Breaking into Wellness: Portia Boston
Creating a career in wellness can be mystifying and intimidating, especially for those of us who hail from communities that are underrepresented in the wellness industry. In “Breaking into Wellness,” we chat with wellness practitioners we love to learn more about the authentic journeys that led them to where they are today. Today’s installment features barre instructor, NASM-certified personal trainer, certified pre/postnatal specialist and nutrition coach Portia Boston.
Body Politic: What do you teach and where do you work? How long have you been active in the wellness industry?
Portia Boston: I am currently a master instructor at Shaktibarre where I teach barre and help co-lead barre teacher trainings. I teach barre and sculpt classes for a residential amenities management company. I’m a personal trainer and nutrition coach and run my own business for both online and in-person clients. I’ve been in the industry for the last 2 years.
BP: How did you become interested in wellness and fitness? Is it an industry you grew up around or encountered early in life?
PB: I’ve always gravitated toward physical activity, I was a very energetic child. My parents did a good job redirecting and channeling my energy. I grew up playing lacrosse from a young age and practicing ballet in high school.
Upon coming to the city for NYU and to pursue musical theater professionally, teaching fitness was initially supposed to be a side gig to help support myself while I was auditioning. But I fell in love with teaching and it became my full-time job.
“this exclusion has deep historical roots, and because the fitness industry is visual by nature, people of color (especially women) are much more vulnerable during the hiring process, less likely to achieve a raise (or take much longer to achieve one than their white counterparts) and therefore, likely to earn much less overall - and there’s PLENTY of data on this wage gap in the U.S.”
BP: What were you doing before you became a wellness practitioner, and how did you make the jump into wellness? Was that a difficult transition?
PB: I had only been out of school for about a year and was auditioning for small TV parts, commercial spots and plays. I did a local commercial, a few professional workshops and readings, but was simultaneously becoming obsessed with teaching [fitness]. And yes, emotionally it was a difficult transition. From the point of view of many people who knew me, I was giving up [on acting], and throwing away so many opportunities. I found myself having to explain and defend my choices time and time again. On top of that, I felt extremely guilty that I had wasted my family’s time and money, which they had invested into my training and education. But I believe the people who are truly on life’s journey with you will eventually come around and learn to respect your choices. At the end of the day, it's really about what makes YOU happy.
BP: What barriers have you faced in the wellness industry?
PB: There’s a diversity and inclusion problem in the fitness and wellness industry. The average class-goer for barre/yoga/Pilates in NYC is white, female (likely cis-gender) and thin. The profile is the same when it comes to teachers of these modalities, and— I'm discovering through my own research— overwhelmingly so. Unfortunately, this exclusion has deep historical roots, and because the fitness industry is visual by nature, people of color (especially women) are much more vulnerable during the hiring process, less likely to achieve a raise (or take much longer to achieve one than their white counterparts) and therefore, likely to earn much less overall - and there's PLENTY of data on this wage gap in the U.S.
Where I currently work, I genuinely feel there are strong efforts toward inclusion and diversifying staff. However, this is not the case at other places in the city where I've trained, worked briefly, or have been offered opportunities, .
BP: What are the biggest financial struggles you've faced as a wellness practitioner?
PB: Taxes...oof! Tax season is always an adventure because I have income coming in from many different sources and there are lots of write-offs to be organized. Each year has gotten increasingly complex. I had been doing them on my own the last two years (through TurboTax) but will be hiring an accountant this year, and likely will be doing my taxes quarterly instead of annually.
I've learned I always have to be prepared for lulls in my income and find ways to compensate. Fitness is often seasonal: there's high volume around early January through February, a lull from Feb to March as we hit peak winter/flu season, an uptick again from late April to early June, and then another lull in the summer...and it goes on.
Because I'm 25, I'm currently on my family's health insurance. But that's going to end for me in September. Currently shopping around for healthcare options...
BP: What is the best thing about working as a wellness practitioner?
PB: I love empowering people. It really comes down to that. There is not a better feeling. And the potential to be the best part of someone's day.
BP: Do you have any tips for creating routine and stability, while managing an unconventional schedule?
PB: I try to use 30 min to 1 hour pockets of my day for self-care (my own workouts, taking class, massages, facials, or reading). I cannot recommend that enough. As fitness and wellness professionals, we spend all of our working hours taking care of others, but we have to take care of ourselves too to continue doing our jobs well.
BP: What advice would you give to someone considering pursuing a career as a wellness practitioner? What do you wish you had known?
PB: If you love teaching and/or training, you cannot listen to other people's opinions (even loved ones) on the legitimacy of your career choice. You have to do what makes you happiest. Work hard, and don't be afraid to ask for more-- eventually, the money will come. And find a mentor!
BP: What's your current favorite song to add to a workout playlist?
I'm a hip-hop head so really enjoying the new Travis Scott collaborations on JACKBOYS. Particularly "Highest in the Room" feat. Rosalía.
BP: Are you working on any fun projects we can share?
Yes! I'll be leading a Diversity and Inclusion weekend intensive for fitness and wellness professionals at Shaktibarre Williamsburg. Dates are Feb 28, 29th and March 1st!
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Find Portia Boston on Instagram @portia.boston
Find Photographer Chrissy Connors on Instagram @chrissyconnors_photo
Body Type is Body Politic's publication where we explore all things related to the intersections of wellness, politics, and personal identity. As with all Body Politic content and programming, we're interested in exploring the under-discussed issues in wellness - the ways wellness intersects with issues like sexuality, race, gender, size, ability, financial accessibility, and more. Learn more about the team behind Body Type here.
