The stories we tell ourselves about our health hold immense power. These narratives shape not only how we perceive our well-being but also the choices we make daily. In October we suggested you define your wellness story. So if you’ve previously crafted a wellness story—whether in your personal life or professional work—it’s time to revisit it. Are you stuck in the same tale, or are you evolving the narrative to reflect progress and new opportunities?

This reflection isn’t just an exercise in self-awareness; it’s a cornerstone of sustained growth in health and vitality. Let’s explore how to reshape your wellness story and create a framework for thriving.

Acknowledging Your Current Narrative

Health is dynamic, yet many people continue to frame their story around a static version of themselves. They might focus on past struggles or the beginning stages of their journey, such as overcoming illness, losing weight, or adopting healthier habits....

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what truly matters—family, friends, and the moments that bring meaning to our lives. It’s also a season that naturally inspires creativity and connection. Whether it’s the warmth of a shared meal, the joy of seeing loved ones, or the quiet gratitude for another year, this time of year has a way of opening our hearts to possibilities.

What if you let Thanksgiving 2024 be about more than giving thanks? What if it became the moment you decided to bring something new into the world—a little piece of yourself that you’ve been holding back? The holiday season is the perfect time to take that leap, to start creating something you love, and maybe, just maybe, to share it with others.

Why Not You?

Think about what lights you up. Is there a skill or passion you’ve always wanted to explore more deeply? Maybe you’re known for your perfectly spiced holiday cookies or your knack for getting kids to love dance. Perhaps...

Small Business Saturday, celebrated annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, offers a meaningful alternative to the bustling commercialism of Black Friday. For customers, it’s an opportunity to explore unique, local offerings. For small business owners, it’s a chance to foster deeper connections with loyal patrons and attract new customers in an atmosphere of support and community.

The Origins and Purpose of Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 by American Express in response to the challenges small businesses face during the holiday shopping season. Following the overwhelming dominance of Black Friday by big-box retailers, the initiative sought to direct consumer attention to small, local businesses that form the backbone of communities. Recognizing the critical role these businesses play in the economy and the unique value they offer, American Express partnered with organizations and municipalities to promote the event...

Business ebbs and flows are all part of the journey. You’ve likely experienced this by now: always needing to buy supplies, pay for services in advance, or keep up your marketing efforts—even when business is slow. Sometimes, revenue flows in, but other times it feels more like a slow drip. These fluctuations can make running a small business feel risky, daunting, and downright frustrating.

One way I’ve managed to navigate these ups and downs is through my American Express Card. In fact, I have two: one for everyday business expenses and another reserved for larger needs, like planning retreats, restocking supplies, or riding out those unpredictable ebbs and flows.

How American Express Supported My Business in Tough Times

American Express has been instrumental in helping me through several challenging periods. I became a member in 2005, so I’ve relied on them for nearly two decades. Back in 2010, after the real estate, bond, and stock markets crashed, I had...

The wellness industry is booming! From yoga retreats and meditation apps to organic beauty products and holistic health coaching, people are more invested in self-care than ever. If you're a wellness entrepreneur, you're probably already riding this wave. But why stop there? Passive income streams can add financial freedom and flexibility to your business, allowing you to earn while you sleep (literally!). 

In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best passive income streams every wellness entrepreneur should explore. From affiliate marketing for wellness products to creating your own online courses, there are plenty of ways to diversify your revenue without sacrificing your passion for wellness. So, grab your green juice, and let’s get into it! 

1. Affiliate Marketing for Wellness, Body, and Beauty Products

First up, let’s talk about affiliate marketing. As a wellness entrepreneur, you likely have a curated selection of favorite...

There’s no magic wand that makes money worries go away. It starts by not focusing on them. That is easier said than done because your brain is wired to find problems and threats, and it’s really good at its job. However, there is a way to stop worrying about your money problems, but it’s not going to come from a magic wand. Not to mention that TV and media outlets know your brain craves problems, so they feed it to you all day long. Turn off CNN and turn on the Disney Channel, where every ending is happy.

Whether you realize it or not, watching Constant Negative News (CNN) isn’t going to make your problems go away. In fact, the opposite is true: what you focus on expands. If you focus on negative things, you will amplify them in your awareness and life. The problem is that years ago, when the news was informative, you created a habit of watching it. It served you well; there weren’t as many ways of getting news back then. 

You watched it in the...

Community leadership is a rewarding yet challenging role. The weight of responsibility can lead to sleepless nights. Many leaders find themselves too concerned with what others think about them and the decisions they make. They care too much about disappointing others and get caught up in people pleasing on wanting to be accepted. In this case the leader is putting others first. The mission should be first, the leader second and the group third. When this is out of order the leader can lose sleep wondering how to get it back in place.

It can be hard to put the mission first if you have lost sight of it. Losing sight of the mission often pulls the leader in too many directions and leads to confusion. This confusion causes bad decision making and can create divisiveness. Not to mention, watering down the mission can affect the revenue and bottomline. Money is a vital part of any mission. 

But the biggest thing keeping community leaders up at night is neglecting internal work....

For the next blog in the aging gracefully series, focusing on breathing techniques aligns perfectly with the holistic approach to health and wellness. While breathing is something we do without conscious effort, mastering various techniques can enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, making it a powerful tool for growth at any stage of life, especially for Black women aged 50 and up who are juggling multiple responsibilities.

Understanding Breathing: More Than an Automatic Function

Breathing is essential to life, but how often do we stop to think about how we breathe? Most of us take shallow, unconscious breaths, but by mastering specific breathing techniques, we can unlock profound benefits. Controlled breathing can reduce stress, boost mental clarity, and improve physical health. It’s a way to anchor ourselves in the present moment, supporting both the body and mind.

Here’s a look at some key breathing techniques, their benefits, and how they...

You've poured your heart and soul into building a business that makes a difference. You're proud of the lives you've touched and the transformations you've witnessed. But there's a nagging voice in your head asking, "Is this all there is for me?"

You dream of growth, of taking your impact (and income) to the next level. But the thought of adding more clients, more hours, more hustle to your already packed schedule is not an option. Don’t give up, you’re on the right path. You’re already doing enough, you don’t need to do more. 

What you need to do is shift or tweak your process and you’ll easily add $500 - $2,000 more to your monthly revenue in about 90-days or less.

I get it your pain and frustration. I've been there, fluctuating income and uncertainty make owning a business feel like torture, even though there are parts that you love. You’re not alone. Other members of our ThriveWell Collective community have felt this way too. We've all...

As life jugglers, we often bear the weight of countless responsibilities—family, work, money, and so much more. Sometimes, stress feels overwhelming, robbing us of sleep, leaving us in pain, and making us feel like we have no time for ourselves. I know this feeling all too well.

In 2011, my mother passed away. Having lost my father two decades earlier, she had become the heart of the family, carrying the responsibilities of her immediate family and even her siblings. As her only daughter, I felt it was my duty to take up the mantle. For years, I mirrored her sacrifice, but I eventually realized that if I were to survive this role, I had to change how I approached it.

Over time, I learned that taking time for myself was not just important—it was necessary. By learning stress-relief techniques, I could manage the pressures of being the family matriarch while teaching those around me to respect my boundaries.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing methods to help you...