Community Highlights: Meet Alisa Gafeney of Soul Essentials Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Gafeney.

Hi Alisa , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a nurse with over 20 years of experience and deeply passionate about caring for others—mind, body, and spirit. Over time, I began to notice a pattern in healthcare: so many women I worked with were burnt out, overwhelmed, and disconnected from themselves. And honestly, I felt the same way at times. That realization led me to explore holistic wellness more deeply.

I became certified in yoga, Pilates, assisted stretching and mindfulness, and began integrating those practices not just into my personal life, but into how I support others. Eventually, I stepped into entrepreneurship, creating a space where women—especially black women and those navigating big transitions like burnout, motherhood, or menopause—could feel seen, supported and empowered to take their wellness into their own hands.

Today, I help women move from burnout to balance using a blend of movement, mindset work, stress mastery and lifestyle changes to achieve wellness. It’s been a journey of healing, growth, and radical self-care—not just for others, but for myself, also.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. It’s been a journey of passion, resilience and deep personal growth—but far from easy. A few years ago, I opened a physical wellness space with so much heart and hope. I envisioned it being a sanctuary for healing and community. But the support just wasn’t there. Attendance was constantly low, visibility was tough, and financially, it just wasn’t sustainable. Eventually, I had to make the hard decision to close the doors.. That was a hard, humbling moment. It felt like failure at the time—but now I see it as a necessary redirection.

On top of that, I still work a full-time job in addition to building and running my business. That means early mornings, late nights and a constant balancing act between my calling and my responsibilities. There are days I feel like I’m pouring from an empty cup, but I remind myself often why I started and where I want to go.

Burnout has definitely been a part of my story—ironically, while helping others recover from theirs. The emotional, physical and financial toll of entrepreneurship, especially in the wellness space, is real. Learning how to market my services, set boundaries and truly believe in the value I offer took time and a lot of inner work.

Mindset was another challenge—fighting imposter syndrome, self-doubt and the pressure to do it all perfectly. That is how mindfulness and movement became my anchors. They reminded me to come back to my body, my breath, and my purpose.

I share all of this openly because I know I’m not alone. So many women are navigating multiple roles while trying to care for themselves and their dreams. I live what I teach—and that lived experience is what fuels the way I support others: with compassion, honesty and tools that actually work in real life.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Soul Essentials Wellness?
My business is all about helping women…especially black women and those navigating burnout, stress, or major life transitions like perimenopause or menopause, to find balance again. I blend my background as a nurse with holistic tools like Pilates, yoga, mindfulness and nervous system regulation to create real, sustainable wellness solutions.

What I do isn’t just fitness or coaching, it’s full-body, full-life wellness. I specialize in helping women reconnect to themselves by integrating movement, mindset, stress mastery, and lifestyle changes in a way that’s compassionate and realistic. I meet women where they are, whether that’s on the mat, in a meditation, or in a one-on-one session and help them move forward with strength and grace.

What sets my work apart is that it’s deeply personal. I don’t just teach from textbooks, I teach from lived experience. I’ve burned out, I’ve rebuilt, and I’ve walked the road many of my clients are on. My approach is inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in both science and soul. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress, presence and giving yourself permission to heal.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the safe, supportive space I’ve created. Whether it’s through my classes, programs, or digital offerings, I’ve built a community where women feel seen, supported and celebrated.

I want your readers to know that wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. My brand honors individuality. Some days that may look like movement, some days it’s deep rest. I offer personalized wellness plans, virtual classes, private coaching and workshops on topics like stress mastery, menopause support and nervous system healing.

If you’ve ever felt like you’ve had to put everyone else first while your own well-being falls through the cracks…I have created this space just for you.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is helping black women feel understood, supported and empowered, because connection to self and clarity are the foundations for growth. When people feel seen and safe, they’re more able to heal, make wise choices, and create positive change in their lives and communities. That ripple effect is powerful…and I’m here for it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://seywellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulessentialswellness/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulessentialswellness/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulessentialswellness