We recently connected with Judith Kanu and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Judith, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

There is a Mark Anthony quote that says “And one day she discovered that she was fierce and strong, and full of fire and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.” I love this quote because one of the biggest risks I ever took was believing in my capabilities. I remember being in conversation and being asked, why I couldn’t go into private practice? I had a long list in my mind of why I wasn’t going to be able to do something like that. It seemed daunting and out of reach. However, I realized that life gets really uncomfortable when you don’t step into your rightful place. Deciding to open my own private practice was a risk, especially deciding not to accept insurance. However, with mentorship, education and perseverance I have been able to prove to myself I was my own barrier. It didn’t happen overnight but my mantra was, “Do something everyday”.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

From a young age I always knew I wanted to be in the helping profession. I spent many summers at the local hospital learning about careers in the medical field. In every career option I knew I wanted to make impact and engage with clients. I wasn’t initially sure how I would accomplish that so I did have a fate moment. I applied to graduate school and told myself if I got admitted I would move forward on that path and be open to what it brings. What might have started as divine intervention quickly grew into a love and passion for people and supporting their journey’s. During graduate school I worked in the Office of Diversity and Community. This graduate student position coupled with my Counseling program expanded my understanding of myself and what community looks like. I was able to support undergraduate students, as well as, develop my counseling skills. I am most proud of who I have become now because of what I have learned along the way. Mental health is still associated with stigma, so in my work with clients I approach each person with encouragement, support and care. Life is hard enough and I want counseling to be a safe space for each individual I encounter.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

In 2016 I started to take my personal yoga journey more seriously. I remember times when I would participate in 2-3 classes a day and practice at home. I loved yoga because I loved how in tune I was becoming with my body. I also loved how strong I felt in my body. In 2017, I had the opportunity to move from student to teacher. This is one of those moments I leaned into the encouragement of those around me, thus with a $100 raffle ticket and a prayer, I actually won a spot in my first training course. Since then I have done countless trainings and continuing education but my love for yoga started as a personal passion. I’ve seen adjusted my business model to represent my belief that the mind and body are not separate entities. To understand ourselves better we must look at how the mind and body interact and how our physical feelings provide vital information to guide how we relate with the world. For example, stress has such an impact on our immune system and general well-being. Activities such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness have been studied and documented to decrease stress levels. As part of my business model I offer individual and corporate yoga.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There are two books that have been integral in my journey. The first is the “Four Agreements” by Miguel Ruiz. I always recommend this book because the four main points highlight ways in which one can live their life. The teachings are items that I often reference and refer back to for myself. I also recommend Profit First for Therapists: A Simple Framework for Financial Freedom by Julie Herres. This book gives tips to profitability and reminds you not to be an afterthought in the financial aspect of your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eigwellness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eigwellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/EIG-Wellness-61561083873589/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eigwellness
• Yelp: EIG Wellness