Meet Priscilla Barnes | Registered Nurse, Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritional Coach, Health and Wellness Coach

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

Hi Priscilla, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Big doors swing on little hinges.” It’s a saying my dad told us often growing up. It’s a reminder that whether it be life, health, fitness, wellness, finances, or overall happiness, focusing on the small things can create broad strides in success.

My love for this quote is two-fold. It reminds me of one of my whys. My father and mother sacrificed a lot to ensure my siblings and I were raised in a healthy home, had a good education, and were properly cared for – their life story reminds me that I can do anything, even the little things.

I also love this quote because it is the foundation to what I teach my clients!! Too often we focus on extremes – eliminating foods, extreme restriction, excessive workouts because they make us feel good in the moment. They make us feel productive. But the real success lies in working on the foundations. If the foundations are weak, your success will be, too. If those hinges are off-kilter, you better believe that door won’t function right. But focus on the small things, the day-to-day foundations, and you’ll make huge strides in your success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Health and wellness coaches, personal trainers, nutritional coaches – it’s a big business these days. And how exciting is that! What could be better than taking steps today to prevent disease tomorrow?

As far as my career, I do believe being a nurse does set me apart. I’ve been a nurse for 11 years now. It wasn’t an easy road to getting there. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin excited and bewildered that I actually survived nursing school. Then, for my first year after graduating, I took the state board exam. Six times. Continually failing the NCLEX was devastating, but looking back, it made me stronger.

As a nurse, I’ve worked in the Newborn Nursery, the Neonatal ICU, Pediatrics, Post Anesthesia Care, and Pre-op. There have been challenges to it all. Being a nurse is both taxing and rewarding. 3 years ago, I decided to pursue personal training and nutritional coaching as a means to help people outside of the hospital.

Then, with the encouragement of my dad, I set up a DBA and Wellness in Bloom came about. Taking that step, creating my business, set the foundation for more to come.

I’ve seen what things like hypertension, diabetes, poor diet, stress, and lack of movement can do to people, we address those issues or results of those conditions every day at the bedside. Now, I get to help people promote their well-being and mobility with proper habits to PREVENT destructive diseases.

I want people to know that Wellness in Bloom is about hope for the future and celebrating what you have. Things can change in the blink of an eye. Every day you wake up is an opportunity to make choices that will affect you forever, and it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the mobility and health you have.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite place in Houston is Central Market. I love grocery stores in general, but Central Market is a breath of fresh air. I am an avid Texas Pecan coffee lover, so that is always a must.

Another top spot is Memorial Park, it’s a great spot to meet up for a walk or run, play tennis or golf. I always feel inspired after going there because no matter the day or hour you will find people there getting after it!

This is crazy, but I’d also go to HEB. Especially someone from out of town. We really have the best grocery stores!

My favorite place to eat in Houston is Local Foods. It’s quiet, friendly, and the food is always delicious. My favorite option is the ability to turn any of their sandwiches into a salad. Garden Sammie as a salad with Chicken – you should try it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my dad, my mom, my sisters, and my brother. Growing up, my parents diligently raised me in a healthy environment filled with beliefs and habits that have allowed me to grow and to be successful as an adult. I am forever thankful for the sacrifices my parents made in order to provide me with a healthy and happy home.

In addition, I love helping others. I think a lot of that is due to the fact that so many have helped me while I was growing up. Being the fourth born of five kids, I grew up with sisters and a brother who always took me under their wing, and have helped me learn and become who I am today.

Especially in the last 2 years, my family has supported me and believed in me in some of life’s darkest moments. There have been some grey skies, but my family, and those friends who are like family, deserve the real credit.

Website: www.wibpriscilla.com

Instagram: @wellness.in.bloom

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscilla-barnes-6a97568b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellnessInBloom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZIQOUrbh4bXCduReo2ooOA