Meet Dr. Nicole Skinner
Dr. Nicole Rae Skinner is a passionate advocate, dedicated pastor, and accomplished author whose life's work is centered around helping others be transformed by the renewing of their mind.
Dr. Skinner is the visionary founder of Black Girls Who Binge, an organization devoted to empowering and supporting Black women in their journey to overcome binge eating disorder. This pivotal organization raises awareness about the disorder's impact and provides a nurturing community for healing and transformation. Dr. Skinner integrates Christian principals to accomplish her mission of inspiring hope and fostering resilience, helping women reclaim their lives and achieve holistic well-being.
Aside from leading Black Girls Who Binge Dr. Skinner also the Founder of Nicole Rae Ministries, a published author, podcast host and gospel recording artist. She serves as a youth pastor at her local church and with This Girl Has Oil, Inc, an organization where she has found sisterhood, community, and opportunities for personal development as a leader.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Skinner is a devoted wife and mother to two daughters. Her family is her cornerstone, providing her with love and support as she continues to inspire and lead with compassion and empathy.
Growing up, I was a young Black girl who faced significant challenges with weight, body image, and emotional well-being. From a tender age, I was painfully aware of how different I looked compared to my peers. The relentless teasing and societal pressures to fit a certain mold took a toll on my self-esteem. As a child, I developed unhealthy eating habits, using food as both a comfort and a shield against the world’s harsh judgments.
As I transitioned into early adulthood, unresolved emotional issues led me down a path of addiction. Marijuana became my refuge, a temporary escape from reality. For a while, it masked my pain, but soon, I realized it was a fleeting solution to a deeper problem. I had tried to quit this habit but struggled putting it down and picking it back up. After a trip to the mountain where I encountered Jesus I was determined to move forward in my faith and reclaim my life, so I made the courageous decision to stop smoking weed. However, as I overcame one addiction, another quietly took its place.
Unbeknownst to me, I had developed a dependency on food, turning to it for solace during moments of stress and loneliness. It wasn't until I stumbled upon the term "Binge Eating Disorder" (BED) that I recognized the patterns in my life. The realization was both shocking and enlightening. I delved into research, eager to understand this disorder that had quietly governed my actions for so long.
In my quest for healing, I turned to my faith and invited Jesus into my journey. I prayed for strength, guidance, and deliverance from the chains of BED. My faith became my anchor, and with every prayer, I felt a profound sense of peace and hope. I began to understand that true healing required not just physical transformation, but spiritual renewal as well.
With the power of God, I embarked on a path of recovery. It wasn't an easy journey, but through prayer, meditation, and fasting, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I learned to appreciate my body for its strength and resilience and to nurture it with kindness and care.
Today, I am walking a journey of healing, guided by faith and resilience. While there are still challenges, I face them with the confidence that I am not alone. I am a testament to the transformative power of faith and the unyielding strength that can be found in surrendering to God’s will. My story is one of redemption and hope, a reminder that with determination and divine support, overcoming life’s toughest battles is possible. Now, my goal is to help other women like myself overcome the challenge of emotional and binge eating.