EP 110 : From Uniform to Purpose: A Dual Military Couple’s Journey Into Wellness, Reinvention & NutFrusion
In this final Veteran & Military Family Appreciation Month spotlight, Dr. Lola Adeyemo sits down with Tahnohn and Sherry Hayes — a dual-military couple, proud parents, and the founders of NutFrusion, a San Diego–based handcrafted snack company rooted in resilience, clean ingredients, and purpose.
Their story spans deployments, parenthood, medical transition, entrepreneurship, and faith — offering a raw, inspiring look into what it means to rebuild after service and create a business grounded in health, community, and lived experience.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
- The Intersections That Shape Them
From race, culture, faith, service, and parenthood to caregiving and entrepreneurship — how identity has guided every chapter of their lives. - Military Life as a Dual-Service Family
Navigating deployments, relocations, raising three children, and finding stability in community support networks. - Rebuilding After Medical Retirement
How Tahnohn’s MS diagnosis shifted everything — identity, purpose, and the path forward. - The Origin Story of NutFrusion
Born from necessity: clean-ingredient trail mixes and fruit chips created to support health during a major life transition. - Entrepreneurship with Purpose
How they’ve built NutFrusion into a beloved local brand while balancing full careers, teaching, parenting, and community leadership. - Advice for Young Professionals
Community-building, understanding your strengths, embracing pivots, asking for help, and leading with authenticity.
Meet the Guests
Tahnohn Hayes – U.S. Navy Veteran & Founder, NutFrusion
A Navy veteran whose career was cut short by a sudden MS diagnosis, Tahnohn rebuilt his life one decision at a time, ultimately founding NutFrusion — a handcrafted snack company focused on flavor, clean ingredients, and wellness. Through entrepreneurship, he reclaimed purpose, control, and a mission to serve others through nourishing food.
Sherry Hayes – U.S. Navy Veteran, UCSD Lecturer & Operations Leader
Sherry served 21 years in the Navy, advancing from Hospital Corpsman to Environmental Health Officer, with assignments across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Today she is a Continuing Lecturer at UCSD Rady School of Management, a project management & public health expert, and the operations backbone of NutFrusion.
Her certifications include PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, CPH, and she is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach.
Support Their Veteran-Owned Business
NutFrusion – Handcrafted Trail Mixes & Fruit Chips
Website: https://www.nutfrusion.com
Instagram: @nutfrusion
Facebook: NutFrusion
LinkedIn (Sherry): https://www.linkedin.com/in/servewithexcellence
📘 Featured Resource: Military Shoppers Guide
Tahnohn and Sherry are featured in the 2025 Military Shoppers Guide, a curated collection of veteran-owned businesses, gift ideas, and resources designed to support military families and entrepreneurs.
👉 Download the 2025 Military Shoppers Guide (PDF)
About the Host
Dr. Lola Adeyemo is an Inclusive Workplace Strategist, author, and CEO of EQImindset. She helps organizations build communities of belonging through ERG/BRG strategy, leadership development, and storytelling.
Connect with Dr. Lola on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.
✨ Your intersections are powerful. Your story matters. Keep thriving. — Dr. Lola Adeyemo