We recently connected with Takiyah Bailey and have shared our conversation below.

Takiyah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

I’ve been an elementary school teacher in 3 different districts here in metro Atlanta for the past 15 years. This is one of the many reasons I began my wellness journey. Honestly, teachers are not well. They are perfectionist working with a little sleep and little money. Everything is rushed. Most teachers scarf down food which is mostly inflammatory and lots of junk food, which is given to students as ‘rewards’. We barely get a chance to use the restroom. So of course the children feel the impact of the extreme conditions. School has become a system only. The food they serve the children is processed and lack’s overall nutrition yet quite a few children are labeled and diagnosed with poor attention spans and have a disregard for learning. There’s no connection made between any of these negative factors and the development of the student. Emotional intelligence is placed at the bottom of the priority list while we practice intruder drills and face the threat of weapons being brought in by students in high school all the way down to kindergarten. While SEL (Social Emotional Learning) has equipped schools/teachers with tools to support the emotional development of children, it’s simply not enough. Did I mention a curriculum that still fails to provide the honest truth. So what I decided to do was receive my 200 hour Yoga Certification/SEL Facilitation through an organization designed for school teachers, administrators and counselors. My students love meeting to discuss how we’re feeling while celebrating our personal wins at school and home. They simply want to be heard. With all the demands of testing and progress monitoring, our students need time to just be. They need examples of wellness: healthy eating, mindfulness, less screen time, calming down techniques and the list goes on. As we address and enhance these areas of concern, all lives involved would truly be considered successful and a contribution to all communities and our world in general will continuously be made.

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

I’m a wellness influencer. I’m all about making wellness a priority. This came by way of a lack of wellness in my career path of teaching, illnesses that I developed due to the “American Diet” and growing up on foods marketed to me while I watched cartoons that are full of toxins, and several other factors that have influenced our way of life. The difference is, when my body spoke I began to listen. From acne to digestion and fertility issues, I decided to put my student hat on and conduct my own research. I gave my digestion system a break and I began to eat plants, move intentionally via all forms of Yoga and work to heal my nervous system. I then took those jewels and offered them to my community. My most popular service is my soft stretch therapy also known as myofascia release therapy. Assisting athletes of all ages, those recovering from injuries or any type of trauma, expectant mommas and anyone with a body/nervous system/brain. It all works hand in hand and is the most beneficial medicinal support one can receive.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During Covid, I did have to pivot. My dream of having another child finally came true due to my new found wellness practices and I realized my daughter needed me to provide undivided attention in which I focused on her social emotional needs as soon to be toddler. It was a bit much coming home to her exhausted, just like I did with my twin boys when they were, giving them whatever was left. I have learned to take my shortcomings and rebuild myself along with my family. I began to travel to my clients and take my wellness full on. But again I was exhausted, yet I was healing countless others. Now my priority is to focus on my wellness and provide an example for others, and provided them with tools and jewels to assist with healing.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to rewire my brain by reading literature that influenced mental and emotional wellness. I began to stumble across others that were on the same wavelength and experience that would change my life forever. I had to recognize my monkey mind jumping all over the place and really tap into meditation, journaling and all things that speak to my spirit. I had to change my own frequency.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wellnesswithtakiyah.com
• Instagram: @teacakeb

Image Credits
My photos