How Facebook Live Helped Me Transform My Life and Inspire Other Moms on My Journey to Wellness

By Faiza Akthar | The Fai Club

Before there was an Instagram page, a studio, or even the name “Chai with Fai,” there was just a Facebook group. Not a marketing strategy. Not a brand plan. Just me, a webcam, and a group of Middle East Beauty Bloggers—MEBB for short. And that’s really where this journey started.

MEBB: A Space That Changed Everything

It was 2018, and I was living in Dubai. Instagram was still just a photo-sharing app, not the content machine it is today. Facebook Groups were thriving, and one of the most active ones I was in was MEBB. A group of vibrant, opinionated, beauty-loving women from across the region.

I didn’t join to become an influencer. I joined to share what I was learning about my health.

See, after having my son Adam, I gained weight following pregnancy. It wasn’t “bounce back culture”; it was “figure out who I even am now” culture. I started experimenting with food, learning how to track my meals, and researching everything from hormones to hydration.

I took those notes and turned them into Facebook Lives.

My Speaking Points Were Simple — But Real

Here are just a few of the things I spoke about during MEBB live sessions:

• You didn’t gain the weight overnight—so it’ll take time to lose it. Be kind to yourself.

  
  

• The Power of Habit: give up soda → then fake juice → then try lemon water. One change always leads to the next.

  
  

• Hair loss? Check your iron.

  
  

• Fatigue? Might be Vitamin D.

  
  

• Dull skin? Probably hydration.

  
  

I’d break down how to track calories using MyFitnessPal, explain what CICO meant, and share little tricks I was using to feel better—not just look better.

I wasn’t a trainer. I wasn’t a coach. I was just a woman figuring it out, out loud.

The Birth of "Chai with Fai"

What started as one or two Lives turned into a weekly ritual. The comments transformed into engaging conversations. People wanted more. They asked to see what I was eating, what snacks I chose, and how I was making my meals more nourishing.

Watching the community grow and seeing other women share their journeys was the real magic. It created a safe space where we could share our struggles, our triumphs, and our everyday victories. The support from fellow moms was phenomenal.

Facebook Lives

Sharing My Journey to Wellness

As the weeks went by, I expanded what I shared. I started discussing my autoimmune wellness journey. Living with autoimmune challenges is no small feat. Adapting my diet played a significant role in managing my symptoms.

I began to focus on foods that fueled my body, ditching the processed snacks that were once staples in my pantry. This led to discussions around meal prepping, discovering new recipes, and even finding local markets where I could get fresh produce.

I saw firsthand how educating myself and sharing that knowledge not only empowered me but also inspired others to take charge of their health. Together, we celebrated little wins, like trying a new vegetable or sticking to our hydration goals.

Creating a Community of Support

The beauty of “Chai with Fai” has been the connection between moms who are navigating similar waters. Many of us face postpartum challenges, whether it’s weight loss, self-identity, or autoimmune concerns.

I found that sharing our stories built an incredible bond amongst us. We were no longer just sharing health tips; we were building friendships. Women from various backgrounds came together to share their experiences. It’s amazing how the power of vulnerability creates spaces where others feel safe to open up too.

These discussions became moments of therapy—empowering, uplifting moments where we could vent, laugh, and most importantly, support one another.

Overcoming Obstacles Together

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. There were days when my enthusiasm waned or when life felt heavy. On those days, I would turn to my community. Their stories and struggles encouraged me to keep pushing forward.

Having accountability partners within the group pushed us to stay the course. Whether we celebrated the weight we lost or commiserated over a dessert binge, we did it together.

Facebook Live became our happy hour, where we let our guard down and shared our authentic selves. From wardrobe malfunctions to mom fails—there was never any judgment, just understanding.

These are my actual notes...from my Lives

The Road Ahead: Inspiring Others through Wellness

“Chai with Fai” is a testament to the power of community. From a simple idea born out of a desire to connect, we have morphed into a haven for moms seeking wellness solutions. My goal has always been to inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being.

As I look ahead, my commitment remains strong. I hope to continue sharing not just my journey but also the experiences of other moms who find their light in trying times.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that when we band together to uplift one another, the journeys become much more manageable. And that’s precisely what I aim to do, week after week—create a space where every woman feels seen, heard, and celebrated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Chai with Fai” isn’t just about health—it’s about connection, community, and growth. Facebook Live has transformed my life in ways I never imagined, turning hardships into stories of triumph.

Whether you’re tackling weight loss, managing an autoimmune condition, or just trying to navigate the post-partum phase, remember—you’re not alone. Let’s continue to share our journeys, one cup of chai at a time.

Embrace your story, and who knows? You might inspire someone else along the way.

Before and After