It’s not common to be diagnosed with Type I diabetes later in life, but there’s nothing common about Doris Hobbs, who got the diagnosis at age 33 and turned the negative into a positive by helping others.
The now-39-year-old Walnut Creek fashion model, blogger and marketing major had her first free e-cookbook, entitled “23 Delicious Recipes for Diabetics,” published last December. The book idea hit her last year during a mastermind session with her business mentor.
“Thirty-three minutes into the conversation, he suggested I create a cookbook for diabetics,” said Hobbs. “I had to think about it for a minute, and my reply was, ‘Can I create a takeaway?’ He said, ‘Of course, what do you have in mind?’ A protein bar for not only diabetics but for those seeking a healthy alternative to what’s currently on the market.”
With a name and label created, Hobbs is now in the process of searching for a chef to take her idea to the next level. Born in Hayward, raised in Union City, Hobbs is a big proponent of living a healthy lifestyle — whether you have to check your blood levels and take insulin shots every morning or not.
“We are truly energy, all the energy we ever need is within us, and you won’t find it in a can or product,” she said. “Our bodies are temples — body, mind and soul — we need to keep it clean from clutter, nonsense and foolishness, which also includes toxic food and environments.”
Hobbs also speaks about the body, mind and soul on her YouTube channel, “Dose of Doris” (bayareane.ws/DorisHobbs).
Out of the 23 recipes in her new e-book, it’s hard for her to choose which one she loves the most.
“I have so many,” said Hobbs. “Can I say all of them? I would say the Grilled Salmon and, of course, the Chocolate Chip Cookies, which are made with almond flour.”
Just like her diabetes diagnosis, Hobbs began modeling later in life as well. She stands 5 feet, 11 inches tall and fits into sizes two to four. But with those measurements, breaking into the business was not easy. It all started with rejection.
“I started modeling in 2012 for my own personal website and blog titled ‘Rich in Love’ (richinlovefashion.com),” she said. “It started from being rejected at the age of 17 through a number of modeling agencies. I moved on and went to college, majoring in marketing, so who knew at the age of 31 I would create ‘Rich in Love’ and become the founder, model and writer, utilizing all of my skills and talents on a media platform that would soon become a website for diabetes awareness, PR services and vintage-inspired fashion.”
With a knack for turning negatives into positives, Hobbs, who also walks more than 30 miles each week, firmly believes that “everything is happening for you, not to you. I only say this because shortly after I was diagnosed with diabetes, I was being guided to something bigger through modeling and my website. Today I’m known as ‘the Glamorous Diabetic,’ which makes my heart sing — knowing I’m taking my modeling and allowing it to inspire others.”
Hobbs currently models for Blackwell Files in San Francisco, in their pro division, as well as many international photographers, such as James Adams Photography. Instead of looking at outward appearances — Hobbs hopes her book will help others feed their inner soul and physical body.
“I want others to look past the glamour and understand that through the darkness there is light. We all have to find our inner strength and allow that to carry us to our abundances,” she said. “This book and in the near future, the protein bar, will help others have a better understanding of food and learn that when you remove 80% of the carbs from your diet, eat cleaner, exercise and drink plenty of water, you will not only feel the difference, you will see it as well as others. It can be challenging at first, but remember, with great change, there is reward.”
If given the opportunity to remove diabetes from her life, Hobbs said she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“No, because it has provided me a voice for others to follow and be inspired by,” she said. “It has also gifted me my soul purpose in life — to be the face and hope for those with diabetes.”
Charleen Earley is a freelance writer and journalism professor at Foothill and Diablo Valley colleges. Reach her at charleenbearley@gmail.com or 925-383-3072.