Meet Shelita White

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shelita White. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shelita below.

Hi Shelita, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is a quality often admired but rarely understood. For me, resilience wasn’t something I was simply born with; it was built, piece by piece, through life’s experiences. It has shaped me into who I am today, and I believe it’s one of the core reasons I’ve been able to navigate both personal and professional challenges with grace and determination.

The Early Years
I can trace my resilience back to my early years, growing up in a family where giving up wasn’t an option. I come from a long line of women who simply had no choice but to overcome. My great-grandmother was the only black mid-wife in the deep South in North Carolina. She was often faced with racism and bigotry. My grandmother worked for a lady named Mrs. Turner for decades while raising 7 children. She instilled the importance of hard work and education to all her children and grandchildren. My mom continued her education and later graduated from North Carolina Central University. My mom always instilled in me that being mediocre was never an option. I was taught to always work hard and strive for excellence.

I learned early on that life won’t always go as planned, and when things get tough, it’s not the situation itself but how you respond to it that defines the outcome. Whether it was personal challenges or setbacks in my education and career, I had to learn to pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep moving forward.

The Power of Fitness
My journey into the world of fitness taught me a whole new level of resilience. When I founded Haus of Innergy, I was determined to build a space that represented strength, community, and inner power. But what many people don’t see are the countless setbacks that come with running a business — bad business decisions, financial hurdles, fluctuating clients, and the ever-evolving fitness industry. Every obstacle was an opportunity to grow, and I realized that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges but facing them head-on with a growth mindset.

Turning Pain into Power
Like many, I’ve faced moments in life that could’ve easily broken my spirit. Whether it was personal loss such as the unexpected loss or my dad, disappointment, or feeling stuck in a situation, I found that resilience was my anchor. Instead of letting pain and setbacks define me, I turned them into fuel. I learned to channel my emotions into positive action, whether through fitness, business, or personal growth. I became comfortable with the uncomfortable, knowing that every tough moment would make me stronger in the end.

Building Resilience through Community
While personal grit plays a huge role in building resilience, I’ve also learned the importance of community. I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who believed in me, even when I doubted myself. Whether it’s family, friends, or clients at Haus of Innergy, the support and encouragement I’ve received have been crucial. When you know there are people in your corner, rooting for your success, it becomes easier to push through the tough times.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey
Resilience is not a destination but a continuous journey. Every day presents new challenges, and with them, new opportunities to strengthen my resolve. I’ve come to embrace life’s unpredictability because I know I have the tools to weather the storms. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that resilience isn’t about never falling down; it’s about rising stronger every time you do.

Where do you get your resilience? I believe we all have it within us, waiting to be nurtured and called upon when we need it the most. My story is just one of many, but I hope it serves as a reminder that no matter what you’re going through, you have the strength to overcome it.

Let’s keep building, keep growing, and keep rising.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At the Haus of Innergy Fitness Center, we focus on holistic wellness that nurtures both body and mind. Our goal is to provide a space where individuals can prioritize their health while also feeling supported in a community that cares about their overall well-being. What makes our center special is the personalized approach we bring to fitness. We believe that wellness is not a one-size-fits-all journey, so we offer customized fitness plans, diverse workout classes, and nutritional guidance to help each individual reach their unique goals.

One of the most exciting aspects of the Haus of Innergy is the energy and sense of empowerment that fills the space. We create an environment where people of all fitness levels can come together, support each other, and make progress without judgment. Our trainers are not only experts in fitness but also passionate about building lasting relationships with clients and helping them transform both physically and mentally.

We’re also excited to announce that we have new offerings on the way! We will be introducing specialized workshops focused on mental wellness through movement, including yoga and meditation sessions that help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. We’re also expanding our community outreach efforts by offering fitness scholarships to underprivileged women and youth in the community, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need for a healthy lifestyle.

If you’re looking to join a fitness community where you can thrive and grow holistically, Haus of Innergy is the place to be.

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?

As I reflect on my journey — the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way — there are three qualities that have stood out as pillars of my growth: faith, perseverance, and discipline. These qualities have been my compass, guiding me through the toughest times and helping me navigate the highs and lows of life. Whether in my personal development or the creation of Haus of Innergy, these principles have remained at the core of everything I do.

1. Faith: Believing in Something Greater
Faith has been an essential part of my journey, not only in a spiritual sense but also as a guiding force in everything I pursue. Faith is what keeps you moving forward when there’s no evidence that things will work out. It’s the belief that no matter what the situation looks like, something greater is at play — whether it’s divine guidance or the conviction in yourself and your dreams.

How to Develop Faith:
-Cultivate a Practice of Gratitude: One of the easiest ways to strengthen your faith is by appreciating what you already have. By focusing on your blessings, you’ll start to see how things work out for you, even in challenging times.

– Surround Yourself with Positivity: Whether it’s people, environments, or even the media you consume, staying around positivity will help build your belief in possibilities. Positive influence helps to strengthen your belief in your own abilities.

– Let Go of Control: One of the biggest challenges is surrendering control and trusting the process. Faith is about knowing that even when you can’t see the path, you’re still moving in the right direction. Practice releasing what you can’t control and trusting that everything will unfold as it should.

2. Perseverance: Pushing Through the Hard Times
Perseverance is what keeps the fire burning when things get tough, and trust me, things will get tough. On my journey, there have been countless moments where I could have easily given up. But perseverance taught me that nothing worth having comes easy. The ability to push through setbacks, failures, and challenges is what separates those who succeed from those who quit.

How to Develop Perseverance:

– Break Down Big Goals: Large goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This makes them more manageable and allows you to celebrate small wins along the way.

– Build Resilience Through Setbacks: Understand that failure is part of success. Every time you fall, pick yourself back up and use what you’ve learned to move forward. With each setback, your ability to persevere grows stronger.

– Develop a Support System: Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to keep going. Sometimes, having someone believe in you can make all the difference in pushing through difficult moments.

3. Discipline: Staying Committed to Your Goals
Discipline is the engine that keeps everything in motion. It’s easy to be excited about a goal or dream when you’re full of motivation, but discipline is what keeps you on track when that initial excitement fades. I’ve found that staying committed to daily actions — even when I don’t feel like it — has been crucial to building long-term success in both my personal life and business.

How to Develop Discipline:

– Create Daily Routines: Success comes from what you do consistently. Whether it’s a morning routine, a workout schedule, or setting aside time for personal development, create habits that align with your goals.

– Set Non-Negotiables: Identify the tasks and actions that must happen every day, no matter what. These should be tied to your most important goals. Making them non-negotiable builds self-trust and strengthens your commitment.

– Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome: Discipline is easier when you enjoy the process rather than constantly chasing the result. Learn to love the daily grind and the small steps that get you closer to your vision.

Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
If you’re just starting out, it’s important to recognize that building these qualities takes time and intentional effort. Here’s my advice for developing faith, perseverance, and discipline:

– Start Small: You don’t have to perfect these qualities overnight. Start with small steps — have faith in your ability to achieve one goal, persevere through one challenge, and stay disciplined in one area. Over time, these habits will grow.

– Seek Mentorship: Find someone who embodies these qualities and learn from them. Whether it’s through a mentor, books, or online communities, surrounding yourself with people who’ve been where you are will help you stay on track.

– Be Patient with Yourself: Growth is a process. There will be setbacks, moments of doubt, and times when things don’t go as planned. Keep showing up, and trust that you’re exactly where you need to be.

Final Thoughts: Building Your Foundation
Faith, perseverance, and discipline aren’t just words; they’re practices that have to be cultivated daily. They’ve been the foundation of my journey, helping me turn challenges into opportunities and stay aligned with my purpose. If you’re early in your own journey, focus on building these qualities. They will give you the strength to weather any storm and the resilience to keep pushing toward your goals, no matter what.

Remember, this journey is yours to shape. Believe in something greater, persevere through every obstacle, and stay disciplined in your pursuit of greatness. Your future self will thank you.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Looking back on my life, there’s one lesson from my parents that stands out above all the rest: they taught me how to be strong and independent. It wasn’t through speeches or lectures, but through their actions and the way they approached parenting. They didn’t give me handouts or make things easy for me — and for that, I am eternally grateful.

No Handouts, Just Hard Work
Growing up, I watched other kids receive things from their parents — new clothes, money for outings, and even help with tasks that seemed too difficult. But in my household, things were different. My parents made it clear from the start: if I wanted something, I had to work for it. Whether it was saving up for a new pair of shoes or finding a way to cover an unexpected expense, they encouraged me to figure it out for myself.

At the time, I didn’t always appreciate it. There were moments when I wished things could be easier, or that my parents would step in and “fix” things for me. But now, I realize that by refusing to give me handouts, they gave me something far more valuable — the ability to rely on myself and the confidence to know I could handle whatever life threw my way.

Building Resilience Through Struggles
By not stepping in to solve my problems, my parents gave me the space to develop resilience. They taught me that life wouldn’t always go as planned, and when it didn’t, I had two choices: give up or figure out how to move forward. Time and time again, they showed me that the latter was always the better option.

This resilience has served me well in both my personal and professional life. Whether it was facing financial challenges, building Haus of Innergy from the ground up, or navigating difficult moments in relationships, I’ve always been able to lean on the strength I developed growing up. When things get hard, I don’t break — I adapt. And I owe that to my parents’ decision to let me struggle when I needed to.

Independence: The Greatest Gift
More than anything, my parents taught me how to be independent. They believed in giving me the tools to succeed, but they made sure I was the one using them. Whether it was learning how to manage my time, handle money, or make tough decisions, I knew I could always count on myself to get things done.

This independence has been the foundation of my life. It’s what allowed me to take risks in my career, start a business, and pursue my passions with confidence. I didn’t need anyone else to validate my choices or tell me what to do — I had learned from an early age that I was capable of charting my own course.

Why This Lesson Matters
The strength and independence my parents instilled in me weren’t just about making me “tough” or self-reliant. It was about preparing me for the real world, where handouts are rare, and success is earned through hard work, persistence, and determination. They knew that by teaching me how to stand on my own two feet, they were giving me a gift that would last a lifetime.

Now, as I reflect on my journey, I realize that this lesson has been the key to everything I’ve accomplished. I’m not afraid of hard work, and I don’t expect things to come easily. And because of that, I’ve been able to push through obstacles, stay focused on my goals, and ultimately create a life that I’m proud of.

Advice for Others
If you’re a parent, or someone looking to guide others, my advice is this: don’t be afraid to let those you care about struggle. It’s natural to want to help and make things easier, but sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is step back and let them figure it out on their own. By doing so, you’re not only teaching them how to be strong and independent — you’re giving them the confidence to navigate life with resilience and grace.

For those who may not have grown up with this lesson, it’s never too late to learn. Start by trusting yourself more. Take on challenges without expecting outside help, and watch as your strength and independence grow with each step you take.

In the end, my parents didn’t give me everything I wanted — but they gave me everything I needed. They taught me that I had the power within me to create the life I desired, and for that, I am forever grateful. Strength and independence aren’t just traits I developed — they’re the foundation of who I am. And it’s a foundation that can carry anyone, no matter where their journey leads.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hausofinnergy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hausofinnergy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hausofinnergy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haus-of-innergy-fitness-center-656783326/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hausofinnergy3893

Image Credits

Charles & Charles Photography