We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sheena Shelton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sheena below.
Sheena, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found purpose by paying attention to what the Black fitness community in San Diego needed. As a trainer, speaker, and wellness entrepreneur, I’ve always been passionate about health and establishing meaningful connections. But over time, I noticed how overlooked and under-supported Black fitness professionals were, not just in visibility, but in access to opportunities, funding, and community.
Black Fitness Excellence was born from a combination of my God given gifts, lived experience, and a clear need I could no longer ignore. My background in counseling, fitness coaching, and community building gave me the skills. My faith gave me the vision, reminding me that I was called to create, lead, and serve with intention. And the gap I saw in the industry gave me the assignment.
Purpose showed up when I started questioning “What else could I do for our community?”, “What am I uniquely positioned to build that uplifts others?” For me, that answer was creating a platform that celebrates, connects, and empowers Black trainers, coaches, and wellness leaders to be successful in this industry. That’s Black Fitness Excellence.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a faith-led fitness coach, community builder, and founder of Black Fitness Excellence, a platform created to celebrate and elevate Black trainers, coaches, and wellness professionals. My personal journey into the fitness world started with a desire to heal, both physically and mentally. Over the years, I realized that my calling was bigger than individual transformations. I felt called to build a movement.
Black Fitness Excellence isn’t just a brand. it’s a legacy project. It’s about creating space for us, by us, spotlighting the brilliance, resilience, and innovation of Black professionals in wellness spaces across the country and beyond. Through events, media, and professional development, we’re building a global network that centers fitness, culture, faith, and excellence.
What excites me the most is how much impact is tied to this work. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people feel seen, supported, and spiritually grounded in their work. We have became family on a mission to celebrate and uplift our community.
Right now, I’m focused on planning two major Black Fitness Excellence events this fall and winter to mark one year since the vision came to life. We have so much to celebrate and even more exciting things on the horizon.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three things that have been most impactful on my journey are resilience, vision, and community-building.
Resilience kept me going when things didn’t go as planned, when events didn’t sell out, when support fell through, or when I had to pivot completely. It’s the inner strength to keep showing up even when the outcome is uncertain.
Vision gave me a sense of direction. From day one, I knew Black Fitness Excellence was bigger than me, I could see the long-term impact even when the first few steps were small. Being able to cast a clear vision and stay connected to it has helped me stay rooted and inspired through the ups and downs.
And most importantly, community-building. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people around me, other entrepreneurs, creatives, and visionaries who understand the emotional and mental challenges that come with this kind of work.
For anyone early in their journey, my biggest piece of advice is this: get in community. Surround yourself with other like-minded people who dare to dream and dare to start something new. Whether it’s a formal business group, a mastermind, or a circle of friends walking a similar path, community will support your growth both emotionally and practically. They’ll remind you you’re not alone and often connect you with the resources, strategies, and perspective you need to keep going and scale your brand with confidence.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m always open to partnering with individuals and brands who align with the mission of celebrating, supporting, and investing in Black fitness and wellness professionals.
I’m especially looking to collaborate with:
Fitness and wellness brands interested in meaningful partnerships or sponsorships
Photographers, videographers, and creatives who are passionate about capturing Black excellence
Event collaborators and venue hosts the Fall Fitness Formal or Black Fitness Excellence Fitness Expo
Trainers, coaches, and health professionals who want to be featured or involved in future events, campaigns, or media
Media platforms, publications, and influencers that want to amplify this movement
If you’re aligned with the vision and ready to create something impactful together, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or connect with @blackfitnessexcellence on Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Black Fitness Excellence
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-s-b09525196/
Image Credits
Instagram: Cinemazay
Instagram: Urtapia
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
