Partner Spotlight: Souja Ageeb of Edeva Snacks
What inspired you to get involved in wellness, and how has that journey shaped who you are today?
Growing up in Lebanon, I was raised on clean, wholesome food made from fresh, real ingredients. When I moved to the United States, I was surprised by how normalized processed food and oversized portions were, and I quickly saw the impact on my own health.
After having my boys, I became even more mindful of the unhealthy snacks marketed to children. I began making simple date based bars at home—a traditional Lebanese treat—and my kids and their friends loved them. As a teacher, I also saw firsthand how sugary, low nutrient snacks affected my students’ energy and focus, and I wished the wholesome bars I made for my own family were available to them.
During COVID, a friend who owns a café in Montclair started selling my bars, and they sold out within days. That moment gave me the confidence to turn my passion for cooking and nutrition into a real business. Today, our bars are carried in more than 400 independent cafés and health stores, helping people enjoy snacks that are naturally sweet, nutrient dense, and genuinely wholesome.
Wellness means something different to everyone, how do you define wellbeing? How has this changed over the years?
As I’ve gotten older, my understanding of wellbeing has evolved. I’ve realized it’s not just about eating healthy—it’s also about feeling strong, energetic, balanced, and content. True wellbeing comes from nourishing both the body and mind, so you can feel your best every day.
What is one wellness practice or ritual that has truly transformed your mental, emotional, or physical health?
One wellness practice that truly transformed my mental and physical health is learning to reprogram my mindset, to find the positive in every situation, even the challenging ones . I used to struggle with body aches caused by stress, and that led me to yoga and meditation. Through these practices, I learned how to calm my mind, release tension in my body, and approach life with more balance, gratitude, and resilience.
Many women struggle with consistency or self care guilt. What advice do you offer for navigating wellness without pressure or perfection?
Many women feel that wellness has to be perfect to count, which often creates unnecessary pressure and guilt. I believe wellness should be simple and realistic, focused on small, consistent choices rather than perfection.
As a mother, former teacher, and founder of a wellness snack brand, I know how busy life can be. Some days will be better than others, and that’s normal. What matters is doing your best and making mindful choices when you can.
I also encourage women not to compare their wellness journey to others. Every woman’s body, lifestyle, and challenges are different. The goal is progress, not perfection, and taking care of yourself without guilt.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited for this year as you continue to create an impact in health and wellness?
I’m excited to see more women—and more people in general—becoming more mindful about what they eat. More consumers are starting to read labels and look beyond just calories, carbs, and protein. They’re paying attention to ingredients and the micronutrients and fiber that truly support long term health.
I’m also excited to see the shift happening in the wellness space. We’re moving beyond the high protein and keto trends toward foods that support gut health, the microbiome, and overall wellness—especially those rich in fiber and good, balanced sources of protein. That’s exactly what my date bars offer, which makes me even more excited about the impact they can have.
