Founder Interview With Kayani Turner, KfiT Whole Body Wellness
Photo Credit: KfiT Whole Body Wellness
Kayani Turner is the Founder of KfiT Whole Body Wellness, a virtual coaching program designed to offer a judgment-free, supportive environment tailored specifically for POC and Queer individuals. With a rich background as a multi-sport athlete, collegiate volleyball player, and coach, Kayani launched the platform to extend their passion for coaching beyond the sports arena, focusing on holistic wellness. Drawing from their own experiences as a Queer, non-binary individual from a Caribbean, religious background, Kayani created KfiT to focus on personalized wellness plans that incorporate healthy habits, mindset strategies, and body movements that respect and respond to the unique goals of each client. Kayani also enriches the conversation around wellness through their podcast, Wellness Mosaic Podcast, which is focused on empowering wellness for Queer and POC folks.
During our interview, Kayani shared insights into their professional journey from a Division 1 college volleyball coach to founding KfiT Whole Body Wellness. Kayani also discussed challenges they have faced due to their Queer identity and how these experiences shaped their approach to wellness and entrepreneurship. Kayani's story is a compelling exploration of resilience, identity, and the power of inclusive wellness practices. Their dedication to creating a space where Queer POC can grow both mentally and physically is not just transformative but also essential for fostering a community focused on health and wellness. Let’s jump right in!
Can you walk us through your professional journey and how you got to where you are today?
My professional career began as a Division 1 college volleyball coach. However, it almost didn't start because right off the bat, I had my first job offer stripped away after the hiring coach heard that I might be Queer. Immediately, my thought was, "I’m not safe in this space if I’m fully me. What should I do?" So I kept applying and eventually received a job offer, but decided to keep my identity and sexuality to myself for my first few years of coaching. I eventually got tired of keeping my identity a secret and decided to let a few more people into my personal life along the way. I ended up coaching in college for ten years and loved it. My favorite part about coaching was the relationships that I was able to build with both current and future players and families. The opportunity to build connections, impact, and witness the growth of young people, both on and off the court, was priceless.
Then I decided to discover myself outside of sports/athletics, so when I left coaching, I went to an EdTech company. This company was also in higher education but in a very different arena. Pretty quickly, I felt comfortable to be more of myself at work than I ever was before. I began working with Queer and Black employee resource networks and sitting on/facilitating company-wide panels discussing the experiences of being Black and Queer in the workplace. Along the way, people at work (and outside of work) always asked me for fitness, wellness, and life advice and support. Likely because they knew I was a coach, remained active, and had a pretty routine, calm demeanor. I soon realized that coaching was still my passion; it just wasn’t sport-specific anymore. I also had a drive to support Queer POC, as those intersections are vital as we navigate our authenticity. So I decided to create KfiT Whole Body Wellness, where we get to build community, support each other, and live our most loved lives the best way we know how!
What inspired you to offer the services you provide?
We need more spaces for Queer POC to discuss our wellness practices safely. So much of 'wellness' talk focuses primarily on fitness and nutrition. While those are important components, it’s important to take it further/deeper and discuss wellness through a wider lens. Queer POC have a (powerfully) layered day-to-day journey, and our wellness practices should align, with a focus on effectiveness, simplicity and sustainability.
My commitment to this approach is rooted in personal experiences. For example, when I was outed by a former partner it led me to retreat and disconnect from my physical well-being. Eventually, I started to do in-home workouts, which not only improved my physical state but also my mental wellness and overall confidence. This transformation emphasized the importance of a wellness practice that accommodates the unique needs of individuals, especially those from marginalized communities.
“Now, in my coaching, I incorporate a variety of practices beyond physical fitness, like breathwork and meditation, which support holistic healing and empowerment. These methods do more than just enhance physical health; they strengthen mental and emotional resilience, helping clients navigate their identities safely and authentically.”
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced in your journey as a service provider, and what did you do to overcome this?
I am a new-ish entrepreneur in the service industry, and the biggest challenge so far is locating my ideal client consistently. I spent most of last year creating content that would be helpful for whoever viewed it. This year, my focus is short, medium, and long-term lead generation strategies. Locally, I want to get involved IN the community more physically. Virtually I want to build more community, making it easy for people to find a safe space to discuss our well-being.
Photo Credit: KfiT Whole Body Wellness
If you could give one piece of advice to future LGBTQ+ service providers within your field, what would it be?
The service/product you’re thinking about offering for our community is needed! This advice comes from my own journey along with conversations that I’ve had with others who are starting their own businesses. For example, I recently spoke with someone who didn’t believe they could become a coach. They were experiencing imposter syndrome and didn’t see themselves as an expert. So I told them that their life experiences and genuine care for people's well-being qualify them more than they realize.
“My advice is to trust in your own knowledge and abilities, continue learning, and confidently step into the space you're contemplating. There's definitely someone out there looking for what you have to offer.”
How does being openly queer inspire or impact your business?
Being openly Queer is a centerpiece of my business. Through wellness, I support and empower other Queer folk who want to feel more comfortable in their bodies/identities. If I weren’t openly Queer, I wouldn’t be best suited to help support other Queer folk lean into their authenticity.
What brands or services by LGBTQ+ founders are your go-to's and why?
I really appreciate Trav, the Founder of Queerency, for the content he provides about the Queer Economy. Another favorite is NaloDarling, whose perspectives on masculinity, femininity, and womxnism foster much-needed conversations within the Queer community and how we choose to show up.
Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ celebrity and why?
Two of my favorite LGBTQ+ celebrities are Janelle Monáe and Alok Vaid-Menon. I admire Janelle Monáe for everything they stand for and Alok Vaid-Menon for challenging and reshaping our traditional views on gender.
Share one fun or unusual fact about yourself.
My family is Caribbean.... sooooo it’s hard for my body not to move when a song with a solid beat hits! Doesn't really matter where I am :-)
