Hi there! I’m Nina Cherie Franklin, but most people know me as “That Salad Lady.” I’m so glad you stopped by! This space is dedicated to inspiring creativity, balance and healthier habits. Whether you’re looking for fresh recipes, practical wellness tips or opportunities to collaborate, you’re in the right place.
Before you explore the many layers of this site, let me share a bit about myself. Professionally, I’m a healthy living coach, content creator and research scientist with a unique background in health and wellness. Holding a PhD in Kinesiology, Nutrition and Rehabilitation, along with multiple certifications in related fields, I’ve worked across both academia and industry for over 25 years. Throughout my career, my focus has been helping people make meaningful, lasting changes in their diets, fitness routines and lifestyles.
Layers of My Wellness Journey
Beyond the credentials, my wellness journey is as layered as the salads I’m known for. Growing up in Chicago’s Englewood community, a food desert with limited access to fresh, nutritious options, I faced many challenges, including poverty and, at times, homelessness. These experiences deeply shaped how I view food, health and opportunity while fostering a profound sense of resilience.
Over the years, I’ve also overcome personal challenges, including food addiction, obesity, multiple miscarriages, anxiety and depression. I live with diagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which has been a constant companion since childhood. These struggles have shaped not only my perspective on wellness but also how I approach life’s many roles.
As a wife and mom to two amazing boys, one of whom has autism, I’ve learned that wellness goes beyond diet and exercise. It’s about creating intentional choices that lead to a balanced, fulfilling life. To me, salads are more than just meals; they’re a metaphor for life. Every ingredient represents a choice, a step toward building something uniquely yours. Through That Salad Lady, my goal is to help you embrace that same mindset for your health, habits and overall well-being.
The Heart of That Salad Lady
This platform is about so much more than salads. It’s about empowering you to make intentional choices, one layer at a time, and transforming those choices into sustainable habits that promote lifelong wellness. Whether it’s mindful meal prep, salad-making or self-care, my mission is to provide you with the tools and inspiration to create a life you love.
When I’m not creating content, you’ll often find me speaking at events, collaborating with wellness brands, teaching spinning classes, or staying active with strength training, running and dancing. I’m also passionate about practicing self-care and spending quality time with my family. And as an unapologetic introvert, I cherish my quiet moments too!
If you’re ready to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle or simply want to enjoy some delicious, whole-food recipes, I hope this space offers both inspiration and empowerment for your journey. For collaborators, I’d love to work together to make wellness more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Thank you for being here and allowing me to share my story. Let’s build vibrant, fulfilling lives, one layer at a time.
Yours in wellness,
Nina Cherie Franklin
That Salad Lady