We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Ware Spencer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nicole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

For four years, I worked as a psychologist for the federal government. It was a 40-hour work week, an 8 to 5 job, and no weekend work. An extensive system, follow the rules, stay in line, and do your job. And I did it well. I ensured that I met my patient’s needs, was passionate about my clinical work, and tried to implement changes where workable. I had complete job security and was an essential worker.

However, year by year, day by day, and bit by bit, I realized that this type of setting was taking a toll on my health and wellness. Physically, I was exhausted and in pain. Emotionally, I was stressed, anxious, and frequently irritated. Spiritually, I was burned out, confused, and misaligned. I realized that although I was doing a good thing, I was no longer living within my values. I was following someone else’s plan for my life, and I was not operating sustainably. Something had to change, and fast!

My husband could see my changes over the years and offered support as much as possible. My friends held space for me. My mother encouraged me to step out on faith and step into my dreams. My father said he believed in me.

In March of 2022, I took a life-changing risk and resigned from government work. I became a full-time solopreneur and stepped into Asili Wellness. Through Asili Wellness, I created a health + wellness space that celebrates Women of Color and naturally nurtures mind, body, and spirit. Through Asili Wellness, I specialize in working with multicultural women to fill their cups as they continue to pour into others. Through Asili Wellness, I, too, am experiencing a life-work balance and living with less fear.

Nicole, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Many Women of Color are seeking a healing space where they can explore and safely work through the negative impacts of trauma, depression, or anxiety. They struggle with obtaining a life-work balance. Their daily life leaves them empty, stressed, highly emotional, or burned out. They are grappling with managing their health and happiness and feel alone.

I have been there, and that is why I created Asili Wellness. I understand our plight as Women of Color in this country and our need to be supported in thought, feeling, and being. We want to be healthy and well. We yearn to care for ourselves and our loved ones. Ultimately, we desire a  shift from surviving to thriving!

At Asili Wellness, we can celebrate who we are and experience holistic therapeutic services that enhance, transform, and nourish our well-being. Asili Wellness is a health and wellness space that is culturally relevant, relatable, accessible, and attainable, where millennial Women of Color can naturally nurture mental, physical, and spiritual health.

I am a clinical psychologist + yoga therapist whose health and wellness philosophy aligns with a positive lifestyle approach. I specialize in millennial multicultural women’s wellness and provide comprehensive and integrative approaches to flourish in mind, body, and spirit.

Through Asili Wellness, I offer yoga, therapy (Yoga + Talk, individual and couples), coaching, retreats, and sustainable products to rejuvenate health and wellness.

Essentially, I aim to fill your cup as you pour into others.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I would choose the same profession and specialty. There are not enough Women of Color in psychology or yoga. Having more providers look like their clients is crucial, as it is one step in helping break down the stigma of mental illness and addressing its impact.

Other wellness spaces, such as yoga and meditation, continue to be dominated by white-centric values, beliefs, customs, and representation. Wellness is for everyone and does not discriminate. Why do we?

Within this work, I walk alongside trauma survivors, Soldiers, single moms, couples on the brink of divorce, and self-identified people pleasers. By incorporating yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and therapy, I have witnessed people challenge their unhelpful thoughts, speak kindly to themselves, take purposeful breaths, celebrate their physical strength, establish boundaries in their relationships, and improve their sleep.

If I could choose it all over again, I would.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Authenticity, empathy, and tenacity have been my most effective strategies for growing my clientele. I am honest and genuine about my specialties, my ability to walk alongside clients on their wellness journey, our fit, and the efforts it will require of us. I take care and pride in each wellness product I create, including respect for people, animals, and the planet.

I have compassion for each person I work with and see, feel, hear, and understand them. My clients trust me with their vulnerabilities, so I operate on this path safely and responsibly.

Doing this work is challenging and rewarding. God has blessed me to be a Black woman in America with advanced degrees who owns her own business, and I am so grateful! It is instilled in me that if I desire change, I must be the change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://asiliwellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asiliwellnessga/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asiliwellness