Autumn Chastain shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Autumn, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to step fully into my voice and my power — not just as a fitness professional, but as a whole woman. For years, I poured into others through movement, classes, and events, but I kept certain parts of myself quiet — the spiritual side, the healer, the creative. I was afraid of being “too much” or of people not understanding the fullness of what I offer.
Now, I’m done dimming that light. I’m being called to merge all the pieces — fitness, wellness, energy work, community, storytelling — and let them coexist under Autumn Chastain. That means allowing myself to be seen, to speak openly about my experiences, my faith, my intuition, and the ways I connect mind, body, and spirit. It’s scary, but it’s also freedom.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Autumn Chastain — a wellness creator, fitness professional, and community builder based in Houston. For over a decade, I’ve been passionate about helping people move, heal, and connect — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. My brand, Autumn Chastain, was born out of a shift from fitness alone to wholeness — a space where movement meets mindfulness, community meets connection, and self-care becomes a lifestyle.
Through my events like Zumba at POST Houston, the Stryd Walk Club, and unique experiences like “Barre + Bubbles” or my Fit & Free retreat in Tulum, I aim to remind people that wellness can be joyful, social, and soulful. It’s not just about the workout — it’s about creating spaces that feel safe, inspiring, and alive.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my wellness community here in Houston, collaborating with local brands, and building programs that bring together movement, mindset, and energy work. Everything I do is about helping people return to themselves — strong, balanced, and whole.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that always had to prove herself — that version can rest now. For so long, I operated from a place of hustle, perfectionism, and needing to be everything for everyone. That energy built a lot of what I have today, but it also left me exhausted.
I’ve learned that I don’t have to earn my worth through overextension or constant motion. I can lead from ease, grace, and alignment — not pressure. So, I’m releasing the part of me that thought success had to be loud, fast, and relentless.
Now, I’m choosing a softer kind of strength — the kind that trusts timing, honors boundaries, and allows space for rest, creativity, and divine guidance. That’s the season I’m in.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain the moment I realized it was the very thing connecting me to others. For a long time, I carried my struggles quietly — anxiety, loss, transitions, the feeling of having to hold it all together. But once I started sharing those parts of my story — in my classes, through community events, and even online — I saw how many people were silently carrying the same weight.
That’s when everything shifted. My pain became purpose. My healing became the bridge between fitness and wholeness. Now, I use what I’ve walked through to remind others that strength isn’t just about your body — it’s about your heart, your spirit, and your ability to rise, again and again.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely — but she’s the centered version of me. What people see publicly is real, it’s just the version of me that’s done the work. I share my joy, my healing, my purpose — but that doesn’t mean I don’t have days when I’m questioning, quiet, or working through my own emotions.
The difference now is that I no longer separate the two. The woman you see dancing in a Zumba class, leading meditation, or hosting a wellness event is the same woman who prays through anxiety and writes affirmations to ground herself. I’ve learned to let my real life and my purpose exist in the same space — that’s what authenticity means to me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had ten years left, I’d stop overthinking and over-explaining. I’d stop trying to make myself smaller or waiting for the “perfect” timing to live fully. I’d stop saying yes out of obligation and start saying yes only to alignment — to what feels peaceful, joyful, and purposeful.
I’d spend more time creating, laughing, dancing, and loving without hesitation. I think we all get caught in the illusion that we have endless time, but the truth is — presence is the real luxury. I’d stop rushing through life and start savoring it even more deeply.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.autumnchastain.com
- Instagram: @theautumnchastain
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theautumnchastain
- Other: TikTok- @theautumnchastain
