Exploring Life & Business with Donnielle James of BFW Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnielle James.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
I have been interested in health and integrative wellness since high school, and many of my experiences inspired learning more about the modalities that helped me (and certification/licensure) after starting out on a different career path in mental health and social services. While an undergraduate studying dance and psychology at the University of Oregon, I was introduced to several forms of movement therapy and holistic healing modalities while growing up in Eugene, Oregon. After moving to Los Angeles for graduate school in Psychology, I began to practice yoga and Pilates and started hearing more about Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine while recovering from various injuries. I eventually got over my fear of needles, tried it, and was hooked! Santa Monica has been home since 2003, and I have worked in many studios and clinics around the Westside. I knew early on I wanted to provide holistic and integrative services and work with a wide range of patients. In 2009, I launched Balance from Within (at that time, only offering pilates) while completing my degree at Emperor’s College in Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine. After graduating and becoming licensed as an Acupuncturist, I added additional services, rebranded a bit, and continued to evolve aspects of my business around personal and professional challenges. I currently offer virtual and in-person services. I love what I do and am grateful to get to work with wonderful organizations and meet so many amazing individuals! 

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 definitely been a winding road. Sometimes, it is smooth; other times, it’s been rocky, and a few times, it has felt like a landslide. A few of the biggest struggles have included multiple location changes, a few of which were unexpected and very short notice before moving into my current location in 2018. A notable challenge was another business opening with almost the same thing and a larger marketing budget, rebranding under my own name, and then finding a midway point for tying in social media accounts, websites, and another name… 2020 and 2021 brought several challenges (including 3 temporary closures for in-person visits). One of my favorite changes has been offering virtual appointments, including pilates classes, herbal consults, and health coaching, on the days I am not in the office. Another gift has been the opportunity to speak to a wider range of groups and organizations, thanks to technology. This has also made it possible to attend and participate in some wonderful conferences and continue to learn. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
BFW (Balance from Within) Wellness is rooted in a holistic approach to Integrative Medicine and Wellness. The main services are: Acupuncture, Health Education, Herbal Medicine, and Therapeutic Movement. Areas of socialized training are Integrative Gynecology / Reproductive Medicine, Orthopedics. Pain Management, Mental Health, and General Wellness. An emphasis is placed on working on long-term recovery and health goals and helping patients recover from health challenges. I am also passionate about educating others about the benefits of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine and being able to provide education workshops and classes in a wide range of settings and populations. One of the things I value is seeing patients grow and make lasting changes while working with them. Some of the settings I have provided services at include” Wellness Days, Film Festival, A Drop-In Center for the Unhoused, and Conferences. In addition to my private practice, I also enjoy teaching current and future acupuncturists in academic and clinical settings. 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I had a lot of different interests. And as an adult, I can see how the environment and areas I was exposed to have influenced me in different ways. I would secrete myself as an independent and creative child. I was fortunate to grow up on a farm just outside Eugene, Oregon, and spend a lot of time in nature and with family. I also got to travel a lot, and experience different cities on school breaks. I have always enjoyed meeting and interacting with a variety of people and hearing their stories. A few fun facts is I originally wanted to be a fashion designer (and would sketch and design some of my own outfits), choreographer, or somehow work in the music industry. (I took piano and drum lessons in addition to ballet and other styles of dance)… While completing my B.A. at the University of Oregon, I enjoyed and appreciated science on a much higher level after connecting with the material Dance Science, Anatomy, and Biopsychology courses, and took a wide variety of courses as an undergraduate. I started working in mental health/social services in addiction recovery settings and moved to Southern California to attend graduate school. I can see influences of my interests and family in my current interests. I have always been curious and enjoy learning about a variety of topics, cooking plant-based meals, fashion, and staying active! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.balancefromwithinwellness.com
• Instagram: @donniellejames, @bfw_wellness.la
• Other: TikTok: @bfw_wellness