These Black Women Are Shifting The Narrative On Wellness
Black women have been redefining what wellness looks like since the beginning of time. (I even have a real-life, sassy, still-walking-signifying-driving-gardening example of this via my own 92-year-old Granny, who is the epitome of manifestation and self-preservation, as she has always defined wellness on her own terms.) We continue to shift the narrative, especially when it comes to what "wellness" actually means as a Black woman in a world where it can be so hard to simply exist in fullness.
There are many key voices that have not only solidly, boldly, and intelligently challenge stereotypical and sometimes toxic "norms" of protecting one's peace and maintaining great physical, mental, and spiritual health, and cultivating ideas, methods, and communities that cater to our unique needs. Here are a few you should check out on social and beyond:
Ashlee Wisdom and Eddwina Bright
This duo's digital portal, Health In Her Hue, goes beyond just being a healthcare provider directory for Black and brown women to being a robust resource on topics including reproduction and heart health, LGBTQAI+ inclusivity, and mental wellness via a community of advocates pushing for access and exposure to culturally competent care providers.
Britney Victoria Alston
Britney Victoria Alston is a plant-based chef trained at London's elite Le Cordon Bleu, and while vegan eating is far from a new concept, Britney is leading the charge for a new generation to explore journeys toward wellness in a way that is inclusive and relatable. Through education and recipes, she's using her faith-based platform, The Holistic Fox, to enlighten and empower.
Lalah Delia
Lalah Delia is giving power in peace and balance through her podcast, book, and social platforms. The author, educator, and School of VIbrations founder is representing for sistas in wellness lovely, as seen via herrecent work with Deepak Chopra's app, as well as her own uber-successful wellness platforms on social and IRL.
Imani Tutt
Can't have a list about women in wellness without including someone who tackles matters of the heart. Imani Tutt, a licensed marriage and family therapist, covers issues related to intimacy, heartbreak, and "soul-centered" explorations of both love of self and others, overseeing a private community that provides a safe space to venture.
Dr. Ebony
What's intriguing and noteworthy about this psychologist's work is that there's a focus on trauma recovery, particularly issues related to PTSD and identity, and food relationships, tapping into the mental aspects associated with eating habits and choices. Dr. Ebony is also the creator of My Therapy Cards, a tool that allows users to ask self-exploratory questions to reach their life goals.
Dr. Ala Stanford
A board-certified adult and pediatric surgeon, Dr. Ala Stanford is one of the leading voices on the disparity minorities face related to COVID-19 prevention and treatment. She's also one of President Joe Biden's regional director appointees for the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services and is a featured expert in the Oprah-led documentary, The Color of Care. As a health justice advocate, she's helping to keep the issues of the pandemic—which is definitely not over, especially in terms of the negative impact on Black and brown communities—at the forefront. Talk about taking up space, being a thought leader, and using one's voice for the greater good. Major boss moves, indeed.
Jessamyn Stanley
Jessamyn Stanley has been unapologetically making yoga and fitness more inclusive for several years now. And today, we're seeing more of the now-author and podcast host who further flourishes in front of cameras for brands including Ivy Park, Gatorade, and Target, just to name a few. She reminds us all that the foundation of wellness is strengthened by confidence, authenticity, and self-love.
Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop
Dispelling myths about food choices while empowering Black and brown women, this trained nutritionist is redefining what healthy eating truly means. Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop pulls very few punches when it comes to giving the real on the intersectionality of culture and cuisine and what nourishing ourselves really means.
Dr. Janelle Howell
Not to seem biased but the greatness started with the first name. Ha! And anybody combining the use of the word "coochie" with raw but real insights about sex, reproductive and vaginal health—and has the knowledge and training in women's health physical therapy to back it all up—is certainly a winner in the wellness education department. From debunking popular ideas about the benefits of vaginal "washes" to informing her thousands of IG followers about the true makeup of the clitoris, Dr. Janelle Howell is making sure we all remember that responsible conversations about wellness indeed include sex and pleasure advocacy (as they should.)
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Getty Images
- Black Men Mental Health Advocates - xoNecole: Women's Interest ... ›
- The First Time I Tried Acupuncture - xoNecole: Women's Interest ... ›
- Black Women Mental Health Pandemic Fatigue - xoNecole ... ›
- Top Wellness Habits of Successful Black Women - xoNecole: Lifestyle, Culture, Love, & Wellness ›
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
How A Stay At Switzerland's Luxurious 7132 Hotel Reminded Me To Live The Life I Deserve
Sometimes, as women—especially as single Black women—we simply need to be reminded that we are deserving of living a life we dream of. Even if that means creating it for ourselves. I recently set out on a weeklong trip to Switzerland, a trip I’ve been wanting to take for years, and near the end of my visit, I had an epiphany.
“DeAnna, this is the life you deserve,” I thought to myself as I took in the gorgeous bathroom in my suite at the famous 7132 Hotel and Thermal Spa. It was one of the most luxurious hotels (and bathrooms) I had ever stayed in—and that’s saying a lot for someone who often travels for work.
To help you better understand why this was such a mental awakening for me, I first need to give a bit of my backstory. I’m in my late thirties. I’m an attorneyand a journalist. I own a home and have traveled the world extensively. Essentially, I’ve done everything in life I set out to do. However, when it comes to dating, I struggle. Not because there is anything wrong with me per se, but because my career and “lifestyle” often create problems in my romantic relationships.
View from my hotel room
Courtesy
I’ve been told everything from, ‘I can’t continue to date you because you seem to choose your career over wanting to settle down and have kids’ by a man after only the second date to ‘Maybe if you just sat down somewhere for a while, I’d actually wife you’ by someone who has honestly never proven themselves to be the settle down type. And these are only a handful of the things I’ve been told over the years.
It’s been frustrating, to say the least, and there have even been seasons where I purposely dimmed my light in hopes that my career wouldn’t push away potential suitors. I know what you’re thinking, “Girl, why would you even consider that? If they’re for you, it won’t matter what you do.” Hey, don’t judge me, but also, I one hundred percent agree.
My hotel bathroom
Courtesy
That’s why this recent moment in Switzerland was right on time. When I first walked into the hotel to check in, I was blown away by the surrounding beauty. It was a five-star property with one of the world’s most famous thermal bathhouses. Yet, it was something about seeing that 90% of the hotel’s guests were couples, that forced me to sit back for a bit of introspection—while soaking in the thermal spa, of course.
As I went through the mental conversation, there was a battle of sorts. On one hand, I knew that being able to partake in experiences like the one I was having at that moment was important to me. I knew that, at times I actually love being able to dabble in the finer things—after all, I’ve worked hard to be able to afford them. On the other hand, and sadly, I knew that sometimes being a single Black woman that publicly showcases her “luxurious” habits can intimidate men and even scare them off from pursuing you under the guise of them feeling like they “can’t do anything for you, because you have everything.”
My hotel room
Courtesy
So, what is a girl to do?
Do I minimize/hide the life and experiences that I have? Do I play down the hard work I’ve put in to get where I am professionally? Or, do I risk being single in exchange for being able to have said life, without backlash?
Luckily, the joy that I felt while being at this property won. There was something about taking a full day to simply pamper myself at the bathhouse and in my in-room steam shower and soaker tub, indulging in cuisine from a 2-star Michelin restaurant and doing all of this while surrounded by an amazing group of Black women that reminded me—this is certainly the life I was meant to live and that I deserve. Even if it means that right now, I’ll just have to provide it for myself until the right partner comes along. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
Restaurant at 7132 hotel
Courtesy
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy