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Alumni Highlight: Victoria’s Path to Plant-Based Innovation

ACHS Alumni Victoria Funn

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Victoria Funn’s journey into holistic health and plant-based entrepreneurship was never a straight path. With a background in psychology and holistic nutrition, her passion for wellness was always evident, but the road to Green Genius, her thriving plant-based culinary brand, was paved with unexpected turns, deep introspection, and an unwavering commitment to her mission.

Choosing ACHS: A Foundation in Holistic Wellness

When it came time to deepen her expertise in holistic health, Victoria chose ACHS and earned her Associate of Applied Science in Integrative Health Sciences degree. The nationally accredited programs provided the perfect blend of scientific rigor and integrative health knowledge, giving her the credibility and depth of understanding necessary for her work. The flexible online format allowed her to pursue her education while continuing to grow her business, aligning seamlessly with her entrepreneurial lifestyle.

Key Reasons for Choosing ACHS:

Accreditation & Credibility – ACHS’s accreditation ensured that Victoria’s education met high academic standards while bridging holistic wisdom with evidence-based learning.

Comprehensive Curriculum – The coursework in holistic nutrition, herbal medicine, and integrative health sciences deepened her expertise and allowed her to apply her knowledge directly to her business.

Flexibility for an Entrepreneurial Lifestyle – As a business owner, Victoria needed a program that fit her schedule without compromising quality.

Alignment with Her Mission – Her vision has always been to create clean, nourishing, and flavorful plant-based foods. ACHS gave her the foundation to ensure her work remained rooted in holistic health principles.

Supportive Learning Environment – The ACHS community of like-minded professionals provided inspiration, collaboration, and mentorship along the way.

The Birth of Green Genius: A Culinary Awakening

Green Genius LogoVictoria’s journey as an entrepreneur began in an unexpected way. While stationed in Hawaii as an active-duty court reporter, her father’s visit sparked the realization that the island lacked authentic Caribbean cuisine. Seeing this gap, her father encouraged her to take action, handing her $600 and telling her, “Start your LLC.”

That moment ignited a passion that had been quietly simmering for years. What began as a simple push from her father evolved into Green Genius, a brand dedicated to plant-based innovation, clean eating, and holistic wellness.

Green Genius: More Than Just Food

Green Genius isn’t just about plant-based meals, it’s a movement that challenges the notion that healthy food must come at the expense of taste or tradition. Victoria’s culinary philosophy centers around using whole, intentional ingredients that nourish the body and soul without relying on ultra-processed substitutes.

What Green Genius Offers:

Green Genius Kitchen – A plant-based culinary concept focused on truly clean, whole-food meals, free from processed ingredients, soy, gums, and additives.

Green Genius Ice Cream – A dairy-free ice cream line featuring chickpea, coconut, and cashew-based options, proving that indulgence and health can coexist.

The Vision: Education, Innovation, and Impact

Victoria envisions a future where Green Genius has a physical location, serving as a hub for plant-based innovation, culinary education, and community engagement. Her goal is not just to provide food but to inspire a shift in how people view nourishment. proving that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or culture.

Lessons from the Journey: Intentionality and Purpose

Victoria believes success in holistic entrepreneurship doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect moment, it comes from taking action, staying committed, and aligning every step with a clear purpose. Her journey is a testament to this philosophy. Here are some of Victoria’s guiding principles when it comes to entrepreneurship:

Clarity and Purpose – Knowing the “why” behind her work keeps her focused and resilient.

Authenticity and Trust – Using real, high-quality ingredients builds credibility and loyalty.

Mastery Before Expansion – Establishing expertise in a niche before scaling ensures longevity.

Strategic Community Building – The right mentors and collaborations open doors to growth.

Service Over Sales – Prioritizing impact and education leads to sustainable success.

A Message of Resilience: Trusting the Path

Victoria’s journey from the military to holistic health, and from barista work to business ownership, proves that success is not linear. Each experience, challenge, and lesson has played a role in shaping her path. Her story is a reminder that with intention, discipline, and passion, anyone can manifest the life they truly desire. “Regardless of where you come from or the challenges you’ve faced, you have the power to create something meaningful,’ she shares. “Move with clarity, trust your vision, and take action. The right path will unfold as you do.”

Victoria now operates out of a physical location at 547 Central Avenue in Newark, New Jersey, lovingly dubbed Electric Ave. She has recently merged with Organic Lyfe Wellness LLC forming a dynamic collaboration rooted in holistic healing and intentional nourishment. Together, they specialize in plant-based everything—from gourmet meals and artisanal desserts to soul-nourishing wellness offerings—all served with purpose and innovation on Electric Ave.

You can connect with Victoria here:

Felicia Royce, BS, MS, LMT

Felicia Royce, BS, MS, LMT

Felicia brings over 15 years of leadership experience in higher education, with expertise in admissions, financial aid, career services, and coaching. She holds an MS in Psychology, a BS in Human Services, and a Certificate in Massage Therapy, and currently serves as Director of Career Services at ACHS, where she helps students turn their passion for holistic health into meaningful careers.

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