We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Rica Wilson and have shared our conversation below.
Rica, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are quiet but purposeful. I usually wake up before the rest of the house, when it’s still a little dark outside and the world feels softer. I start with prayer—sometimes it’s structured, sometimes it’s just a conversation. It grounds me, gives me a sense of perspective before the day really begins. After that, I move into meditation. Even ten minutes makes a difference. It’s not always easy to sit still, but I find that if I don’t take that time, the day feels a little more chaotic. Meditation helps me carry a sense of calm into whatever comes next. Once I’ve centered myself, I put on some music. The playlist depends on the morning—sometimes it’s something gentle, other times it’s whatever gets me moving. Music fills the kitchen while I prep lunch for my sons. It’s a small act, but I like putting care into it, knowing it’s something from home they’ll have with them later. By the time the first 90 minutes are up, I’ve checked in with myself and set the tone for the day. Prayer, meditation, music, and a little bit of love wrapped up in a lunchbox—it’s a rhythm that works for me and my family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Brown Girl Wellness was born out of my commitment to put my family first. When I became a parent, I saw firsthand how often parenting was shunned or hidden in professional spaces—as if you couldn’t be both a devoted caregiver and a driven creator. I wanted to build something different: a space where parenting is honored, where our whole selves are welcome, and where the rhythms of family life are celebrated, not sidelined. Over time, Brown Girl Wellness has become so much more. We’re a community that believes rest is a revolutionary act—a way to resist burnout and reclaim our time and energy. Here, we encourage women to do less, walk slower, and sit in silence, unapologetically. We believe that slowing down is not a weakness, but a vital form of self-care. At the heart of our work is a deep respect for stories. We honor every woman’s journey and are committed to amplifying voices that are too often overlooked. Brown Girl Wellness is a place where your experiences matter, your voice is heard, and your story is celebrated. My hope is that every woman who connects with us feels seen, supported, and empowered—to care for herself and her family in ways that honor her truth, her pace, and her unique voice.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was in the fourth grade, a little boy called me a chocolate chip in front of the class while we were standing in the lunch line. He was talking about my dark brown skin. Some kids laughed, and in that moment, I started to believe that my skin was too dark—that it made me less beautiful. Growing up, I rarely saw people with my skin tone being called beautiful without a disclaimer. We were always “pretty for a dark-skinned girl.” We were never just pretty. For a long time, I carried that scar of colorism with me. But that’s no longer my truth. Today, I love my skin. I celebrate my beauty openly and on my own terms—fiercely and unapologetically. Honoring my dark skin honors both myself and God, because I know I was created intentionally and beautifully. Loving myself, exactly as I am, is a celebration of the divine within me, every single day.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: You are not too skinny, too poor, or too anything. Like a brand new pack of jackstones or a colorful hula hoop, you are just right and wonderful exactly the way you are. There is nothing missing, nothing to fix. You are enough.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my mother, not for any power or title, but for her character. She is the most honest and genuine person I know—loving, kind, and always looking for ways to uplift her community and those around her. Her love is quiet but fierce, given freely and without expectation. She’s the one who shows up for people, never asks for recognition, and makes everyone feel seen and loved. My mother has a way of making kindness look effortless. She’ll purchase a meal for a homeless family or for a woman escaping a rough situation, or listen to someone’s troubles late into the night. Her warmth fills a room, and her spirit is steady and unshakeable. She’s down-to-earth, humble, and truly a great human being.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply—maybe more than most—is that love is the only true currency. Everything else fades or changes, but the way we care for each other, the compassion we offer, and the connections we build are what really matter. Love outlasts money, status, and even time. When you move through the world with love at the center, you’re always wealthy, no matter what’s in your bank account. That’s the kind of wealth I try to invest in every day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @brown.girl.wellness
Image Credits
R, Wilson
