Meet Shavon LeBlanc | Water Fitness Instructor, Diabetes Prevention Coach, Pharmacist

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

Hi Shavon, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I think of the balancing scales of my life I have been on the fringe, constantly over-extended and stressed out, overworked, and operated as a yes woman. I would say yes to any request received, regardless of not having the additional capacity. Since COVID-19, my mindset has shifted, while valuing my work and purpose, I realize balance is key to allowing me to serve in the capacity that God has called me to. Currently, I am implementing more self-care and balance by keeping my priorities focused, spending time with God in prayer, taking more time off, minimizing distractions, learning the power of no, physical activity, and connecting with my loved ones. I can only pour from a cup that is full, these activities help me so that I can serve others. Balance is key and I struggled as a younger woman working so much without building a life. I worked without taking breaks and it had a negative impact on my physical and mental health. I think so many of us live in the gear of GO all the time, and we are meant to have balance and breaks. I have been much more insightful about building a life that I can not only enjoy on the weekends but every single day regardless of what is happening around my life. I’m constantly a work in progress, but I am enjoying the journey.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I work as a health coach and I specialize in teaching strategies to prevent chronic illness and disease specifically Type 2 Diabetes. I am also working to increase awareness of the power of aqua fitness classes as a transformative fitness option, especially amongst minority groups. Most chronic illnesses are preventable through lifestyle modifications. Practicing pharmacy for over fifteen years has provided insight into the power of lifestyle changes to lower the chronic illness and disease epidemic, especially in communities of color. As a water aerobics instructor, I have helped so many people, gain strength, rehab post-surgery, lose weight, helped them to eliminate medication use, and improved their longevity! Aiming to increase awareness and change the narrative around aqua fitness, especially in communities of color has been challenging, overcoming the fear of water, the inability to swim, and issues with maintaining hairstyles, but I am committed to increasing awareness, so I keep going and celebrate wins along the way. Type 2 Diabetes is an epidemic, in our classes, I have coached over fifty people in the last two years to lose 5-7% of their body weight and increase their physical activity to prevent this disease. When I think about the people who have transformed, I am grateful because I’m getting back to the core of why I desired to be a healthcare professional, to assist others in walking in their greatest health through prevention. That is the reason why I wrote my first ebook Eat To Ease The Pain which highlights easy, delicious and healthy recipes that can be used to improve health and lower the risk of chronic illness and disease. My goal is to provide strategies and tools to businesses, houses of worship, organizations, and communities to empower them to improve their health by making exercise, movement, and eating healthfully a key component of their lives. 

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?
I love the diversity that is Houston! I love nature and outdoor spaces and delicious foods so that is what we would do while hanging out together! McGovern Memorial Gardens we would have to stop there to check out the landscape and beauty, take a walk or ride a Bcycle in Hermann Park and then head to breakfast at Mo’ Betta Brews. We could then head over to Transco towers for pictures and the view, and head to True Food Kitchen for lunch! Sunday brunch at Phil and Derek, after church service! Friday during the day would enjoy a water aerobics class at Swim Houston Aquatic Center. Friday night would head to Water Edge Winery in Richmond for live music. Definitely hit up Post Houston, they have a great rooftop space that is beautiful to get beautiful pictures of the Downtown Houston skyline, they host Zumba classes there on Saturday and a host of delicious restaurants. I would definitely kayak in buffalo bayou during the week, walk through Memorial Park and then head to lunch at Warwick Hotel. Would definitely include some dancing in there as well at Sambuca on Thursday nights. Spend a beautiful spring day exploring Houston Botanical Gardens, then take a bicycle tour with Third Ward Bike Rentals and Tours, then lunch at Lucille’s. Mean Green Training Center for at least one workout, the vibe and support is unmatched. I really like outdoor spaces and Houston is filled with them. My Uncle Tippy and Cousin Jason make the best crawfish, but since they don’t do public events, The Crawfish Shack in Crosby is pretty close, bring your own beverages, and leave everything else up to them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is support central for me. My mom pours support and love, my sisters support and encourage me, and my niece and nephew love me. My grandmothers’ were my biggest cheerleaders, they told me the truth and wanted to see me be my best. I have a great circle of women who pray with and for me: Carlene, Cookie, Julia, Lannessa, Jerrilyn, Kirzia, Keiva, women surrounded, it is truly a blessing to have women in your corner who believe God with you and stand with you. Professionally, I have had wonderful leaders who spoke life into me and encouraged me to pursue my goals and desires. Although I was leaving CVS, Trang Mai was a great support she encouraged me to step out and pursue health and wellness, Kristi has been a mentor from afar, her wisdom and business acumen are a source of inspiration. In my first corporate job post-residency, Jason was so instrumental in boosting my confidence in my abilities and supporting me as I was entering into a new place. Most recently, Laverne has taught me resilience and to not give up. She was my Sunday school teacher and when I joined class she really embraced me took me under her wing and was a Biblical example of older women, teaching younger women. She didn’t judge me for my foolish decisions as a young woman, she prayed for me, showed me what God’s word said about it, showed me how to make the best brownies, and sharpened my cooking skills. Her support has been paramount in my growth and development as a young woman, she encouraged my prayer life, she provided a safe space to share my challenges and mistakes, and she encouraged me today in business and life. Her life is a beautiful reminder that no matter the challenges to continue to press forward and their is beauty in spite of the storm.

Website: www.shavonleblanc.com

Instagram: drshavonwellness

Linkedin: Shavon LeBlanc, Pharm D

Facebook: Shavon LeBlanc

Youtube: Xcellence Aquatic and Wellness

Image Credits
Lainie M.