Womanly Interview: Vernita Brown of Natalist

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Words - Womanly Magazine & Vernita Brown
Photos courtesy of Vernita Brown & Natalist

Vernita Brown is the Director of HR & Operations for Natalist, a women's health startup supporting women from concept to conception. She previously worked in the non-profit sector, in leadership and culture positions at Teach for America and United Way.

Vernita is a proud wife, mom, and community volunteer. She currently serves on the board of Charleston Hope. She has been recognized as one of Anderson Independent Mail’s “20 under 40”, Athena Young Professional of the Year, and Greenville’s Best and Brightest. Vernita holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master in Public Administration from Clemson University. We spoke with Vernita about her work and favorite health practices:

What’s your favorite self care practice?
My favorite self care practice is getting a massage. For me, it's the ultimate escape...even better if the spa has a steam room!

What is your favorite healthy food or recipe?
I love trying new recipes with seasonal ingredients. But my favorite healthy food that is good all year round has got to be my husband's smoked chicken. He cooks it for 3 hours, using a mixture of apple and cherry woods. It is juicy and flavorful, with no added grease or sugar. It can stand alone or be added to a wrap or a salad! Our neighbors and friends even rave about it!

Who has taught you the most in life so far?
The person who has taught me the most in life so far...this is a hard one because I'm surrounded by so many amazing humans on a regular basis! If forced to choose, though, I'd have to say my mother. She taught me how to multiply, how to love people like Jesus, and everything in between. She passed away about 6 years ago, but I still find myself learning from her almost daily. She was fiercely loyal, quietly strong, resourceful, and operated with an uncanny mix of firmness and grace. Now that I have my own career and family, I find myself responding as she did and saying things I didn't even realize she'd imparted.

What are your healthy living goals?
My healthy living goals...When I think about my health, I think about my relationships, vocation, body, and spirit operating in harmony. The best way for me to ensure that happens is to make sure each one is being fed what it needs to grow. This means prioritizing life-giving friendships, surrounding myself with stunning colleagues who challenge and teach me, making time to prep healthy meals for my family, and maintaining daily prayer life, centered in gratitude. When I am doing these things, I am at my best.

Use the code Womanly5 for $5 off your Natalist purchase at checkout until September 15, 2019