We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis Jennings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, how does your business help the community?
Whew! What an important question. As a Virgo sun, I am always analyzing, manifesting, and working on the big picture. My business, ZenShells, LLC has a huge vision of helping the community in many ways. ZenShells is an integrative wellness and spiritual practice created to emphasize mind-body connection awareness in relation to health and quality of life.

We aim to help the community by providing services and resources that empower self-care, health (mental, physical, spiritual, emotional), art and expression, and embracing divine femininity. We offer spiritual advising, wellness workshops, uplifting content, networking opportunities, and a safe haven for all along their journey to optimal health and healing. We advocate for the underrepresented and are very passionate about making integrative wellness more affordable/accessible to other individuals. We lead by example and value both the yin and yang in life, and inspire the same in our community. We aim to show our community that each and every part of themselves matter, and the value of nurturing all that is them, for it is divine.

ZenShells has another component to the business, catered to the Divine Feminine energy of our community, known as The Empowered Empress Brand. The ultimate mission of this brand is to heal the divine feminine and empower empresses across our community. Divine Feminine, can have many definitions, however at ZenShells, LLC., we feel that the divine feminine reflects any womxn that embraces and celebrates all of her power(s). This movement is comprised of monthly empowerment workshops, courses, monthly social/networking meetups, and an annual restorative retreat. This brand strives has a strong emphasis on reducing any shame and stigma behind sex, sexual health & education, and empower/heal womxn who have experienced divorce and or separation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say I am most proud of the fact that, when I heard “no”, I did it anyway. I think that’s what makes me so proud about where I am today. I have been told in undergraduate studies, by advisors, that this would be impossible, or that, but I did it anyway. Not being afraid to take risks despite the odds.

My experiences in academia, research, and business as a woman of color, have taught me to become friends with my fear. Was it easy? No; but worth it? YES.

As far as overcoming challenges, I remembered the quote from the glorious Shirley Chisholm: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” That is exactly what I did. Creating a brand that may ruffle some feathers, and have others clutching some pearls. I realized that the fear I had on this journey was meant to guide me and build strength, provide sustenance. Like any friend, fear can only help you if you allow it. Fear quietly shined beside me, as it helped me find my path, and also help others find theirs.

The main lesson I have learned along the way is: to never settle. In anything.

I want the world to know this, “you, yourself, are your best thing”, and to always invest in that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Such a fun question, because I love going out!

I’d say we would absolutely visit: Baby J’s jazz bar in downtown Gainesville, Cosmo Hair Nail Bar (to get “beautified” for the week), Gainesville Circus Center to take some AMAZING dance/acrobat classes because YOLO, Boca Fiesta Malibu Knight on Friday for the best dancing of your life, University Club for the best drag shows and energy in town, Dragonfly for some nice bites and cocktails, Devil’s Millhopper for the fresh air and views!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness, another great question, yes absolutely! First and foremost, hands down, as always, my mother comes first. She is my gift of life that gave me life. This business is named after her (ZenShells; Shells is apart of her name). She has instilled in me every single thing that I am. Without her, I am nothing. I thank her and shout her out incessantly!

Next, I thank my ancestors, for they paved the way in ALL that I do. All of my academic educators, for seeing the potential in me that I would have never seen in myself. All of my sports coaches, for instilling the confidence and strength in me. My dearest friends, for supporting me relentlessly in every path of the way. My brand and creative manager, the brilliant Samantha Shakes and all creatives of my collaborators with Studio Svntn LLC!

I thank God, the universe and all that is divine. I am infinitely grateful to all.

Website: https://www.zenshells.com/

Instagram: @zenshells

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZenShells/

Other: Alexis Tiktok: @lexladiva

Image Credits
Photography by Studio Svntn, LLC.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.