Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Varkpeh
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?
My journey as an entrepreneur has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. From a young age, I’ve been passionate about changing lives and inspiring others. Fitness was my first love—I started working out at 14 and immediately got hooked. It wasn’t just about looking good; it was about how it made me feel. That passion carried me through high school, but when I started college, life got in the way. Between school and work, I let fitness slip, telling myself I was “too busy.” But deep down, I knew I was just making excuses.
My first job was at Chipotle, and it opened my eyes to what was possible if you truly dedicated yourself. I became obsessed with growth and leadership, not for the title, but because I wanted to help people become the best version of themselves—inside and outside of work. That drive pushed me into a “workaholic” mindset, always chasing the next level. But even as I moved up, something felt off. No matter how hard I worked, I still felt like something was missing.
It took years for me to admit that I needed to reconnect with fitness—not just for my body, but for my mind and soul. And when I finally got back into it, something clicked. I realized I wasn’t the only one who felt this way. There were so many people struggling to balance life, health, and ambition. That realization sparked my first business, Beyond Being Vegan.
I started it with friends as a side hustle, but before I knew it, they were looking to me as the leader. I had no clue what I was doing, but I had to figure it out. Then came one of the hardest moments of my journey—a fallout with a business partner that led to my name being slandered. It was painful. I had to make a choice: let the situation break me or let it build me. I chose to rebuild. I started from scratch, determined to create something bigger than just a business—a movement rooted in quality, integrity, and a true passion for helping people.
That experience taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money; it’s about resilience, vision, and staying true to yourself no matter what. Today, I continue to build businesses that align with my purpose, always striving to uplift and inspire others. My journey is far from over, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: setbacks aren’t the end—they’re just the beginning of something greater.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been an easy road at all. One of the hardest obstacles I’ve ever faced was the fallout with my initial business partner. It forced me to take a hard look at myself and ask, Who do I want to be remembered as? The situation tested my character, my resilience, and my ability to lead. But the hardest part? Protecting my mental well-being through it all.
I lost my entire team. I lost over a million dollars. I had to start over when I least expected it. And yet, I refused to let it break me. I chose to rebuild, not just a business but a stronger version of myself.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to new entrepreneurs, it’s this: “We go to war with the army we have, not the army we want.” It’s a simple sentence, but it carries so much weight. We all have dreams of working with the perfect team, the ideal business partners, the people we think will help us succeed. But that’s not how it works. The truth is, your team can’t be the best they can be until you are the best you can be. Leadership starts from within.
Through everything—the losses, the lessons, and the late nights filled with doubt—one thing became clear: mental and physical health must come first. As entrepreneurs, we carry an overwhelming weight. There’s always a never-ending to-do list, another deadline, another challenge. But none of it matters if you aren’t taking care of yourself. The biggest lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that success means nothing if you lose yourself in the process.
I’m still standing, still building, and still learning every single day. My journey is proof that setbacks don’t define you—how you rise from them does.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
BeAvanti Nutrition is a premier athlete-focused nutrition company dedicated to optimizing athletic performance and recovery through high-quality, customized meal prep, protein-packed smoothies, and all-natural pressed juices. Founded on the principles of health, convenience, and sustainability, BeAvanti addresses the unique nutritional needs of athletes at all levels, from high school sports teams to elite professionals. By providing accessible, science-backed nutrition solutions, BeAvanti empowers athletes to achieve their full potential, fueling not only their bodies but also their ambitions.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck; I believe everything happens for a reason. Every challenge and blessing comes with a purpose, shaping who we are and guiding us toward growth. I trust that God places obstacles in our path not to break us but to build us, teaching us resilience, faith, and wisdom. Likewise, every blessing is a reminder of His grace and a stepping stone toward something greater. No matter what happens, I believe that every experience—good or bad—is part of a divine plan designed to strengthen and prepare us for what’s ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beavantinutrition.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beavanti_?igsh=MWV5cmt4b2JqeWVxYw==
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avanticeo?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
