BOSS Spotlight Feature: Josie Santiago
Josie Santiago is a Wellness and Leadership Coach, Facilitator, and Yoga Instructor. She is the owner of Akili Well. Her mission is to inspire us to reshape our relationship with wellness.
She inspires others to work through new paradigms, center well-being, and move through the world with compassion. Join her Wellness for the Working Woman Coaching Group.
What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?
She inspires others to work through new paradigms, center well-being, and move through the world with compassion. Join her Wellness for the Working Woman Coaching Group.
What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?
My biggest challenge was overcoming the fear of financial instability. I know many people who have started businesses and stopped because they didn’t have the financial resources or social capital to sustain themselves. I had to get over many fears of not being financially stable to start this business. It’s still uncertain at times, but by receiving the grant from Sage foundation and BOSS Network I was reminded of the possibilities.
What inspired you to break into your industry?
I never imagined being a small business owner until I started to truly embody what Akili Well offers- an invitation to dream and live out the fullness of life we deserve. I began to notice that I wanted more out of life. I wanted to be able to use my skills in spaces that supported my values, well-being, and allowed for my wholeness. Then the risk of starting a business became less than my desire and vision. I thought, if I really wanted freedom and was encouraging others to live from their dreams, I must take the risk and do the same.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance?
As a creative and ambitious person, I find it hard to turn down the volume of inspiration for this work. And as a new business owner, I do find myself taking on more than I want to just to keep up. At the same time, because I hold wellness as a top priority in my life, I have been able to keep to a routine that works for me. I am able to adapt to the ebbs and flows of life through, purpose, prioritizing, and centering. Every morning I name my priorities so that I am reminded of the practices I am going to hold strong boundaries around that day. This creates some sense of balance for me, even when unexpected things arise.
What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
Go at your own pace. It's about the journey, not the destination
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?
I am lucky to have many and I wish I can name them all here. Here are a few: My mom, dad, partner, and brother. My friends Chaz Hodges, Alexis Henry, Kristen & Kathy Sawyer. My peers
Kevin Thompson and Tivo Rojas-Cheatham. My mentors are Stacey Thompson, Sheryl Kent, and April Rizzi. Encouragement from Susan and Victor Mcguire and Doris Martin.
What are your must-haves to keep your career or business going strong?
My somatic practices. My time in nature. My business relationships.
What is your definition of a BOSS?
A BOSS is a courageous visionary who sees their power to create from what is and takes inspired action toward future possibilities.
Provide us with two words that describe you.
Wellness and Leadership Coach
Learn more about Josie at akiliwell.com
Instagram: @akiliwell
What inspired you to break into your industry?
I never imagined being a small business owner until I started to truly embody what Akili Well offers- an invitation to dream and live out the fullness of life we deserve. I began to notice that I wanted more out of life. I wanted to be able to use my skills in spaces that supported my values, well-being, and allowed for my wholeness. Then the risk of starting a business became less than my desire and vision. I thought, if I really wanted freedom and was encouraging others to live from their dreams, I must take the risk and do the same.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance?
As a creative and ambitious person, I find it hard to turn down the volume of inspiration for this work. And as a new business owner, I do find myself taking on more than I want to just to keep up. At the same time, because I hold wellness as a top priority in my life, I have been able to keep to a routine that works for me. I am able to adapt to the ebbs and flows of life through, purpose, prioritizing, and centering. Every morning I name my priorities so that I am reminded of the practices I am going to hold strong boundaries around that day. This creates some sense of balance for me, even when unexpected things arise.
What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
Go at your own pace. It's about the journey, not the destination
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?
I am lucky to have many and I wish I can name them all here. Here are a few: My mom, dad, partner, and brother. My friends Chaz Hodges, Alexis Henry, Kristen & Kathy Sawyer. My peers
Kevin Thompson and Tivo Rojas-Cheatham. My mentors are Stacey Thompson, Sheryl Kent, and April Rizzi. Encouragement from Susan and Victor Mcguire and Doris Martin.
What are your must-haves to keep your career or business going strong?
My somatic practices. My time in nature. My business relationships.
What is your definition of a BOSS?
A BOSS is a courageous visionary who sees their power to create from what is and takes inspired action toward future possibilities.
Provide us with two words that describe you.
Wellness and Leadership Coach
Learn more about Josie at akiliwell.com
Instagram: @akiliwell
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