Meet Jessica McJunkin-Flatts | Therapist, Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica McJunkin-Flatts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“I am doing my best and that is enough”.

It was hard to identify and break down an affirmation or quote that I didn’t love. I have so many, LOL! Then I thought to myself, what is something I have to tell myself? what is something I struggle with? what is something that I am sure will resonate with others?

As a mom, wife, daughter, black woman business owner and human being, I live a busy life. One that requires a lot of thoughts, emotions, patience and perseverance. When I decided to start my own business, it just came to me… it just felt like the best idea. Then the self doubt and the questioning started. Is it going to work, will it be great, will it be good, will it work?

Then as I started to create the layout, the plan, the goal… it felt like I just was missing the mark. I have so many other things going on, so many more jobs, my husband, my kids…..and even though my time was busy, it still felt like “you’re not doing enough”.

It’s a struggle, mom guilt, wife guilt, daughter guilt, friend guilt, human being guilt…. black guilt! It can be a lot. I love this affirming statement the most because it takes away the guilt, it helps to ease and soothe my spirit. It offers clarity and space inwardly and outwardly to be okay with what I have given. It supports my mind and body- that I AM doing all that I can. I do NOT have to become super human and take on more than I can handle. I do not have to be stressed to be blessed.

It RE AFFIRMS that at the end of all nights and the start of all mornings- I am at my best and that will always be good enough! xoxo

What should our readers know about your business?
Self-Centered Wellness started in 2020 with an idea, hope and dream of mine that I can combine my love of yoga and all things mental health into a business of wellness. Self Centered Wellness focuses on the whole person and disrupts the notion that caring for yourself and centering your SELF is selfish. I provide virtual and in person yoga and mindfulness practices along with professional developments for individuals, groups, non-profits and businesses on the micro to large levels. SCW supports all people but highlights and uplifts the black and brown community so they know that taking a moment, resting and just finding their joy is so necessary to their mental health.

I think what sets me apart is the fact that I am also a clinician so my focus, my foundation is lifting the mental health of others so they can be the best version of themselves. As a clinician, I spend time working with others in conversation but to find another way to support felt great and felt right!

I am most proud of just going for it and excited for it all, big or small! I got here today from the encouragement I receive from my loved ones. In addition, my grandmother started her own business after attending what they called Beauty School! She opened her own shop in Brooklyn, NY and retired from it! I was with her often growing up and she just knew how to talk to her customers, provide a great service that lifted peoples spirits, took no mess and was the ultimate Big Annie! (family joke)

It’s not easy because there is so much to do and so much you want, but you pace yourself. You start where you are and you keep getting to the next day! I have learned that I just have to go with it and make it work if its really what I want in this life.

I want the world to know that I am a just a girl from Queens, NY who loves hoop earrings, is living her best life, loving her family and friends and hopes to impact and/or inspire a few people along the way. My business is meant to bring people out of the place and space of self doubt, being and feeling run down mentally, emotionally and physically and allowing their own thoughts to get in their way! Also, if I am honest, undoing the false narrative that “we” don’t do yoga, because yeh, its definitely still a thing!

I am from the community and the work is for the community, always and forever, one breath at a time!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hmm, I love to hang out with my bestie! I would first start the day with some yoga by SCW ( just saying) followed with lunch or dinner at Czen Restaurant in Brooklyn NY! They have the best oxtail sushi, drinks vibes and more!

We would go check out the museum and new exhibits around the city because there are so many! Go for a walk or engage in some additional self care activities and check out the amazing Cynergy Spa or Joire’s Spa & Studio, which I have been wanting to try. I recently started following the owner and really love her energy and business savvy!

Head to Casa La Femme in Manhattan,NY for a late night drink and see if we can catch a belly dancer performance wishing our bellies still did those things. lol!

Just chatting, laughing and making plans as we go along is the best! Basically creating adventure wherever we go!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this to my family and my supportive network of friends that always encourage, motivate and just pour into me no matter what!

Special shoutout to my amazingly supportive husband Rhon, who constantly makes me feel like the Bestest, Greatest, Flyest Woman in the world…even when I am asking him a million questions during basketball season.

Website: https://myselfcenteredwellness.com/

Instagram: myselfcentered_wellness

Image Credits
Rhon Flatts