Meet Wendy Julien

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wendy Julien a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Wendy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My journey into the world of health and wellness was born from personal hardship and a deep-seated desire for change. Growing up in a family with limited resources and health knowledge, I found solace in physical activities like weight training, track, and ROTC. However, it wasn’t until my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2016 that I started my journey of the importance of health. Witnessing the devastating effects of chemotherapy on her, I explored natural remedies, adjusting her diet and incorporating daily walks, which remarkably improved her mood and physical health. This experience reshaped my career trajectory, inspiring me to integrate nutrition and physical exercise into a wellness program.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, I found purpose in helping others navigate their health challenges. Leveraging the knowledge gained from caring for my mother, I offered guidance on enhancing diets and establishing routines that promoted physical and mental well-being. This led to the official launch of Pinkberry Boost LLC in 2020, a mission-driven enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome health crises and reconnect with their inner strength. Despite the challenges, including my mother’s passing in 2024, I continue to embody the resilience I teach, committed to making a positive impact on my clients’ lives through holistic wellness.

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

My journey into the world of health and wellness was born from personal hardship and a deep-seated desire for change. Growing up in a family where education and resources were scarce, we were never truly aware of what it meant to live a healthy life. My mother’s lack of formal education and access to health knowledge meant that we were all uninformed about the essentials of proper wellness. In the environment I was exposed to, combined with our financial struggles and the lack of a stable home, pushed me toward finding solace in physical activities. I immersed myself in weight training, track, and ROTC. It was a form of escape to cope with the realities of my life.

It wasn’t until my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2016 that I truly understood the critical importance of health. Witnessing the devastating effects of chemotherapy on her, from hair loss to diminished self-esteem, I was compelled to look beyond conventional medicine to find healing. This led me to explore natural remedies, adjusting her diet to include turmeric juices and antioxidant-rich shakes, and daily walks which remarkably improved her mood and physical health.

This transformative experience with my mother opened my eyes to the power of integrating nutrition and physical exercise into my own health and wellness program, reshaping my career trajectory. Through her I began to incorporate strength training into her routine, which helped her regain strength and confidence as she prepared to return to work. I was able to help my mother live longer than expected.

However, when COVID-19 pandemic struck, the world slowed down, and many faced the realities of isolation and a sudden need to reassess their lifestyles. During this time, I found a renewed purpose in helping others. Leveraging the knowledge and experiences gained from caring for my mother, I began assisting people in navigating their health challenges amidst the pandemic. I offered guidance on how to enhance their diets with nutritious foods and supported them in establishing routines that promoted physical and mental well-being. Since then, I devoted my career to empowering people, especially hard working mothers, to prioritize their wellness.

The impact of these efforts led me to officially launch Pinkberry Boost LLC in 2020. My company became more than just a health and wellness business; it became a mission-driven enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome their health crises and reconnect with their inner strength. Unfortunately, on January 21, 2024, I lost my mother. She was only 62. A beautiful fighting spirit who fought for her life and then expanded it just so she could live longer. As hard as it is sharing this story with you all, I know that had I not intervened, I don’t know if she would’ve lived as long as she did. I’ll admit I wished she lived longer. Thus, living a holistic healthy life doesn’t guarantee life until 100 years old; it just gives us a chance to embace a healthier lifestyle. We don’t know when our time will come but if you take the time out to make the slightest changes, it could allow you the opportunity to spend another year with loved ones, or experience the true meaning of life which is connecting with our divine self. All in all, I am learning to accept that transforming our health can add a littlemore time in this life.
Certainly, my journey has not been without its challenges. Establishing myself in the health and wellness industry has been particularly tough because the market often prioritizes health and beauty products over genuine health advocacy. This focus shifts attention away from the preventative care that could save many from future ailments, which is the core of what I try to promote at Pinkberry Boost. Educating people about self-care and reprogramming their understanding of health requires persistent effort and commitment, especially in a culture that often waits until the last moment to seek help.

Last year alone was a significant shift. I made the decision to fully commit to my vision and leave my job. This was not an easy choice, as the environment there had become toxic, impacting my overall well-being. Stepping away meant taking full responsibility for my financial stability and the future of Pinkberry Boost. As a first-generation wealth builder in my family, there’s no established blueprint for success or financial safety net to fall back on. Every step I take towards building my business, from continuing education to branding, marketing, and promotions, etc. is mostly funded out of pocket.

Not to mention, before her passing, my late mother became dependent on my sister and me. This took a significant emotional and financial toll on us both. Yet, despite these personal challenges, I continued to show up for my clients, both in one-on-one sessions and group classes. In doing so, I am living the very essence of what I teach about self-care: that even when obstacles try to knock us down, giving up isn’t an option. This experience has been incredibly trying, almost to the point of feeling knocked out, but I’m learning to accept the pain and continue showing up. It’s a testament to the belief that things will get better if we just keep moving forward. I am still navigating through my grief, and every day I strive to embody the resilience I encourage in my clients.

Despite these hurdles, I’ve made considerable progress. I’ve been fortunate to attract clients who trust me to guide them in their wellness journeys. Their support not only helps sustain the business but also reinforces the importance of the work I’m doing. Looking ahead, my goal is to secure more contracts and expand my reach, enabling me to help even more people realize the importance of proactive health practices. This journey, though fraught with challenges, is deeply rewarding, and each obstacle overcome is a testament to the resilience and dedication that drive Pinkberry Boost forward.

Pinkberry Boost Fitness was born from a deeply personal journey, sparked by my late mother’s struggles with health. Witnessing her battle chronic illnesses without the proper knowledge or resources for effective self-care drove me to establish a space dedicated to holistic health education. At Pinkberry Boost, we focus on supporting clients, particularly mothers who lack the proper education in self-care, through a holistic approach that includes physical fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.

What truly sets Pinkberry Boost apart is our specialized focus on trauma recovery. We use physical activity not just as a form of physical conditioning but as a transformative tool for emotional and psychological healing. Our customized fitness programs—encompassing weight training, cardio exercises, and flexibility workouts—are designed to help our clients not only meet their physical goals but also foster overall wellness and recovery from past traumas. Also, we create a safe space to realign, reconnect, and recognize the importance of one-self,

I take great pride in the strides Pinkberry Boost has made in merging a deep understanding of nutrition with our fitness programs. We guide our clients on how to nourish their bodies effectively, emphasizing the importance of natural, nutrient-rich ingredients like berries, herbs, and vegetables. This approach is designed to enhance their recovery processes and overall health outcomes. Additionally, we recognize the profound impact that unresolved trauma can have on personal fitness goals. Therefore, we also advise our clients to consult with trauma specialists when necessary, ensuring that they receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs.

Pinkberry Boost is dedicated to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where everyone can learn, grow, and heal. We are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you to reconnect with your inner strength and achieve a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

For those interested in joining our community or learning more about our services, you can reach us through our website at http://pinkberryboost.com. We are also active on social media, where we share tips, success stories, and community events. You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @pinkberryboost (http://instagram.com/pinkberryboost) to stay updated and engage with our vibrant community. You can also engage in our monthly workshops through eventbrite searcb for Cup ‘ah Tea Book Club or Wellness Warrior Info Session. Whether you’re looking to start your fitness journey, seeking guidance on nutrition, or needing support to overcome personal challenges, Pinkberry Boost is here to guide you on your path to wellness.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

My advice to those just starting out is straightforward: don’t wait until it’s too late. Let me emphasize, preventative care, yes, preventative care, is crucial. It’s often the most overlooked aspect of health that can either save your life or at least spare you from the slow progression of a debilitating health condition. Accessing a gym or hiring a trainer might not always be easy or affordable, but there are other options. Look into wellness programs at local community centers, city recreation facilities, or even inquire about discounts on gym memberships through your workplace. If you ask, you can find the resources you need. Remaining silent means missing out on potential support. So, don’t delay; you are just as important as anyone else.

Reflecting on my own experiences, if I had understood the full impact of preventative care following my mother’s first diagnosis, I would have dived into this field right away. I could have guided her through dietary changes and educated her and others about the critical role of food in maintaining health. My own health choices would have been better informed as well. So, start now, educate yourself, and make the choices that support long-term wellness. You deserve it.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am looking to collaborate with like-minded organizations or groups who are dedicated to the true depth of health and wellness. Collaborating will provide an opportunity to enhance my knowledge and bridge gaps within my community and others. I aim to explore more information and resources that will benefit both my clients and myself while also sharing my wealth of knowledge. If you are passionate about holistic wellness and are interested in partnering, please connect with me. Together, we can create a positive impact and support each other in our mission to promote health and well-being. You can reach me through my website at https://www.pinkberryboost.com or via email at [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pinkberryboost.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/pinkberryboost
• Facebook: @pinkberryboost
• Other: Tiktoc : Pinkberryboost.fi

Image Credits

I’d like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to some incredible people who have been instrumental in my journey. First, a huge shoutout to my friend and Public Relations Representative, Qwesha Coutou. Q has been a pillar of support, helping bring my vision for Pinkberry Boost to life with her creative genius in content creation.

My dear friend Myrline Sterling deserves a special mention for being my rock. Her relentless encouragement reminds me to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges. I also owe a great deal of thanks to my business coach, Dr. LaNee Javet, whose guidance has not only helped launch my business but has also inspired me to aim for generational wealth.

A big thank you to Bruce Lewis and Sharifa Green at E2C Equity Entrepreneur Center, who work tirelessly to support and connect startups like mine, helping us grow and establish ourselves. My sister and my aunt, Jessica Godard and Natasha St. Martin, have witnessed my transformation from the very beginning and have always been there for me when I needed them most.

I’m also incredibly grateful for my running team, Running Edge 305. These amazing athletes inspire me daily to maintain my fitness training and push my limits. To my dear late mother, who is deeply missed every day—she is the reason I do what I do. Her spirit and love fuel my passion and dedication to this path.

Thanks to my therapist, who has been pivotal in helping me navigate my life experiences and rebuild my self-esteem. I am thankful for the inspiring friends from the past; although we may not talk much now, I am grateful for their guidance during the early days of my business.

Lastly, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to my clients. Your trust and vulnerability are not only a privilege but also a constant reminder of why I cannot and will not quit. You all are truly my inspiration.