I’d been hearing a buzz about Current Wellness since it first opened in 2020, but it was when I attended the 2021 Juneteenth event in their space that I realized how special it truly is. Then, when my coworking space had a private yoga class followed by mocktails class, I really felt the belonging that comes from such a welcoming place and community. It is Brit’s heart and personal journey that lead the momentum behind the success story of Current Wellness. As January is a time for resolutions, intentions and new goals, there’s no better time than now to introduce you to Brit Guerin and Current Wellness, especially with Brit’s “Welcoming All Parts of Yourself” retreat coming up on January 13th and “Embodies Movement for Eating Disorder Recovery” virtual series kicking off on January 18th. You’ll want to follow all the updates on Instagram. Meanwhile, enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Brit Guerin

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

Current Wellness is a wellness center for physical and mental health in downtown Raleigh. "The Current" includes the following: a movement space for functional fitness, dance fitness and yoga; a teaching kitchen for food education; appointment-based services like personal training, massage and acupuncture; private coworking offices for mental health therapists, physical therapists, dietitians and other wellness providers. I also own Guerin Therapy Group, which is a mental health private practice specializing in trauma, eating disorders and anxiety.

Why did you start your company?

Our mission is to activate inclusive wellness for mind, body and community. I’ve worked in the fitness industry for over 15 years and have noticed some (unintentional) harm being done. Unfortunately, the fitness industry (and a lot of our society) is taught that weight and body size are indicators of health. Therefore, weight loss is a huge motivator and selling point for fitness. This can create harm by encouraging disordered eating, eating disorders and over-exercise. Further, people are meant to be diverse in body size. However, in a weight-centric paradigm, if someone’s genetics are such that they are in a larger body, this is viewed as “wrong” or “unhealthy”. To be called “wrong” for the size of your body is often damaging to one’s mental health. There’s so much more to say about this nuanced topic, but I started Current Wellness to be a safe(r) place for folks in larger bodies to engage in fitness and wellness. So far, we’ve received an overwhelmingly positive response because this is a huge gap in offerings within wellness spaces.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The most rewarding part of Current Wellness is to hear from our members that our approach to wellness is life changing (and, for some, life saving). Our approach to wellness is affirming, compassionate and exploratory. Our members feel empowered because they get to make choices about how they want to engage in movement and, more broadly, wellness. Wellness is not one size fits all so we really intend to provide space for folks to define it for themselves.

About what are you most proud?

I’m most proud of starting a wellness center that is countercultural. To be honest, I was terrified of starting something so radical. I wondered if anyone would come and, then, financially feared that I might lose my house (since we used an SBA loan to start our business). However, I trusted my gut that this approach would work because it was needed (and no one else was offering it). A lot of people don’t go to gyms or yoga studios because they feel intimidated, excluded or like they don’t belong. Our approach has invited these folks into a supportive community, and, then, these folks help shape our inclusive culture.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I’m naturally organized. When I was younger, I used to organize my mom’s office for fun. I think this helped me stay regulated because my environment can have a big impact on my nervous system.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

My partner, Nathan, hands down. My partner (life partner and business partner), always saw something in me that I didn’t. I didn’t think I was creative until he helped me see all the ways that I was, in fact, creative. He has supported me in using my voice in ways that I didn’t feel safe doing so. He told me I was smart when I wasn’t sure. I could go on and on, but my partner’s belief in me has taken my life to the next level.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

I would say to first reflect on how organization will serve you and impact your life. (And, if it wouldn’t serve you, then don’t worry about it!). If it would positively impact your life, find your own way and your own systems. I think “organization” can feel like it has certain rules or expectations. However, we all have different sensory needs and different life demands. The way that I get organized might look entirely different than yours.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I definitely rely on technology to support my productivity and organization. I use Asana for task management for both myself and my team in addition to many other systems that support the streamlining of our processes at Current Wellness.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

I realized in my twenties that I’m better with work/life integration as opposed to work/life balance. I really like the flexibility in my schedule to work when it makes the most sense for me and my life. This is why entrepreneurship works so well for me. The tradeoff is definitely how much I work. While I have flexibility, I have to be careful that I’m not working all the time. Small business ownership has large demands so I have to be very intentional about taking time off and putting my work to the side.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I’m most passionate about body liberation and fat liberation. I’m a member of the Association of Size Diversity and Health which has great resources to get involved. There are plenty of other incredible causes that I support, but this particular cause is such a large part of my personal and professional life.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I really love pouring a beverage, putting together a plate of charcuterie, turning on music and sitting on my couch with my partner. Being home with Nathan is so grounding to me.

What is your favorite author / book?

I’m not a big reader. I struggled with reading as a kid and thought that reading wasn’t for me. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I discovered Audible which has helped me explore books.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

I don’t know who originally said this, but I love “rest is resistance”. This inspires me to put productivity aside. I’ve been working on “being” more and “doing” less.

What is your go-to accessory?

I’m not into accessories. You’ll typically see me in athleisure because I’m all about comfort!

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I don’t have a beauty routine. Part of my personal work within the body liberation paradigm has been detaching from standards of beauty and connecting to my inner world and identities.

What is your favorite food?

How could I pick!? I love pizza, chips and salsa, and salad. I rarely cook, but I will gladly eat anything my partner makes. 😀

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

I love Locals Seafood because of its sustainable mission and delicious seafood, A Place at the Table for the incredible impact they have on the community and Boulted Bread because they made me discover my love of quiche and croissants.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Thailand. The people are so incredibly friendly, and the food is to die for.

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

I don’t often rewatch movies. When I was younger I watched the Next Karate Kid countless times. Hillary Swank’s performance helped me explore and challenge gender roles.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Flying sounds pretty cool. Somewhat practical but mostly for fun!

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

I would tell her to worry less about what people think of you and to keep carving your own path.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

Having lunch with Michelle Obama would be pretty badass. (And I would chat with her about her Let’s Move campaign).

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