In Her Heels with Jess Thompson of GetFIT615
Wellness Includes Me
Jessica E. Thompson (Williams) is a certified wellness coach and kettlebell instructor with more than four years of experience in promoting and teaching inclusive wellness to groups throughout Middle Tennessee. With the motto "Wellness Includes Me," she grew a passion for working with spaces to create a sense of belonging for all regardless of race, gender identification, body type, or sexual orientation.
In the last year, Thompson has created a wellness mastermind group and launched Wellness 360 — a holistic wellness program that she has packaged into both a two-day retreat and six-week virtual learning course. With that, it is her mission to educate about deeply rooted racism in the wellness space, its intersectionalities, and how to dismantle said systems. Jess is an Enneagram 2 and lover of buffalo cauliflower. She resides in Nashville with her chef husband Derek Thompson and two sons, Jayden and Elijah.
Join us as we learn more about Jess!
How did you enter into the hospitality industry?
I got my start in the wellness industry shortly after my mom passed away, although, it has always been a passion of mine. I had serious gym and diet culture fatigue and wanted to make sure other humans, specifically women, could recognize there was a different approach to wellness that doesn't feel like punishment. So I got certified as a holistic wellness coach and learned so much from that experience and the rest is history. I've just been growing and shifting ever since.
What brought you to Nashville?
My mom moved to Nashville before I went to college in Indiana. So when I was in school, I came here a lot. I fell in love. I knew this was where I wanted to be after I graduated. I couldn't have imagined then it would be what it is today. WOW.
Where are we likely to find you on the weekends or when you aren't working?
When I'm not working, I'm usually spending lots of time with my husband and kids doing whatever. Some of my favorites are hitting a good farmer's market, an occasional Sounds game or show. Also, you may catch me at the lake. I love the water. My husband and I are big foodies so we like to try out new Nashville restaurants when we have a date night.
Name 3 things you cannot live without
My faith, My family, and Laughs....lots of laughs over here
What is the best advice you have received?
My mom used to always tell me "haste will make you waste" and it sticks with me. I get super impatient sometimes and want fast results or implementation. But a methodical approach always wins. Who wants to always spend time going back and fixing things?
What are you currently listening to? Podcast? Favorite song that motivates you?
I listen to Brown Ambition Podcast a lot because it is filled with money gems that we don't talk about enough in the black community. I also am reading Embrace Yoga's Roots (just to get a deeper understanding of the practice.) My favorite song that motivates me is honestly anything from the 90s era. It feels nostalgic and always gets me dancing and singing.
What are some career highlights and biggest career accomplishments?
Wow...I've had two careers. But Black 40 under 40 was one I won in 2020. Teaching inclusion courses for wellness professionals at a national level and becoming a gym owner.
What would surprise us about yourself?
I'm terrified of moths...it's the weirdest thing.
Where can members connect with you?
You can connect with me @jessthompsonwellness and our gym @getfit615 on IG. Make sure to sign up for our email list! We have so many great things coming! getFIT615
Jess will be helping us with our next wellness events. To stay updated on all of our events, make sure to follow our Heels Hangs page.