Meet Dr. Avery Atkinson | Practitioner & Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Avery Atkinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Avery, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I believe risk is an essential part of growth. For me, risk has never been about recklessness—it’s about being willing to step into the unknown with faith, preparation, and a clear sense of purpose. Every major pivot in my life and career, from moving overseas to launching a global wellness initiative, founded on indigenous principles, has required a leap of faith. Taking risks has expanded my capacity, my reach, and my understanding of what’s possible. Without risk, I wouldn’t have built a career that bridges ministry, clinical chaplaincy, wellness, and global service. I’ve learned that risk is often the bridge between where you are and where you’re called to be. Answering your call is risky. Walking in your purpose is risky. Doing anything that has never been done before is risky… But taking risks is a part of building your legacy, and for me, that is absolutely worth it.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, A2 Global Wellness Co., was born at the intersection of ancient healing and modern technology. We create innovative wellness experiences that blend ecotherapy, cultural traditions, and digital health tools to serve individuals and corporations around the world. What sets us apart is our ability to honor indigenous healing wisdom across all eight dimensions of wellness, while using technology to make holistic wellness accessible globally.

My journey here wasn’t easy. Years ago, I found myself with no house to call my own, living out of my car—technically homeless—and clinging to little more than faith and vision. I took a one-way flight to South Korea with just $150 in my pocket, trusting that purpose would make a way. During my almost decade there, I not only survived, but the woman I was meant to be blossomed. I was exposed to and studied ancient wellness practices, launched an international ministry, and laid the foundation for what would eventually become a global brand. That leap of faith led me from having no house to standing at the White House, advocating for first-generation HBCU students, and now building wellness spaces that reach people across continents.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your starting point doesn’t define your final destination; it just gives you the unbreakable bricks to build with. It’s how all things work together for our good, like we are told in Romans 8:28. I want the world to know that A2 Global Wellness Co. isn’t just a business—it’s a movement where wellness meets innovation, where culture meets technology, and where healing is made radically accessible to everyone, everywhere. Wellness is not a luxury, it is a divine right.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, we’re not just going places — we’re making memories! Since, I’m currently bicoastal, we’d split the week between Birmingham and Raleigh — because why not do the most!?

First stop: Birmingham. We’d kick things off with brunch at Hero Doughnuts because you can’t explore on an empty stomach. Then, a deep dive into history at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute — it’s moving and powerful every single time. For lunch or dinner, we’re hitting up Shu Shop for some of the best ramen and vibes in the city, then sneaking over to Half Shell Oyster House for the most amazing charbroiled oysters — listen, the food preaches all by itself! After roaming around Five Points downtown, we’d head up to the rooftop at The Redmont to soak in the Magic City skyline and probably spark a few random conversations with strangers (because that’s just who I am!).

Midweek, we’d jet to my hometown, Raleigh, where the energy shifts to creative and colorful. First meal? Dames Chicken & Waffles — it’s famous for all the right reasons, and yes, I’m getting extra schmear on my vegan waffle. IYKYK! For my Korean food fix (because I lived in South Korea for so long and my tastebuds demand it), we’re heading straight to the only all-you-can-eat revolving sushi spot in the state, Rockin’ Roll Sushi Bar — it gives me flashbacks of grabbing fresh sushi at Lotte Mall in Busan…beyond liberating for your palette. After that, we’re walking it off through the North Carolina Museum of Art and hopping into Artspace to catch local artists creating right in front of us. At night, we’d definitely find live music at Kings or The Pour House — there’s nothing like a gritty, good show with a room full of creative souls.

In my world, the best way to experience a city is through its food, music, art, and people — and trust me, between Birmingham and Raleigh, my friend would need a whole other week just to recover from the fun! Fun fact, we’ve actually done most of these and I think she’d agree!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s absolutely nothing little about the help, support, and teaching that have shaped my life and accomplishments. First and foremost, I credit everything I am and have done to my Creator, God—without whom I wouldn’t have survived, much less thrived. My greatest cheerleaders have always been my parents, Ralph and Gloria Atkinson, along with my entire family, whose love has been a constant anchor.

In keeping a promise God made to my mother, I have been blessed with Godparents at every point in my life—an incredible covering and support system in Dr. Rhonda “Momma Rhonda” Ross and Taiwan “Poppa T” and his wife Dr. Shnai “Momma Nai Nai” Simmons, both of their children are my sibilings and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. My list of spiritual mentors is long, but the theological mentor who continues to push me to embody my gifts (and sometimes opens doors for me to walk through) is Dr. Sherman Tribble. Truly, I would need an entire magazine to name everyone who has poured into me.

I must also shout out the divinely appointed circle of friends who lift, hold, cover, and accept me unconditionally—from my childhood friends since middle school to my best friend Nailah Harvey, whose family has graciously adopted me across decades and continents. I am deeply blessed, and I know it is because of the extraordinary people God has placed in my life.

Website: https://www.averyatkinson.com

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