Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheena Nix.
Hi Sheena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Golden, CO, went to school in Boulder, CO, lived in Denver for most of my 20s and have settled down/planted roots in Highlands Ranch, CO. I have been an RN since Feb 2007 and have worked in adult ICU, neonatal ICU, pediatrics, infusion to now Case Management. At the age of 22, i was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and realized shortly thereafter that movement played a huge role with pain control and inflammation and it became a big part with how I lived. I had a gym membership most of my life, but wasn’t as consistent as I wanted to be, as I didnt really know what I was doing. I would do a little cardio, do some random circuit machines then call it a day. Things really changed for me when I discovered yoga and instructor led classes, I absolutely loved it and was finally consistent with fitness. I felt better, I was getting stronger and I was building community and realized this is what I had no idea was missing in my life (I am super fulfilled, have an amazing husband of 12 years, 2 kids ages 10 and 7, great friends and family), but this filled a gap i didn’t know I needed filling. At the age of 40, I decided to get my 200 hour yoga teacher training certificate and started teaching. I found my voice. I found community. I then went on to further my education and got my mat Pilates certification as well, as I found that pilates felt especially good in my arthritic body and I wanted to share it with everyone. From there, I started leading pop up events in the community, including teaching yoga in the park to over 200 attendees. I was hooked. I wanted everyone to experience this feeling, the feeling of moving together, of being together. of wellness within our community; I knew I wanted to share community with others…. but that took a few more years to figure out how…
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was spring break, and I had an appointment in Cherry Creek. I knew there were a lot of amazing studios nearby but had no idea where to even begin. I got too overwhelmed and intimidated, that I didn’t even end up looking or trying. Later that day, I sat down with my husband, who is a software engineer, and asked him if he could create a page with a map that showed fitness studios and any intro offers/deals that they had, that I could try out. He thought about it, and casually said, ‘sure, let’s do it!”. And that’s where Sweat Community was born. (sweatcommunity.com) I use my maps for everything, whether it be looking for restaurants, shops, clinics etc, and figured why not have a dedicated map for studios. The goal was to make it feel less intimidating and more inclusive for those looking, and they could find a place near their home or work or wherever, that they could try out. I also wanted to include wellness events around the area, since there are so many great ones, and I have gotten feedback that people didn’t know about them, but wanted to. Since the goal of the website was to make help people find a place to move and connect, I soon realized it needed more. For me, knowing the people behind the class is what makes me feel more comfortable and welcome, so I decided to start a podcast too, to tie it all together. I have interviewed the most amazing, incredible and inspiring health and wellness people in our Denver Community and am hoping they help motivate others, like they have for me. My goal is to make health and wellness accessible and welcoming for all and to help people find a third space that feels like home for them. I want to continue sharing fitness and wellness events happening in our community (right now, I am more focused on South Denver, since that’s where I live, but plan on expanding). I have big hopes for Sweat Community, and if I can help someone feel more comfortable, safe, strong, happy, inspired, connected in their wellness journey, then I have done exactly what I set out to do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work in a hospital as an RN case manager. I also teach a mat pilates class every week and sub classes when I can. I am also a wife, a mom, and a Girl Scout troop leader. I stay busy, haha
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I am not afraid to reach out and ask for things. I used my maps to find vendors for pilates pop ups, and would cold call, and was amazed that people are usually super responsive and excited to participate in what I had planned. I figure they could tell me no, but I’d be exactly where I was, and I found that most of the time, they would be willing to hear me out 🙂
I shared about an event, and then they reached out to me about it, and now I am partnering with the Vikara Denver Yoga and Pilates Festival happening Oct 3rd, and am so excited about it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweatcommunity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweat__community/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCotnb1EnB7vQYwsnkh7U2FQ
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/7rlXaVJToGcxtiRVgtDLNA
