We had the good fortune of connecting with Brit Guerin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brit, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was born out of the mission to create a more inclusive wellness space. As a fitness professional and mental health therapist, I wanted to create a space to bridge the gap between physical and mental health. The two are so related, yet feel so separated in the wellness industry. I also wanted to create a space where folks of marginalized identities (particularly, folks in larger bodies), felt affirmed. Oftentimes, wellness spaces can feel exclusionary and intimidating as they focus on appearance-related goals and weight loss. This can lead to a host of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Rather than focusing on changing our bodies, Current Wellness focuses on respecting on bodies and appreciating all that they do for us. Therefore, I didn’t start a business to make money. I really started it because I saw a need in the community.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner of Current Wellness, an integrative wellness center, as well as Guerin Therapy Group, a mental health group practice. I’m a small business owner who is driven by social impact. I am not motivated by money, but rather the impact that I’m able to have on my community. This can be a challenge because running a small business requires money! We have lots of expenses and amazing employees to compensate. It’s been a learning curve figuring out how to balance focusing on our mission, while also acknowledging the importance of numbers and funds to keep us sustainable.

That being said, running a wellness center that is mission=driven is incredibly rewarding. It feels like I don’t have to “sell” what we are offering because we are speaking directly to people who are looking or a safer way to access wellness. I’m really proud of the community I’ve created- through the incredible team that we have.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is one of my favorite things to do! When I have folks in from out of town, it’s like I get to be a tourist in my own city. I would definitely hit up some of my favorite spaces to eat including Beasley’s, Stanbury, Fiction Kitchen, and Cheeni. I would take them to some favorite outdoor spots including NCMA outdoor sculpture park, Lake Johnson, and stroll through downtown. A trip to Raleigh wouldn’t be complete without hitting up some breweries like Crank Arm, Burial Beer Co., and Neuse River Brewing. Lastly, I’ve been meaning to check out some live music at Transfer Food Hall so would definitely want to add this into the mix!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My partner, Nathan Williams, has supported me from the very beginning. Even before I started talking about opening a wellness center, he has reassured me that I am smart, creative, and capable. He believes in me so much that he decided to go into business with me! I had a lot of self-doubt before I met him and he has helped me believe in myself.

Website: www.currentwellnessraleigh.com

Instagram: @current_wellness

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brit-guerin-b94b539b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/currentwellnessraleigh/

Image Credits
Emily Bennett Photography Amy Paulson (headshot)

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