Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Rae Coleman.
Hi Brandi Rae, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into wellness entrepreneurship wasn’t something I planned—it was something I was called to. I’ve always had a nurturing spirit and a deep desire to help others, but becoming a yoga and sound meditation facilitator and podcaster was born from my own healing journey rather than a business plan.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. For five years, I struggled to manage my mental health while facing barriers many people know all too well, including limited access to consistent counseling and psychiatric care due to finances and insurance. There were moments when simply making it through the day felt like a victory.
Everything began to shift after attending a retreat to welcome in the new year in 2023. That experience inspired me to explore a more holistic approach to my well-being, one that honored not only my mental health but also my mind, body, and spirit. Through yoga, sound meditation, and intentional self-reflection, I found practices that helped me reconnect with myself in a way I never thought was possible.
Today, just a few years later, I have the privilege of teaching yoga and leading sound meditations throughout my community. What began as my personal path to healing has become a way to help others reconnect with themselves. These practices continue to keep me grounded, and they have transformed my life in profound ways. I now wake up with a genuine desire to live, to serve, and to create spaces where others can experience peace and healing.
If there’s one lesson my journey has taught me, it’s that prioritizing your well-being is never selfish—it’s transformational. I believe each of us has a Divine purpose, and when we make room for our own healing, we also make room for our gifts. Our wellness doesn’t just change our own lives; it creates a ripple effect that strengthens our families, our communities, and the collective as a whole.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles was overcoming the fear of being seen and fully embracing my authentic self. Through my own therapy journey, I gained a deeper understanding of where those fears came from and began doing the inner work to heal. I learned to let go of people-pleasing, establish healthy boundaries, and trust my voice. Those experiences gave me the confidence to share my gifts and serve my community with authenticity. My journey has taught me that healing isn’t about becoming perfect; it’s about becoming more of who you truly are. I hope my story reminds others that growth is possible and that they are worthy of taking up space exactly as they are.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By day, I serve as a Licensed Renal Social Worker, supporting individuals navigating the physical and emotional challenges of dialysis—a role I’ve proudly held for the past three years. Beyond my clinical work, I am a yoga and sound meditation facilitator dedicated to making wellness accessible and culturally affirming throughout the Houston community. Over the past year, I’ve led classes, community events, and retreats, and I currently teach a weekly yoga and sound meditation class at KIN Wellness Studio and Lounge, a BIPOC-led wellness space in Houston’s Third Ward.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to create environments where people feel safe enough to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and simply be. My background in social work has strengthened my ability to lead with empathy, compassion, and authenticity, allowing me to bridge mental, emotional, and holistic wellness in a meaningful way. I’ve also had the privilege of partnering with Mary Green Gives to facilitate conversations and panels centered on mental health and community healing. Through my podcast, Gentle Gems, I continue that mission by sharing personal stories, life lessons, and practical insights that encourage others to embrace healing with grace. What sets me apart is my joy and playfulness, which allow me to bring warmth, lightness, and love into every space I create. I believe wellness can be both transformative and joyful.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a joyful, curious, and compassionate child who loved being surrounded by people and exploring the world around me. I spent many days playing outside with friends and neighborhood kids, and I always found happiness in simple moments—listening to music on my CD player, walking around the house singing and dancing, and spending time with animals, which I have always loved. Personality-wise, I was warm, outgoing, helpful, and sensitive. I was often called a “crybaby” as a child because I felt things so deeply, but as I’ve grown, I’ve come to understand that my sensitivity is actually one of my greatest strengths. What I once saw as a weakness has become my superpower. I believe our greatest gifts are often found in the parts of ourselves we once tried to hide, and my journey has taught me the power of honoring who I’ve always been.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandiiirae_?utm_source=qr (@Brandiiirae)
- Other: https://gentlegems.buzzsprout.com
