Though born in Detroit, MI, Tomika Rayford was raised and educated in the historic city of Selma, Alabama. Early years in Selma, a city known for its pivotal role in the civil rights movement, instilled in her a deep understanding of the struggles faced by underserved communities, especially in terms of health disparities. This unique perspective has been a guiding force in her career and personal life. Over the last 20 years of her life, she has embarked on a journey that has been both challenging and rewarding.

For 25 years, Tomika has dedicated her life to the field of logistics and planning management, where she honed skills in organization, strategy, and leadership. However, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney failure. In 2004, after 1 year of battling CKD, she achieved what many thought was impossible: she reversed her end-stage renal disease through holistic means via a Renal Holistic Practitioner.

Her health challenges didn't stop with CKD, in 2016 she was diagnosed with type diabetes mellitus, so she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Recently, after years of research and implementing significant lifestyle changes, she successfully reversed her type 2 diabetes. This transformative experience ignited a passion within to explore the power of nutrition and lifestyle changes in healing the body; this achievement further solidified her belief in the body's ability to heal itself through healthy food choices and regular exercise.

Having grown up in an underserved community, Tomika understands firsthand the impact that limited resources can have on health. This understanding has driven her to dedicate her life to working not only with individuals but also with entire communities. Her mission, through this foundation, Digestive-Rest Health and Wellness, is to empower others with the tools and knowledge to take control of their own health narratives.

Through sharing her survival story, coupled with the knowledge she has gained through education and research, she teaches others about the dangers of obesity, the growing threat of insulin resistance, renal failure, and amputations; the importance of exercise, aiming to inspire others to make positive changes in their lives. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of determination. She hopes that by sharing her journey, her years of research, and her dedication to lead from the front lines of this massive epidemic, that she can help others realize that they, too, have the agency and strength of will, to transform their health and their lives.

Tomika spends her life in Northwest Mississippi, writing, and basking in the love of her fur-baby, Bella Mia Cook.