Brutally Anna Episode Summary: "Raven Ross On How An Eating Disorder Led To Her Pilates Career"

Release Date: April 7, 2025

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Brutally Anna, host Anna Kai sits down with Raven Ross, a former reality TV star from Love Is Blind turned successful Pilates instructor. They delve deep into Raven's personal journey, exploring themes of self-love, resilience, overcoming adversity, and finding balance in life.

1. Introduction to Raven Ross

Anna opens the conversation by highlighting Raven's transformation from a confident, independent figure on Love Is Blind to a dedicated Pilates instructor. She emphasizes Raven's vulnerability and her commitment to inspiring others to embrace their individuality and invest in self-love.

Anna Kai [02:43]: "Raven's now using her platform to inspire others to find balance, embrace their individuality, and most importantly, invest in themselves."

2. Life Before Love Is Blind

Raven paints a vivid picture of her hectic life before the show, juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. This period was marked by intense discipline and self-reliance.

Raven Ross [03:15]: "My life before the show, honestly, was a shit show. I was working three jobs, teaching Pilates, like, literally 12 hours a day, then working, like, a restaurant nightlife job at night."

Raven credits this challenging phase for teaching her essential life skills such as discipline and time management, which later became foundational in her Pilates career.

3. Decision to Join Love Is Blind

Anna inquires about Raven's motivation to participate in the reality show. Raven admits it was a spontaneous decision during a phase where she sought change.

Raven Ross [04:16]: "I was definitely at a point in my life, I was like, I need to try something different. And it was just kind of on a whim."

Despite her initial skepticism about being selected, Raven reflects positively on her experience, acknowledging the personal growth it spurred.

4. Transition to Pilates and Building a Brand

Before her stint on reality TV, Raven had already embarked on her Pilates journey, integrating it seamlessly into her life and career. Her background in professional dance naturally led her to Pilates as a complementary discipline.

Raven Ross [07:14]: "I think attracting so many different people to the way that I teach Pilates in my workouts kind of helped me like accept myself and my new circumstance a little bit more, if that makes sense."

Raven's dedication to making Pilates accessible and affordable, especially for women of color, has been a cornerstone of her brand's growth and success.

5. Overcoming an Eating Disorder and Body Image Struggles

A pivotal part of the conversation centers on Raven's struggle with a long-term eating disorder rooted in her dance career. She candidly shares the impact it had on her self-perception and the challenges of redefining her body image after leaving the dance world.

Raven Ross [09:02]: "I had an eating disorder for like maybe 20 years, a little bit less than that."

Raven discusses how Pilates played a therapeutic role in her healing process, promoting a healthier relationship with her body and fostering self-acceptance.

Raven Ross [09:38]: "Pilates is such a well-rounded system that is truly so good for every single body."

6. Navigating Grief and Loss

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Raven opens up about the sudden loss of her father. She describes the profound impact it had on her life, shifting her priorities and deepening her understanding of time and relationships.

Raven Ross [22:20]: "The day my dad died was like the start of my new life. Like, I can never go back."

Raven emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in coping with grief, highlighting how connecting with others who have faced similar losses provided her solace and strength.

7. Maintaining Balance and Self-Care in a Busy Life

Balancing a growing brand, creating content, and managing personal well-being is a recurring theme. Raven humorously acknowledges her "crazy" nature but underscores the importance of intentional self-care practices.

Raven Ross [37:16]: "I'm not sane. Just for anyone wondering. I am literally crazy."

She shares practical strategies such as turning off her phone and dedicating time to mindful activities like cooking to recharge and maintain her mental health.

8. Advice to Aspiring Women and Overcoming Doubts

Towards the end of the episode, Raven offers empowering advice to women striving to build their own careers and overcome obstacles. She encourages leaning into one's unique strengths and disregarding unsolicited advice from doubtful sources.

Raven Ross [40:24]: "Lean into what makes you you. Like, I. My entire niche, and still to this day, my entire purpose is I want to create accessible, affordable Pilates workouts for women of color."

Raven emphasizes authenticity and staying true to one's mission as key components of success.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Anna wraps up the episode by highlighting the inspirational nature of Raven's story and providing listeners with resources to follow her journey.

Anna Kai [42:32]: "Go check her out."

Raven shares her social media handles and website, encouraging listeners to connect with her for more content and classes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Raven Ross [03:15]: "I was working three jobs, teaching Pilates, like, literally 12 hours a day, then working, like, a restaurant nightlife job at night."

• Raven Ross [09:02]: "I had an eating disorder for like maybe 20 years, a little bit less than that."

• Raven Ross [22:24]: "I do from dance, I had an eating disorder... transitioning out of dance, it really just sticks with you."

• Raven Ross [37:16]: "I'm not sane. Just for anyone wondering. I am literally crazy."

• Raven Ross [40:24]: "Lean into what makes you you... accessible, affordable Pilates workouts for women of color."

Where to Find Raven Ross:

• Instagram, YouTube, TikTok: @PlottiesBodyRaven
• Website: PlattiesBodyRaven.com

Raven Ross's journey from battling an eating disorder to building a thriving Pilates career serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of self-love and dedication. This episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for anyone navigating similar challenges.