Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya Wells
Hi Sonya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a child I was studied classical ballet for 12 yrs at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. I worked as a student file clerk in a pediatric doctor’s office and from there I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Right out of High school I went to Nursing school. I became a nurse at the age of 23 yrs old. I continued my nursing journey all the way up to a masters level currently working as a Nurse Practitioner. Though I was a nurse, I still wanted to dance and stay active. I opened Posh Fitness Boutique in 2013 as a safe place for women to build self confidence & strength through pole fitness and fitness classes. Over 11 years I’ve met many women on our journey and have become a well known upscale safe place for women from all different demographics. As I continued in my nursing journey, I wanted to do more for other nurses. Myself and 4 other nurse practitioners started an organization called the African American Ambassadors for Excellence in advanced Practice Nursing which is a a 501c (3) nonprofit organization . As the Co founder and immediate past president, I have been able to empower African American Nurse Practitioners through leadership, mentorship, and education to deliver the most innovative and quality care to the patients they serve. My active engagement in panel discussions, community outreach initiatives, health walks and runs, speaking engagements, and serving on the board of various professional organizations showcases my dedication to making a positive impact in the healthcare community. My academic foundation includes a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner certification from The American Association of Nurse Practitioners, a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Group Fitness Instructor Certification, backed by Athletics and Fitness Association of America.
I have been recognized as an Amazing APRN powered by the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses, a 2023 Who’s Who Black Cincinnati, and a 2024 Stemfluencer backed by the Gaskins Foundation. I was also featured in the Breaking the Silence: Black Nursing documentary. Additionally, my work is highlighted in the Advancing Health Exhibition, presented by Mayfield Brain & Spine at the Cincinnati Museum.” My latest ventures include a consulting firm, Sonya Wells Public Health & Wellness Consulting, dedicated to helping small organizations and nonprofits bridge gaps in public health and wellness, as well as The Evolve Wellness Collective—a thoughtfully designed suite-style workspace where wellness professionals can grow and thrive.”When not working, I love to spend time with my family and travel.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I had my daughter at 20 yrs old. I Decided to not do a 4 yr program straight through and did one level at a time so diploma of nursing, then associates of nursing, then bachelors of nursing then masters. Now in currently working on my doctorate. Also, I lost my husband at an early age (30) in the height of my career and had to learn to pivot as a single mother.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sonya Wells Public Health & Wellness consulting/ Posh Fitness?
My latest venture of multiple ventures is my consulting firm. Our mission at Sonya Wells Public Health & Wellness Consulting is to advance public health and wellness solutions that encompass physical, mental, and emotional well-being, through innovative consulting services. We are committed to cultivating healthier populations by collaborating with government organizations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals to implement evidence-based strategies, promote health equity, and empower communities & individuals to live a life conducive to well-being.
Through our dedication to research, advocacy, and partnership, we strive to inspire positive lifestyle changes, build resilience and create a healthier future overall for everyone.
Our vision at Sonya Wells Public Health & Wellness Consulting is to be a leader in transforming public health and wellness, envisioning a world where every individual has equitable access to resources and opportunities for optimal health and well-being. Our vision is to lead a paradigm shift where individuals are healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally. We strive to be the trailblazers of innovative solutions
while fostering partnerships, shaping policy agendas that transcend borders and empowering communities with knowledge, resources, and support they need to thrive. By promoting evidence-based practices, inclusivity, & sustainability, we aspire to catalyze a profound lasting impact on the health of populations leading to lives of vitality, purpose, and fulfillment.
SERVICES
Outreach
Consulting
Community Engagement
Speaking Engagements
Health Initiatives
Wellness Programs
Fitness Recommendations
Training & Education
Health Screenings
Corporate Wellness Services
Capacity Building
Public Health Programs
Advocacy Work
Project Management
Strategic Program Planning
Event Moderation
Aesthetics
What sets me apart is that Im practicing a boots on the ground approach to the community work that I’m doing. I most proud that I am able to connect fitness, public health and wellness together and give an authentic recognizable brand for years to come. I want readers to know that you can tie all the things that you love and are passionate about and use it to serve others and make a difference.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
As a serial entrepreneur, I’m definitely a risk-taker, which is a crucial component of entrepreneurship. However, I take calculated risks and that comes from my background in the corporate arena. So I often try to look at the long term outcome. In Entrepreneurship and in the corporate world, I push boundaries. As someone who has launched multiple ventures but has also moved up the ladder in the workplace, I understand that risk is often a precursor to innovation. Without taking risks, many groundbreaking ideas and successful companies would never come to life. I think the big idea is to identify which risks will push you forward, and which could lead to big failure. When you’re involved in multiple ventures, I have faced failure, rejection, and setbacks. How I have handled these issues is what makes me who and what I am today.
Over time, extensive networking has been built. I have access to mentors, investors, and peers who can help me navigate risks and make better-informed decisions as well as be the same to others which are all lessons. The more experiences I have, the better I get at leveraging the knowledge of others and learn to use make decisions about my own risks.
Lastly, With each new venture that I develop, my risk tolerance evolves. Now, I’m pretty sure to how much risk I’m willing to take.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sonyawellsconsulting.com
- Instagram: sonyatheconsultant / poshfitness
- Facebook: Sonya Wells Public Health & Wellness Consulting/ Posh Fitness
- LinkedIn: Sonya Wells, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
- Other: https://poshfitnessboutique.com
