We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Mekole Wells. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Mekole below.
Dr. Mekole , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As an Indigenous woman who has been the only one in the room most of my childhood to adulthood. I have learned to accept the power of my individuality and not rotate in the ‘fear’ of standing out. As I have been the only one in the room like me, I know that I am chosen by God and I have a perfect, yet specific calling on my life. Many say that they want to be popular, everyone wants to be popular. My focus is to be purposeful in my life’s work and my life’s journey.
As I am purposeful I am always set apart and placed in spaces and places where I work effectively. I have learned that as I am the only one in the room, I cannot let that waiver or neutralize my focus or power. I have learned that every person has a different purpose in this life and if people would focus on the change they need to make, instead of the fear or insecurities they have individually. Then being the ‘only one in the room’ would be an honor and not a fear or a feeling of displacement.
When I focus on the goal and the reasons I am in those spaces/places where I am the only one, I pull strength from the experiences of those ancestors that were not allowed in the spaces and places I am now allowed to be as the only one.
The only one in the room is a gift from God because you are trusted to be set apart from the crowd, to do a singular, powerful work.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Dr. Mekole P Wells, Ph.d., After 10 years I recently finished my doctorate degree in public policy/organizational management. At the same time, I closed the first location of my health/wellness facility Memphis 4050 fit 6 days later. I now am getting ready to buy a medium size warehouse to facilitate my health/wellness business and my nonprofit. It sounds crazy, but I wanted to own my own property and create a space for other entrepreneurs that are solely focused on healing /wellness in the DMV urban communities.
It takes a lot to run a business and complete a level of higher education, Both of these were great achievements because they set me in a category of the 2%. The next goals are to develop this new health/wellness space. I am working with new designers and contractors to develop this space. The new space will house Memphis 40/50 fit Health/wellness and it will house my nonprofit, It Takes a Village., an after-school nonprofit that focuses on the entrepreneurial skills of students and how they want to heal their surrounding communities.
I am excited because the future is bright and creates power in those that feel powerless in the DMV. Many talk about what they are doing but action speaks louder than words. So I am very excited and ready for Part 2 to begin.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Prayer—- when an individual has a big vision it takes faith to create the vision, develop the vision, and be accountable and responsible for their individual vision. Many days you will be alone in thought and in the process of development. Don’t be afraid and keep going forward with the vision. Find a great accountant, and investors, and ask people that believe in your dream for a donation. Ask and it shall be given.
Faith—– Always remember no matter what they say about you Keep Going and Growing into your power and manifest your vision!
Create your product with the thought you are changing the world. Cause change and Change the atmosphere with your design, product, food, or whatever you are creating it has to be different from the rest.
Self-Care- Every business owner, artist, and entrepreneur needs to have a day of self-care. Self-care from a day off to a full day at the spa. When entrepreneurs self-care it assists with higher productivity later on. Self-care is a healing component and an energizer for any who needs a life Reset.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to collaborate because collaboration develops celebration. I would love to collaborate with urban fitness and wellness agencies to do some global work. investing in healing and wellness to the world…
so if that interests you please contact me at get4050fit@gmail.com or 202-840-9192
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drmekolepwells.com
- Instagram: @get4050_fit
- Facebook: Wells MP
- Linkedin: Mekole Wells
Image Credits
Kevin@KBweddings.com
