Wellness is a deeply personal journey, shaped by individual interpretations. Creative Director Emerald Elitou created the series ‘Ways To Wellness’ as a way to highlight professional women who use self-care practices to nurture their mind, body, and soul. Hopefully, this candid conversation with Nzinga Imani inspires you to create your own self-care and wellness rituals.
Nzinga Imani is no stranger to a hectic schedule. From modeling, singing, and acting—best known for her role as Angela in BET’s hit series Tyler Perry’s Sistas and Zatima—to being a CEO and influencer, her days are filled with personal and business demands.
When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with family, getting outdoors, dancing, and leaning into self-care to live her Soulful Soft Life to the fullest. “My wellness routine is the foundation of my soft life,” Imani shares with BrownStyle Magazine exclusively.
With such a full schedule, it’s imperative that the Guyanese beauty starts her day off right. “Most mornings start bright and early with my trainer before the sun even comes up,” she explains. “That intense strength training wakes me up and sets the tone, but I balance it by taking time afterward to sit by the pool. That’s my space to clear my mind, stretch, and often journal so I feel centered before the day really begins.”
After journaling, she gets refreshed and makes her way to the kitchen for a soothing cup of tea before easing into work. “I’ll ease into work by catching up on emails and responding to social media. That combination of movement, reflection, and a gentle transition into my tasks really helps me stay positive and productive all day long.”
From luxury spa days to simple nature walks, Imani doesn’t miss an opportunity to ground herself. Ahead, learn how the multitalented beauty maintains balance—even when there’s barely time for self-care.
Wellness Is Multifaceted
To Imani, wellness is about creating balance in life, whether it’s protecting her peace or setting boundaries. “It’s how I care for my mind, my spirit, and my body together,” she tells us.
The actress adds that wellness can be as simple as making time to laugh and surrounding herself with people who pour into her the same way she pours into them. She explains, “Wellness is choosing wholeness over perfection and giving myself grace while still pushing myself to grow.”
Stillness is also key to her process. “Something most people don’t know about me is that I’m a little bit of a nature girl at heart. I love being near water or in the mountains, just unplugging and re-centering,” she says, noting that quiet moments often bring her the most clarity and inspiration.
How Her Cultural Roots Inspire Her Wellness Routine
Imani’s Caribbean roots play a huge role in her approach to wellness. “Being Guyanese, food is such a central part of our culture. Things like big family meals full of rice and peas, fresh vegetables, curried meat, or pepperpot were part of how we cared for ourselves long before wellness became a trend,” she notes.
Music and movement are also essential to her wellness practice. “Whether it’s dancing or just letting Soca or Reggae lift my mood, that joy is a form of wellness too. And spiritually, my culture taught me to lean on faith, prayer, and family connection as a way to stay grounded. All of those things together shape how I create balance and care for myself today.”
Community plays a vital role as well. “The best thing I can do is step away and give myself space. Talking things out with a friend or loved one can shift my perspective in ways I might not see on my own. Those practices together help me reset and come back with a clearer, stronger mindset.”
Investing In Her Well-Being
Imani believes wellness is an investment. While many of her favorite rituals—like journaling and prayer—are simple, she’s also intentional about investing in practices and products that help her feel her best. “I don’t mind splurging on things that truly make a difference for me,” the model explains.
One of her go-to wellness luxuries is a spa day. She adds, “I love a good spa day! I prioritize massages and facials not only for wellness but also as part of my maintenance for work. They’re not just about beauty; they really help me release stress and recharge.”
Imani also considers working with a personal trainer an investment in her well-being. “It keeps me accountable and pushes me to levels I might not reach on my own,” she adds.
Lastly, she says she’ll happily splurge on high-quality hair, skincare, and wellness products because of the age-old adage that when you look good, you feel good. “For me, those investments pay off because they keep me feeling strong, balanced, and confident,” she concludes.
Dancing Is Crucial
According to WebMD, dancing has a number of benefits, including boosting self-esteem, improving mood, and protecting memory—all reasons why Imani loves to incorporate it into her routine.
“I make time for movement, whether that’s a workout, a long walk, or taking dance classes,” she shares. “Dance has become one of my favorite non-traditional ways to stay fit because it feels fun, expressive, and social. It doesn’t feel like ‘work,’ but I still leave class feeling energized and strong.”
She adds, “I also prioritize dance class because it gives me structure, keeps me dedicated to something that brings me pure joy, and creates social connections that balance out the intensity of work.”
Her Advice For BrownStyle Readers
We all know it’s not always easy to stay consistent. Imani says it’s important to have the right perspective. “I remind myself that setbacks and distractions are part of life, not signs of failure. When things don’t go as planned, I focus on what I can control—like getting back into my routine or simply taking five minutes to reset. One bad day doesn’t undo all the progress I’ve made. The key is staying flexible, being kind to myself, and always finding a way to get back on track.”
She advises BrownStyle Magazine readers to start small and make wellness personal. “Wellness doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s routine. It should fit your lifestyle and bring you joy. Find the practices that feel good to you, whether that’s journaling, walking, dancing, or just taking five quiet minutes for yourself. Be consistent but also give yourself grace when life happens. And most importantly, remember that it isn’t selfish! Wellness is an act of love for yourself that allows you to show up better for everything and everyone else.”
