We had the good fortune of connecting with Elena Surratt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elena, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My wellness business, Bless The Body, was given to me around 2015 when I lived in Washington DC. I had about a year of instructor experience when God shared His heart with me and the specific role of Bless the Body. At the time, I had attempted to pre-maturely execute it, not realizing that the business would be for a future time period. Last year, I officially launched Bless the Body’s first subsidiary wellness community, The Millennial Mompreneur- a community focused on growth as stewards of self through exercise, family, and entrepreneurship. Now, Bless the Body will begin releasing original workouts on the Bless The Body Youtube channel. In July 2020, BTB will be featuring its first fitness format, G3, or G3NESIS – a cardio sculpt format powered by faith. The purpose of Bless the Body is to strengthen women through transformative resources, workouts, and communities!

What should our readers know about your business?
Bless the Body builds faith and fitness through workouts, coaching, and communities! We translate movement into a message. Even though it’s in its beginning stages, I have a big vision for every part of the business. I have already set roots in building The Millennial Mompreneur community as the conversation and culture surrounding motherhood changes. The first fitness mixtape launches on the Bless The Body YouTube channel in July 2020 featuring an original Bless the Body workout with pop-ups and consistent classes to follow. For me even to get to this point, I had to definitely gain experience. As I mentioned, I tried to launch this a few years ago without a strong vision, and just an idea. Having an idea can only get you so far. For where I’m going, I need a vision. God knew that, and that’s why I’m grateful for His timing. The last few years have not been easy. I began my entrepreneurship journey, been apart of a bad business deal, and gave birth to the most incredible gift- my daughter, Eden. And within those experiences, I’ve developed and solidified my core values- something that I wouldn’t have had if I launched back in 2015. It definitely hasn’t been easy. The hardest part has been the inner work that has been required of me. I have to consistently rid myself of the flesh- fame, praise, shortcuts, and replace that with Kingdom Mindset- integrity, discipline, contentment, etc,. There are a few ways that Bless the Body is set apart. First of all, we aren’t just a “workout and get a slim waist and big butt” type of business. My focus is that as people immerse themselves in our business, that their outward change will be a reflection of the inner work that’s jumpstarted by our resources. Bless the Body fuses Truth and culture not only in our offerings but in how we operate. I like to think of it being the Chic-Fil-A of wellness!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ATLANTA!!! There are so many places to visit. But, I would start off with the FOOD. Main Street in College Park has the best restaurants. I would probably take them to The Corner Grille or The Real Milk and Honey for brunch. Then I would head to the Beltline, chill at the park, and walk to Ponce and get some more food. If it’s basketball season, I would suggest we go to an Atlanta Hawks game! I would finish the night off on Main Street again at Virgil’s Restaurant! They have great food and cocktails!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
YES. I have to shoutout my husband, Allek. He really is a partner and supports me and my endeavors. In entrepreneurship, there are so many private moments. Many moments that others will never understand or witness. He has been there every step of the way. Every tear, every fear, doubt, etc,. He has been the best through this whole experience. So… SHOUT OUT TO YOU BAE!! Love you. I also want to shoutout my Mom and Dad, for listening to my ideas and being an inspiration as well. My sister, Jessica who helped me with The Mill Mom podcast. And my forever friend, Shelby Avery (The Social Architect), for helping me develop my business plan and build my business!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenainmotion/
https://www.instagram.com/blessthebody_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blessthebody/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKJhSX7VlTr0T-DPQ596F7w

Image Credits
Instagram: @dronejonesmedia – Chris Jones
Instagram: @vtlproductions – Valentina Lee