Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Rutledge – Taylor
Hi Robin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been an active fitness enthusiast since childhood. I was a cheerleader and gymnast and enjoyed swimming, along with other outdoor sports. I’ve been a wellness professional since 1989. I have educational and professional experience in social services, mental health, domestic violence counseling, addictions treatment, fitness training, naturopathy, outdoor adventures leadership, wilderness medicine, mental health first aid and Pilates. In 2002, I created Alpha To Omega Wholistic Therapeutic Services, LLC. A wellness lifestyle brand with a mission to Educate on natural care of mind, body, and soul; Encourage mindful movement; Empower you to be well. Services include mindful movement, self-care, and wellness education.
Being a catalyst for helping to improve the wellness of Black women fuels my passion. I encourage and motivate people in order to help them realize their own potential for helping themselves conquer challenges to achieve desired changes. As the visionary of the Melanin Matters movement, I hold wellness spaces where Black bodies can freely breathe, move, and thrive. Because I believe that wellness is a right for all, not a privilege for the few. I also believe that sustainable self-care is essential for a well-balanced life. It is imperative to ‘Take Time to Take Care of You!’
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. Historically, systemic inequities established boundaries that intentionally marginalized or subtly omitted communities of color from certain wellness spaces. Implying that those spaces are exclusive for a select, affluent demographic. The resulting trauma from repeated exclusion has created an aversion to entering those spaces. Many communities of color have been disproportionately plagued by adverse health conditions. Some of the chronic illnesses are preventable through exercise, proper nutrition and improved lifestyle practices.
Communities of color have a rightful place in healing spaces and deserve to be treated well. My commitment to providing services has not always been received with open arms, access and/or resources to help get services into the communities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Alpha To Omega Wholistic Therapeutic Services, LLC. A wellness lifestyle brand with a mission to Educate on natural care of mind, body, and soul; Encourage mindful movement; Empower you to be well. Services include mindful movement, self-care, and wellness education.
My brand is more popularly known for Pilates. What sets my brand apart from others is my commitment to amplifying Black body aesthetics in Pilates, which have been traditionally omitted. I am most proud of my brand being recognized as a safe wellness space where Black bodies can freely breathe, move and thrive.
We currently offer weekly virtual Pilates classes, pop-up in-person classes and customized private classes. Our most recent endeavor, MELANIN MATters: Honoring Black Bodies Through Contrology, started as a project to amplify images of Black bodies in Pilates. But it is now developing into a movement. We’re looking forward to seeing it grow globally.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is all humans being treated with dignity and respect. Because we shouldn’t have to do or have something in order to be treated well or recognized as valuable. Being human should be enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coachrobinrenee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachrobinrenee
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachrobinreneeR
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/coachrobinrenee
Image Credits
undefined