Community Highlights: Meet Gwennie Speaks of Gwennie Speaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwennie Speaks.

Hi Gwennie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Yes! Woo, okay it’s been a journey but I’m incredibly grateful. As a little Black girl, my mother instilled in me how important it was to use my voice. She made it clear that life would be challenging for me. From needing to work 10x harder for opportunities to facing discrimination, she made it clear that speaking up and using my voice was my super power. While she didn’t use the word “visibility” she’d say things like, “don’t wait for a seat at the table, pull up your own chair.” I took this and ran with it!

I started writing and reciting poetry in the 5th grade and that’s where I found my voice. Every talent show and school program, I was on the mic. Little Gwennie was sassy and outspoken. I’ve always challenged the status quo.

I knew that I wanted to help people. I’d ask the thought-provoking questions that no one else was asking. Questions like, “what lights you up inside,” what brings you peace”, “what’s on your bucket list?” I’d get raised eye-brows at first but then I’d witness the power of someone saying things out loud that they’ve never said before. I know what it feels like to believe in yourself. To love yourself intensely. To feel deep gratitude for your awesomeness and I want everyone else to experience this too.

Breathwork and wellness workshops found me when I was at my lowest. I knew that I needed support. I knew that I needed to feel held and seen. I needed community. I started attending women’s circles, mindfulness workshops, and tea lounges that were anchored in connection and healing. The moment that I experienced the power of Breathwork, I knew that I had to bring it to more people. And from there, so many other things blossomed.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road haha. It wouldn’t be life if it was smooth! I think about the internal work that’s required of me to have the ability to hold such sacred spaces and heavy emotions. I went through so much shedding. I connected with parts of myself that I kept buried for a really long time. I had to face my shadows and learn to embrace them with curiosity and compassion instead of hate and frustration. Lots of tears. Not to mention the grief that comes with self-evolution. It was so scary because I knew that I’d outgrow people, places and hobbies. And I did. But I knew that it was for the better. And it was! Another struggle was choosing myself. I’m still actively learning to do this more often. I got really great at setting boundaries but not so great at stepping into my power and my light. That’s also scary. But running away from my truth came with a cost. Burnout, feeling unfulfilled, lack of creative outlet, and ultimately disconnecting from myself. It felt like I had to start over but I was still me. I just needed to be in spaces that allowed me to show up fully and authentically.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m deeply passionate about helping people embrace themselves with curiosity and compassion. I want to remind people that there is so much to explore, love and learn about ourselves. When we learn how to accept ourselves, we inevitably begin to accept others. This breeds more love, more joy, more community, and a better world.

Whether you’re seeking a deeper connection with yourself, your community or your team, my offerings meet everyone exactly where they are. Anchored to empower and inspire, I create safe spaces for people to feel seen, heard, and deeply connected.

As a heart-led guide, keynote speaker and trauma-informed Breathwork facilitator certified by Rewild Breathwork, , I’m devoted to helping others reconnect with their bodies, their voice, and their inner truth. My work weaves together breathwork, self-expression, and the sacred act of being witnessed in community.

I specialize in somatic breathwork exercises that help you reset, recenter, move stuck energy, and reconnect with the wisdom of your body. I also specialize in community connection workshops. People leave with a new friend, a better sense of themselves, empowered and inspired.

I’m proud that I said yes said yes to my gifts. Yes to the truth of who I am and how I want to show up in the world. I have the deepest gratitude for every single person, organization, corporation and non-profit that continues to trust me with such sacred practices.

Breathwork offerings:

– Journey to Self is my most popular. Whether you need clarity, to release trauma, or a reset, this personalized journey is designed to gently yet powerfully reconnect you to your inner wisdom. Virtual and in-person

-Embrace Every Part is for those ready to go deeper. Parts like shame, self-doubt, and people pleasing sometimes keeps us stuck in old patterns. In this session, we meet this part of us with curiosity and compassion; ultimately helping you find clarity and remember your power

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is, “bet on yourself.”

Two books that supported me on my journey back home to myself are You are a Badass by Jen sincero and The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gwenniespeaks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenniespeaks/