Community Voices Greatest Hits ✨

Hello there and welcome back to Thrivency’s weekly newsletter! 👋🏽

Do you ever re-read an old journal diary, rewatch a classic film, or revisit an important conversation and remember a gem that was dropped? Something that really resonated with you or transformed your perspective, it’s just been some time since you sat with it.

Some of the best lessons come from what we’ve experienced, but it’s all about carving out dedicated time to reflect. That’s exactly what we’ll do today.

I combed through the wisdom shared throughout our previous Community Voices Q&As about their professional craft, overcoming challenges and finding purpose. I hope you’ll enjoy revisiting these greatest hits, and maybe you’ll find a brand new takeaway. ✨

Sabrina Seymore, Owner of Prevailing Pilates

I noticed that you have a very diverse staff and clientele. Can you talk a little about why that’s important in Pilates?

“Because I didn’t see it. When it was time for me to do my instructor training, it took me longer than expected to find a program. For one, I didn’t even think that this was something I could do. When Pilates was suggested to me, I thought that’s not for us….

it was really important for me that when I decided to get into Pilates and made up my mind that I wanted a studio, that I wanted people to come in here and be able to relate to somebody. Of course I’m not going to be able to have everyone, but I pride myself on making sure that we are super diverse, we have a variety of classes and all the instructors have different teaching styles. And I just want it to be a space that whatever you identify as, you can come in here and be yourself.”

Alicia Williams, Founder of SelahAlicia Williams, Founder of Selah

What’s your biggest lesson or takeaway from the past year as an entrepreneur in the wellness space?

“That alignment is the real competitive advantage. This past year taught me that building slowly, intentionally, and in integrity creates something far more sustainable than chasing speed or trends. Wellness is not about aesthetics—it’s about truth. And women can feel when something is real.

Selah is growing because it’s honest. And I’m learning that my job as a founder isn’t to have all the answers it’s to listen deeply and build responsibly.”

Valeri Monzon, Owner of Era Wellness Bar

You own a separate beauty business what made you decide that now was the time to open the wellness bar?

“A lot of people would say just keep doing what you’ve been doing already. So a lot of people were like no don’t open the Wellness Bar. It’s not gonna go well for you because you should focus on already what you’re doing.

But you know what…I just don’t listen. I wanted to go ahead and push for it. I mean it's a learning experience because of course I didn't know anything about opening it, but it's connecting both of my passions. Both of the things that I have a lot of experience on and things that I love. And I think they actually go together. You’re not just beautiful on the outside, you have to make sure you take care of yourself from within. ”

Cherie & Wisdom Jzar, Co-Founders of Deep Roots CPS Farm

You have a quote from George Washington Carver hanging up on a tree on the farm. What does it mean to you?

“This is one of the sayings that we hold dear before we go out into the farm, because sometimes you think you have to have it all ready, all right, all perfect before you start anything. And our philosophy is what we’ve got, we’re gonna make it work. We’ll do what we can with what we have.”

Tara Pringle Jefferson, Author of Bloom How You Must

The book title and cover evoke imagery of flowers. Can you share your thought process behind that choice?

“I recently started growing flowers and I am amazed how they grow without much help from me. I put them in good, well-drained soil with adequate light and water and they do exactly what they know how to do. They have the blueprint already. Black women need that reminder - put us in the right environment and we flourish, just as flowers do.”

Essence Moore, Owner of Lineage Studio

Why do you think it’s important to be visible as a Black woman esthetician?

“l think that in being a Black woman that’s come from not knowing anything about the world of wellness and self-care, I always want to stay open to the possibilities of life. And I want to explore what it’s like to age gracefully. Most of the women in my family pass away at an early age, so there’s nobody to ask about menopause, skincare, emotional well-being… So being able to have open conversations with other Black women about what they’re experiencing, that has been the most life changing part of my job. The best wellness hack is just talking to people.”

If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, reach out to a loved one that you think should subscribe. We’ll meet back here on October 1st for the next edition of Wellness News You Can Use 🗞

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