We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Santana AnnaKay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Santana AnnaKay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
First, I would like to say thank you to my parents (and grandparents) for all they have sacrificed for me and my siblings, we truly wouldn’t be the adults we are today without you. One thing that I carried with me along life’s journey is to always be myself and to stand up for what I believe in. My parents are both outspoken individuals who passionately speak their truth and model what it truly means to stand firm in your beliefs.
My mother taught me how to pray and put my trust in God – she made sure we were in church every Sunday and that we embodied what it means to love, to have empathy, and to be of service to others. As a child I didn’t fully understand the importance, but as an adult and mother myself I find those very tools have brought me through life’s challenges with grace. My grandmother had resilience that I’ve never seen before – although she was “spicy” and had no problem telling it like it is, she always spoke with compassion and love, she gave back without even thinking twice and without seeking anything in return. Serving the community was her passion and she did it well. As I found my path in life I quickly realized how impactful my childhood had been, how the women who raised me molded me to be strong, independent and of service to others. Becoming a wellness coach has brought me fulfilment, purpose and true happiness. To know that I can bring forth change by simply using my voice is a gift that I do not take for granted.
To my father who consistently teaches me to stand for what is right, to be a woman of my word, a woman of integrity and morals – thank you is not enough. My father is the perfect example of what unconditional love looks like. Even when faced with trials he never gave up and never gave in – he fought back with love never seeking revenge but trusting that love will ultimately conquer all. I admire his strength and strive to always love without conditions.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Santana AnnaKay, born and raise in Ontario, Canada. I have always had an empathetic heart and felt the need to help others in any way possible. I studied at Sheridan College to become a Social Service Worker, while studying to be a counsellor I worked with students with behavioural issues and also coordinated workshops for the African Community Services in my city.
Along my journey I encountered my own challenges in life, some events caused trauma and required internal work. Change as we know it is uncomfortable and can sometimes bring uncertainty. True change will only occurs after a significant event takes place. My catalyst for change happened after I experienced a head injury due to an assault. While taking some time in solitude I began to self reflect and make lifestyle changes (environmental and dietary), reconnecting with myself through solo travel, and dedicating time to build my relationship with God. This level of dedication required discipline, commitment and consistency.
I found purpose in my pain and wanted to pay it forward. I felt empowered from overcoming trauma and through life’s lesson found my calling to give back to my community. I continued my studies at a Wellness College which provided me with the knowledge and tools required to start my own business. Today I am proud to say that Her Own Lane is not only a Women’s Empowerment Brand but a safe place where wellness coaching can help one evolve and develop self awareness, thus allowing the best version of ourselves to shine.
I have recently launched my own wellness line with a variety of products to help aid in day to day wellness care – detox baths, body scrubs, wellness drinks and skin care (coming soon). Self-care is the most effective way to give back to yourself and I want that for every woman to have. In addition to self care, my coaching programs help bridge the gap for those who are just starting or would like to embark on a wellness journey to having a clearer mind, healthier body, and to connect spiritually. The program is most beneficial to anyone who has seen a decline in self-worth, self-awareness, and looking to recover and regain their power back from traumatic experiences.
What sets Her Own Lane apart is that I am not just coaching from a place of theory from my studies but from experiences. I am a testimony that you can come back from anything no matter how difficult it may appear. With the right tools and resources healing is possible. I want my viewers to know that their is no shame in making mistakes – it is through our mistakes that we learn valuable lessons and are granted an opportunity to pivot from the path we are on.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
The most helpful tip for succeeding in my field would be the inner work that is required before engaging in coaching others. I’ve had to sit in solitude and really sift out the parts of me that were unhealed, face my own triggers that were suppressed over time and address the emotions that I had avoided by distracted myself with material things. I understood that if I was going to make a change it needed to start with me. It has been empowering to see my own transformation.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If could go back in time, I would definitely choose the same speciality! When I look back on where I’ve come from I truly wouldn’t be the woman I am today if I didn’t experience hardships, failures and disappointments. It was all apart of the journey that brought me here, to teach and inspire others. When you love what you do it never feels like work. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://her-own-lane-3520.myshopify.com
- Instagram: SantanaAnnakay
- Facebook: Her Own Lane