In the ever-evolving world of wellness, few voices are as rooted in authenticity, faith, and transformation as that of Alonzo “Zho” Foster, certified holistic health practitioner and founder of Zholistic Life. What began as a personal quest to heal from years of unresolved health issues has blossomed into a powerful mission to guide others toward holistic wellbeing. Through personalized coaching, herbal remedies, and spiritual guidance, Zholistic Life is more than a brand—it’s a movement for those ready to take ownership of their healing journey. TNJ recently spoke with Foster about the inspiration behind the brand, the personal challenges that shaped it, and the heart-centered vision that continues to drive it forward.
What inspired you to launch Zholistic Life?
Foster: My inspiration to launch Zholistic Life stemmed from a deeply personal journey with health issues. For a decade, I relied on allopathic medicine, which focused solely on treating my symptoms without addressing the underlying causes. This approach left me feeling frustrated and helpless. In a pivotal moment, I received divine guidance that led me to explore holistic healing methods. Through these practices, I experienced a profound restoration of my health and wellbeing. This transformation was so impactful that I felt a calling to share these holistic approaches with others, helping them achieve similar healing and empowerment.
How has your vision evolved since launching the brand?
Foster: Since its inception, Zholistic Life has undergone significant evolution. Initially, my focus was on sharing my personal story to inspire others. As I delved deeper into holistic health, I expanded my expertise and became a holistic health practitioner, an herbalist, and a health and wellness coach. My vision has grown to encompass a comprehensive approach to health, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms. I am dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their health through natural and holistic practices, fostering a community of wellness and support.
Through Zholistic Life, I aim to provide personalized guidance, education, and resources to help others navigate their own health journeys. My mission is to inspire and equip people with the tools they need to achieve optimal health and live fulfilling lives. The evolution of my vision reflects my commitment to holistic healing and my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Describe the moment when you knew entrepreneurship was the right path for you?
Foster: From an early age, I knew that entrepreneurship was my calling. In my late 20s, I became a licensed barber and business owner, fulfilling my dream of running my own business. However, my journey took a challenging turn when my health declined, forcing me to put my entrepreneurial aspirations on hold. Despite these setbacks, the desire to be my own boss never left me.
After regaining my health, I felt a renewed drive to pursue entrepreneurship. This led me to start a computer repair business, prompting me to return to school for IT studies. Earning my degree from North Carolina A&T State University and working for John Deere reignited my passion for entrepreneurship. It was during this time that I realized holistic health was my true calling. The combination of my personal health journey and my entrepreneurial spirit solidified my decision to embark on this path, knowing that I could make a meaningful impact on others’ lives through holistic health.
How do your personal experiences and beliefs shape the way you coach your clients?
Foster: Having faced significant health challenges and finding healing through holistic methods, I bring a deep sense of empathy and understanding to my coaching practice. My journey has taught me the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms, and this philosophy is central to my approach.
I believe in the power of holistic healing and the body’s innate ability to restore itself when given the right support. This belief drives me to educate and empower my clients, helping them to take control of their health through natural and holistic practices. My coaching is personalized, taking into account each individual’s unique circumstances and needs. I strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment where clients feel heard, understood, and motivated to make positive changes.
Additionally, my spiritual beliefs guide my practice, emphasizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit. I encourage clients to explore this connection and incorporate practices that promote overall wellbeing. My goal is to inspire and equip clients with the tools they need to achieve optimal health and live fulfilling lives, drawing from my own experiences and the transformative power of holistic health.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
Foster: One of the biggest challenges I faced as an entrepreneur was initially lacking the necessary training and educational experience. This made it difficult to navigate the complexities of running a business effectively. However, my determination to succeed led me to pursue further education and gain valuable entrepreneurial experience, which I was able to apply to Zholistic Life.
Another significant challenge has been the need to balance conventional business methods with my spiritual guidance. Being led by God has sometimes required me to set aside traditional approaches and trust in divine direction. This has not always been easy, as it involves stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing uncertainty. However, my faith and commitment to holistic healing have helped me overcome these obstacles. By staying true to my beliefs and being obedient to divine guidance, I have been able to navigate these challenges and build a business that aligns with my values and mission.
Your brand blends wellness, coaching, and product development—how do you balance the creative process with the business side of things?
Foster: Balancing the creative process with the business side of things requires a strategic approach and a clear vision. For me, it starts with setting priorities and establishing a structured workflow that allows for both creativity and business management.
On the creative side, I dedicate time to brainstorming, developing new wellness products, and refining coaching techniques. This involves staying inspired, researching new trends, and continuously learning to enhance my offerings. I ensure that my creative sessions are free from distractions, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the process. On the business side, I focus on operational efficiency, financial management, and strategic planning. This includes tasks such as marketing, sales, and customer service. I leverage my entrepreneurial experience and educational background to make informed decisions and implement effective business strategies.
To maintain balance, I integrate both aspects into my daily routine. I use tools like time management techniques and project management software to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Additionally, I rely on my team for support, delegating responsibilities where necessary to ensure that both creative and business needs are met. Ultimately, my faith and spiritual guidance play a crucial role in maintaining this balance. By staying true to my mission and values, I am able to navigate the challenges and ensure that Zholistic Life remains aligned with its core purpose of promoting holistic health and wellness.
How do you ensure that your services and products remain authentic and aligned with your mission?
Foster: Ensuring that my services and products remain authentic and aligned with my mission is a top priority. I achieve this through several key practices: I stay grounded in my values, which are rooted in holistic health and spiritual integrity. Every decision I make—whether about a new product or service—is filtered through the lens of what best supports my clients’ wellness journeys. I am committed to continuous learning. Staying updated on the latest research and practices in holistic health allows me to refine and evolve my offerings while maintaining their integrity.
Client feedback is an essential part of this process. I actively listen to their experiences and needs, using that insight to improve and adapt my services. This keeps my work people-centered and relevant. I also prioritize quality control—whether it’s sourcing ingredients for herbal blends or developing new coaching resources, I ensure everything is safe, effective, and true to my mission. Above all, I lead with transparency and integrity. I communicate openly about what my services can and cannot do. That honesty helps build trust and reinforces the authenticity of the Zholistic Life brand.
Walk us through your process when working with clients one-on-one? What can someone expect when they begin a journey with Zholistic Life?
Foster: When working with clients one-on-one, my process is designed to be personalized, supportive, and holistic. We begin with an in-depth consultation, where I listen to their health history, concerns, and goals. This initial connection sets the tone for trust and understanding. From there, I perform a personalized assessment, examining physical, emotional, lifestyle, and spiritual factors. This allows me to identify the root causes of their health challenges.
With that insight, I create a customized wellness plan that may include herbal remedies, nutritional guidance, lifestyle changes, and spiritual practices. The plan is practical, accessible, and tailored to their unique needs. Throughout our work together, I provide ongoing coaching, checking in regularly to offer support, accountability, and adjustments where needed. Education is central to my process—I want clients to understand the “why” behind each recommendation so they can feel empowered on their journey.
Finally, I emphasize holistic integration—encouraging practices like mindfulness, meditation, and faith-based reflection to support healing on every level. My clients are never alone in this process. I walk with them, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
