Today we’d like to introduce you to Solunis Nicole Bay
Hi Solunis Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our identities and stories are deeply connected to our lives’ contexts and our bodies. I see myself as a daughter, sister, niece, colleague, and friend, constantly aware of how my impact shapes those around me and how their presence shapes me. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, at Cumberland Hospital, with roots rich in heritage. My mother, a Southern Black woman with Creole, Ani’-Yun’wiya, and Chahta Okla ancestry, and my father, a descendant of Ayiti, Bajan, Ani’-Yun’wiya, and Geechee heritage, met at Alcorn State University. My journey began at their wedding, where I was already present in my mother’s womb, steeped in a lineage of magic.
Brooklyn’s vibrant culture and diverse traditions have fueled my drive for growth, success, and breaking barriers. I’m an Artist with a capital A, having spent over 18 years studying and performing ballet, modern, and jazz dance. Dance, a natural expression of my love for soulful music, has blossomed into a passion for all forms of art, deep conversations, and exploring humanity’s complex relationship with its creations and longings. This journey has taken me from the dance world to NGO and policy work and now into somatics, coaching, and leadership.
I’m constantly evolving, creating, and embracing our planet’s endless possibilities. I aim to weave connections from our present challenges into a future filled with beauty, balance, and integrated connectivity. This vision led me to become a Partner with Evolution and the Founder of Beautifully Perfect You and Wild Indigo, where I help others discover their higher-sense selves.
I love meeting and supporting people on this transformative journey as we explore new pathways to growth and fulfillment together.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey for many Black women, especially those of us who are queer, is rarely smooth. Society often throws challenges our way, but those very obstacles have shaped my strength, resolve, tenderness, and compassion. With both of my parents having passed, I’m building Wild Indigo from the ground up. As a young professional, I’ve often felt the pressure to prove myself constantly, but as I grew, I realized that necessity has faded. Each accomplishment has been a testament to my vision and willingness to take risks.
In high school, I was kicked out for being bisexual, and it taught me how to fight for my survival. I’ve faced homelessness, hunger, and being undervalued. Yet, I took on the challenge of paying for college by myself, got married at 21 to a unique but challenging woman, and divorced at 23. During these times, I waited tables while pursuing dance and taught myself to code databases and write reports on giving behaviors and purchasing trends. I also fundraised for causes I believed in, which transformed my career and eventually led to my involvement in a United Nations project.
All these experiences have shaped my determination. Learning to breathe and find peace within myself, with others, and with a whole life took immense focus, practice, and surrender.
One thing we often overlook is how challenges can highlight our guides. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing souls I’ve met along the way who loved and supported me when I felt most alone. Their unwavering support has been invaluable, reminding me of the strength and resilience we all possess.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As a Partner at Evolution, there are a few places I am proud to be in deep relationships with-
Evolution:
At Evolution, we specialize in developing consciousness at every organizational level, driving sustainable results, and enhancing benefits for all stakeholders. Our approach, known as Be-Do-Have, focuses on understanding the actions that lead to success and implementing behavioral changes with rigorous accountability to ensure lasting transformation.
What sets us apart is our team of coaches and consultants, who have led and worked with some of today’s most iconic businesses and organizations. Each Evolution coach is extensively trained and committed to client growth, continuously enriching their craft through new learning. We immerse ourselves in our clients’ unique organizational DNA and culture, fostering profound connections that lay the foundation for transformative partnerships.
Wild Indigo:
Wild Indigo was born from a Plant medicine vision of a world where leadership is nourishing, regenerative, and connected, contributing to a healthy planet and thriving communities. Our mission aligns with businesses committed to regeneration, diversity, equity, inclusion, and honoring Indigenous wisdom. We stand out by centering art and plant medicine as solutions to the global crises we face.
We empower leaders through a transformative approach that intersects creativity, ceremony, coaching, and community. Wild Indigo is an extension of my vision for leadership characterized by creativity, clarity, and integrity. Our programs, systems, communities, and products help leaders break free from limited scopes, connecting them with powerful networks to address global challenges.
Omnoire:
OmNoire is a vibrant community focused on wellness and empowerment, offering a sanctuary for Women of Color retreat leaders, wellness practitioners, and those seeking connection, learning, healing, growth, and community building. It is a space where diverse voices unite to explore new pathways to personal and collective well-being, aligning with the values of regeneration and inclusion.
I am proud to be known for our commitment to creating transformative experiences and fostering meaningful connections. My work stands out through its dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, and the empowerment of leaders who seek to make a positive impact.
How You Can Engage with Me:
Join the Breathe Circle: Experience a transformative blend of mindfulness, breathwork, and community connection. Join Here: https://evolution.team/breathe-circle
Enroll in the 12-week Course – Rebellious Leader: Challenge conventional leadership with our comprehensive program designed to foster innovative thinking and action. Enroll Here: https://evolution.team/the-rebellious-leader
One-on-One Coaching: Receive personalized guidance and support on your journey to growth and success with tailored coaching sessions. Email me at: solunis@evolution.team
I invite you to join me on a transformative journey as we explore new pathways to growth and fulfillment, creating a brighter future for all.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am deeply grateful to the many wonderful people who have supported and guided me throughout my personal growth and transformation journey. Their influence has been invaluable in shaping my path, and I acknowledge them with love and gratitude.
Nyrobi Nicole Moss has been a constant source of friendship and unwavering support, grounding me in moments of uncertainty. Richard Strozzi and Staci K. Haines have been pivotal in helping me discover my path; Richard’s gentle guidance and Staci’s expansive mindset opened doors to profound personal growth.
In my policy and sustainable business development career, the late August (Gus) Schumacher, former USDA Undersecretary, and Jeffrey Sachs, founder of the Earth Institute and former Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General, have been instrumental mentors. Their wisdom and vision have deeply influenced my work and commitment to sustainable development.
As I transitioned to working for myself and joined Evolution as a Partner, Managing Partners Stuart McCalla and Erin Rocchio provided steadfast support. They believed in my potential and encouraged me to embrace new opportunities.
Rudy Nickens, Chantelle Fitzgelard, Adele Rom, Lakeya Cherry, Janine Davis, and other Evolution partners and business friends have also been crucial to my career, speaking highly of me and offering invaluable partnerships.
Bridgette Simmonds and H.L. Ray are more than friends; they are lifelong inspirations who have enriched my journey with love and wisdom. My weekend discussions with Dru McDaniels have been genuinely enriching, sparking new ideas and insights.
I am blessed with the love and support of my baby cousin, Monette Mooney, and my lifelong friend, Winifred Harris. The OmNoir crew, led by the brilliant Christina Rice, always reminds me to embrace joy and feel loved. Their friendship and inspiration have been essential to my journey.
The community around us is vital in this journey of personal development, aligned business success, and transformation. I am thankful for every soul who has walked beside me, reminding me of the power of connection, love, and growth. More than that, I love exploring and supporting the limitless possibilities of personal transformation and Vedic wisdom, creating a life of fulfillment and joy with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evolution.team
- Instagram: @solunisnicolebay