Inspiring Conversations with Radiance Basden of Rooted in Radiance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Radiance Basden.

Hi Radiance, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My foundational core was built on body movement and the power of the mind. I quickly learned that the strength within the mind is directly connected to the physical strength of the body. My “movement” roots trace back to middle school track and field which led me to a full ride as a hurdler and triple jumper at the University of South Carolina.

Combined with my athletic accomplishments, my academics landed me the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship paving my way to DC where I earned my Master of Professional Studies, Sports Industry Management (Strategic Marketing, Communications, and New Media) from Georgetown University.

While at Georgetown, I engaged with running clubs throughout the city and ultimately became a running and mindset coach with DC Run Crew. I inspire members of the community to understand and embrace the mental, spiritual and physical benefits of running. For my continuous dedication to the sport, I was inducted into my high school hall of fame as my school’s most decorated athlete. I’ve medaled many races, overcome two ACL/MCL reconstructive surgeries and continue to be one of the most decorated fitness coaches in the DMV with over 22 years of training experience.

The 2020 pandemic highlighted major issues within my career path and I realized I was straying further from my foundational core. I started a mindfulness group for Black women to internally rest due to the onset of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others. In addition, I worked tirelessly (as one of the only Black women) to create and manage the entire diversity effort for a multi-million dollar commercial real estate company.

Due to the emotionally taxing work, I burnt out and took a formal leave of absence via FMLA. I crafted an 8-week sabbatical to the motherland where I was a sports volunteer in Ghana, in addition to exploring Zanzibar, Dubai, and Ethiopia.

I officially resigned from my job in Ethiopia and pivoted to full-time entrepreneurship. Now, I’m a well-being consultant, trainer, professional life coach, yoga instructor, and lululemon ambassador. I built my company, Rooted in Radiance, so others won’t have to experience the same feelings of discrimination, isolation, and lack of empathy within the workplace. The greatest aspiration for my business is to provide culturally informed holistic well-being programs and services to cultivate equitable, purpose-driven, and resilient workforces. My aim is to radically change the course of workforce development and well-being.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Before founding my coaching and consulting firm, Rooted in Radiance, and while still in corporate America, I built and led company-wide DEI programming and created processes that amplified underrepresented voices. However, when you step out on your own, you have to build your business from the ground up. Being a solopreneur, I wear many hats and take on the tasks of the web, editing, design, market research, ideation, etc. which can get overwhelming. I definitely encountered many struggles as I was securing certifications, licenses, and funding.

However, the reason why my road has gotten smoother is that I intentionally seek out resources including mentors, business coaches, and events to help scale my business. There are going to be challenged at every level of this journey, but I always remind myself that there is a wealth of business assistance available, locally and federally. In addition, networking and speaking with other thought leaders help me become familiar with best practices.

Being a champion of well-being, I have to practice what I preach. I stay focused by repeating the affirmation, “I press on because I believe in my path” over and over. I engage in my favorite ways to self-soothe (baths, nutritious food, nature, meditation, yoga) when I encounter difficult moments. My number one piece of advice is to prioritize rest.

Prioritizing rest allows me to operate with a clear mind, especially in challenging seasons as I grow and scale my business.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an innovative and trailblazing well-being consultant, trainer, professional life coach, yoga instructor, and lululemon ambassador. As a champion of human development, I enlighten others about the mental, spiritual, and physical benefits of body movement coupled with radical rest. My mission is to boldly address the impact of intergenerational health inequalities and how we can foster healing by engaging in rest, both internally and externally.

With an emphasis on body movement incorporating mindfulness and affirmations, I examine ways to enhance energetic balance for generational healing. An expert at resetting and re-grounding in order to flourish as my best self, I take pride in coaching others through their own growth cycles and how to nourish their own internal landscape.

Founded in 2022, Rooted in Radiance provides training, facilitation, and consulting services to individuals and organizations covering holistic well-being, fitness, and mental resilience. My mission is to provide equitable and holistic well-being programs and services to support professionals and cultivate equitable, purpose-driven, and resilient workforces.

I built this company so others won’t have to experience the same feelings of burnout I had experienced. Rooted in Radiance offers unique, culturally-informed holistic well-being services to employees who are more affected by burnout and mental health issues due to generational health inequality and systemic injustice. Our services include exercise and fitness programs, stress reduction workshops, health talks, and well-being appreciation events.

Although my journey of entrepreneurship has been theatrical, one of my proudest moments was when Rooted in Radiance became certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). I’m currently positioning myself to do business with the federal government and change the landscape of workforce development.

In addition, working with partners such as The Healing Chicago, lululemon, and the Department of Human Services to host breath work and yoga sessions with the mission of bringing equitable well-being to the community has been a highlight of my journey.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
After my life-changing trip to Africa and staying solely in villages and host families, I knew that my business had to mimic that same village mentality and gain support from a team of people I can grow from. I turned to my local SBA resource partners, SCORE chapter, Grow with Google, and companies pouring money into Black businesses such as American Express, Verizon, and Chase for guidance and training. I met many people in these webinars and sessions who were enthusiastic to assist me in developing and implementing my business plan, financial projections, certifications, and pitch.

I know that the impact I’m seeking to make requires me to have an ecosystem of people to help me navigate this road. If you’re building your own ecosystem, simply put yourself out there and embrace the help that’s offered.

Everyone has received help that has changed the trajectory of their path. Go to events (safely) and if that isn’t applicable, make sure others see you in the virtual space. Be friendly, authentic, and honest with people you network with, and always make sure to follow up. My best opportunities came through members of my network.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.radiance.run/; https://www.rootedinradiance.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energy2radiance/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRQsr9nvfCFA-jwIB8S7fpg

Image Credits
Suzanne Tylander, Talia Hawley, Corey Gray, and Telly$Vision