia, she knew I had a purpose in this world, and God allowed her to see it through.
I am an only child. I lost my father at the age of six, so it was just my mom and me growing up. Despite our struggles, she was determined to give me the best life possible—offering me experiences she never had herself.
Today, I hold a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut. I mention this because, at one point, I never imagined pursuing a master’s. Growing up, I was placed on an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which provides personalized support for students with disabilities to help them succeed in school. There was a time when I questioned whether I would ever make it this far, but I never allowed what some might see as a setback to define me. Instead, I pushed forward and achieved my dreams.
So, how did I get to where I am today? I currently work as a clinician in a jail setting, but my experience in the field extends beyond that—I have provided therapy and supported individuals on their own journeys of healing and growth. I truly believe this is my life’s purpose: helping others see in themselves what they may not yet recognize.
I genuinely love helping people, and right now, I am simply finding my space in this world to do just that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I truly believe every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me into who I am today. Losing my dad at the age of six was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through. At that age, I didn’t fully understand what was happening, I just knew he was gone. Growing up without him left a huge void, and as I got older, I started to feel the weight of that loss even more. Both mentally and physically. Mentally it took a toll. There were times when I felt different, like I was missing a piece of myself. As I got older I struggled with feelings of abandonment and wondering how life would be if he were still here. Physically, my dad’s passing took a toll too. As I got older, I started turning to food as a way to cope with the emotions I didn’t know how to process.
Food became my comfort, my escape. Whenever I felt sad, lonely, or overwhelmed, eating was the one thing that made me feel better in the moment. But over time, that coping mechanism led to weight gain, and before I knew it, my relationship with food had turned into something unhealthy. I wasn’t just eating to fuel my body—I was eating to fill a void.
The extra weight affected my confidence, my energy, and even my health. I wanted to break the cycle, but for a long time, food felt like the only thing I could control when everything else felt uncertain. It wasn’t until I started truly working on myself—mentally and emotionally—that I realized I had to address the root of my struggles, not just the symptoms.
Losing my dad changed my life in so many ways, and while it led to challenges with my mental and physical health, it also pushed me to grow. It’s still a journey, but I’m learning healthier ways to cope, to take care of myself, and to heal from the loss in ways that truly serve me.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth, but every struggle has led me to where I am, and I wouldn’t change that for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a clinician working in a jail setting, where I provide mental health support to incarcerated individuals. My work involves helping people navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives, offering them the tools to process their emotions, develop coping skills, and work toward personal growth.
Beyond my clinical work, I am also stepping into the world of content creation, where I share my personal journey with VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy), a weight loss surgery where most of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits food intake and reduces hunger, helping with long-term weight loss. I personally took this route due to my long history with my struggle with obesity, and when I reached my highest weight—enough was enough. I had to take my life back.
My goal is to not only document my own progress but to also inspire and encourage others to stay accountable in their own health journeys. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to break unhealthy habits, and I want to create a space where people feel supported, motivated, and empowered to keep going.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people on a deeper level—both professionally and personally. Whether it’s through my work as a clinician or my presence in the wellness space, I am committed to helping others see the potential within themselves, even when they may not see it yet.
I am most proud of my resilience and willingness to keep pushing forward, despite the challenges I’ve faced. From overcoming personal struggles with weight and emotional eating to earning my master’s degree despite early academic challenges, I’ve learned that growth comes from perseverance. Now, I use my experiences to uplift others, whether in my career or through my content. My journey isn’t just about me—it’s about showing others that transformation, both mentally and physically, is possible.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Intotality with Megan Ashley Podcast has been a huge part of my journey in growing closer to God. Her podcast dives deep into faith, self-discovery, and spiritual growth in a way that feels both real and relatable. Each episode encourages me to reflect, challenge myself, and lean into my relationship with God even more.
Building a stronger connection with God is my biggest desire, and Intotality has been a source of guidance and inspiration along the way. It reminds me that faith is a journey, not a destination, and that every step—no matter how small—brings me closer to the person God has called me to be.
Atomic Habits has been a game-changer for me in understanding how small, consistent actions lead to big transformations. The book emphasizes the power of daily habits and how they shape our identity over time, which directly aligns with the work I do—both as a clinician and in my personal wellness journey.
In my clinical work, I help individuals recognize the impact of their behaviors and guide them toward healthier patterns of thinking and coping. Similarly, in my own life, I’ve had to unlearn unhealthy habits—especially when it comes to emotional eating and self-discipline—and replace them with intentional actions that support my growth.
Whether it’s staying accountable in my wellness journey, building a stronger relationship with God, or encouraging others to make lasting changes, Atomic Habits reinforces that real progress comes from consistency, not perfection. It’s a reminder that every small step matters, and that’s exactly the message I try to display in my work and content.
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Delila Castro
