Today we’d like to introduce you to Edrence Yalley
Hi Edrence, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got started as a Wellness Coach when I noticed there wasn’t a program for boys at my kids’ school. Initially there was a girls mentorship program and running club called Girls On The Run after some research I found the boys program Let Me Run existed just not in the state. I got training to help them be fit in mind, body & spirit using the power of running and friendship. While being their coach the kids would share about their family challenges, I decided to focus on maternal wellness more as i worked through my own personal challenges. At the time I was going through a breakup from a toxic relationship during the self-discovery part of my healing journey I found a Meditation for Black People class and loved it. I started sharing my journey online and more women were interested as well. I decided to become a yoga teacher to provide additional services for the people I serve because it was great for mental and emotional health; flexibility was just a bonus. Becoming a Yoga Teacher has opened up a lot of doors for me to teach in schools, parks, community organizations and even be apart of a UofM study for African American women. I got here by faith I prayed for opportunities but also took the action steps to explore the options at hand and giving myself the grace to grow. I believe entrepreneurship has it’s time to pivot, pause, & proceed listening to God for direction is essential. I have taken my lived experiences, mental health and wellness education and healing tools to provide others with the skills to prioritize their own wellbeing. This is how Faith In Action was started inspiration from serving and finding a solution to the mental health problems in our community. “Daughter your faith has made you well, go in peace” Mark 5:34
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all one of my initial struggles was my immigration status it caused me alot of anxiety. Some struggles along the way included initially starting as a tshirt and fashion brand then later gaining clarity on choosing what area would make the biggest impact. Once I understood the need for mental health support in my community, I was happy to be apart of the solution. It was hard sometimes because I barely made money, and God reminded me that my needs are met and it’s bigger than that. Nothing wrong with making money just have to have a heart in the right place when serving it produces better results. Outside of that I am a mom of 3 with 2 teenagers and a toddler. With my youngest I learned to pause during and after my pregnancy and later incorporating Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga into my services to help moms prepare for labor and help with postpartum depression and anxiety. I had to take some classes on to learn more about entrepreneurship and even just accepting that not everyone is going to support but I have to keep going. Rest is also a strategy
As you know, we’re big fans of Faith In Action. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Faith In Action is a faith-based coaching and consulting organization that educates through Wellness Workshops, Coaching Programs, & Fitness Classes. We host community events geared towards healing, goals setting, and yoga classes. I specialize in using a holistic approach to Youth & Maternal Mental Health. What sets me apart from others is using spiritual practices and scientific evidence-based tools for mental health and wellbeing. I continue to do the work personally while extending professional services to others. I am most proud of becoming the Author of “Woman Be Well” which is holistic guide to wellness that acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. The book shares how systemic injustices like racism and oppression impact our wellbeing and provides tools for healing and liberation. I want people to know that taking care of their whole selves isn’t selfish and you can invest in yourself whether that’s through prayer, meditation, therapy, goals setting, taking classes or hiring a coach. My faith in God created this opportunity for me to create a purpose driven company that offers coaching, stress management tools like yoga and meditation, wellness workshops. Next March we will be hosting our first retreat in Liberia called Liberate And Elevate creating space for cultural reconnection to West Africa, self-discovery, and empowerment.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Even though I was born in Liberia, I was raised since 5 months old in Brooklyn East New York. I was tough, always very assertive, extroverted, outspoken, and loved helping people whether that was with homework or just giving advice. In my younger years I loved going to the park, so it’s been fun in my adult years using the park and nature for its mental health benefits. Since 16 I’ve been interested in Social Justice issues and advocacy, I went to Martin Luther King HS for Law, Advocacy & Community Justice. I struggled with my mental health and didn’t know it because at the time it was something that wasn’t talked about due to the stigma. I was a teen mom had my daughter at 17 & later moved to Minnesota where I started to go through different experiences like dealing with racism, postpartum and finding belonging. I moved back and forth from Minnesota to New York because I hated it here and after graduating HS while living in the shelter my mom encouraged me to move back to have support. I’m happy I did that’s when I started my journey in a new environment. I pray that my journey encourages you to prioritize your relationship with God, healing from childhood and adulthood trauma and achieving whatever goals you set out.
Pricing:
- 1-1 Coaching $175
- Membership Community $99
- Yoga Class $15
- Wellness Retreat $2500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.faithinaction.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithinactionco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaithInActionCo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCimIr52dhR_EfMD_u0FVKlQ
