Meet Ayanna Fields | Life Coach & Self-Awareness Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayanna Fields and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayanna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In respect of your time, simply put: ”Without risk, there is no reward!”

If you enjoy a good story with adlibs and sidenotes, read on!

For as long as I can remember, I have been a calculated risk-taker. Meaning, I was not opposed to taking them; however, the risk had to withstand a full cross-examination. You know, rehearsing the “what-ifs”, creating spreadsheets, and crunching numbers. If the outcome of the risk outweighed the various what-ifs then I was comfortable with moving forward!

As you can imagine, this takes a lot of time and energy. Both of which are finite. (Stay with me)

As time passed, my purpose became more prevalent, and so did the urgency for me to walk in it. One day, I decided to take a solo trip that would gift me the solidarity I needed to think and pray about, one – what I want for myself, and two – what will make ME happy. For background, I was working as a Human Resources Business Partner at an investment bank, which demanded an inhumane amount of time, and you guessed it – energy.

On day three of the trip, the words, “I am beginning to feel like myself again” slipped out of my mouth and gave me the scare of a lifetime! This meant I was alive but not living. Mindlessly carrying out duties, tending to responsibilities, and accomplishing goals we were taught to aspire to yet left me feeling empty.

It was then that I truly knew a decision must be made.. *insert risk cross-examination*. As I saw it,
1. If I stay, I am consciously accepting a reality I do not want for myself and risk one day looking in the mirror at an unrecognizable Ayanna.
2. If I go, I am releasing a promising career trajectory, a generous benefits package, and one of my favorite things – stability!

I’m going to assume you know what decision I made..

This was the first life-altering risk I recall taking that made no logical sense but simply felt right. I did no explaining, apologizing, or self-shaming after resigning. In fact, leaving Corporate America without a job (caution, I had savings) set me on a journey of taking risks and trusting the process.

Being on the other side of a few massive risks, I speak to you now as a fulfilled entrepreneur! Today, the brand requires a lot of me, so I place a heightened value on my time and energy. Yes, I still take calculated risks; however, I practice collapsing time by trusting myself and when a decision still feels scary I refer to two beloved Biblical cliches, “Faith over fear” (Psalm 56:3–4) and “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26, recommend 2:14-26).

Risks can be scary, but they are mandatory for success. I recommend identifying what moves you forward when life becomes intimidating. Your future self will thank you for it!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My name is Ayanna Fields, Founder and CEO of The Sexi Brand (TSB).

Many people see ‘sexi’ and believe we simply found a way to put a twist on the traditional spelling of sexy for the fun of it. When in fact, lean in, Sexi is an acronym for “Self Elevation Through Intentionality”. Gasp. Yes, it’s true we are a brand of substance.

Allow me to reveal to you the brand in all of its glory!!

The Sexi Brand is a lifestyle brand and coaching resource, whose mission and motto is “Redefining Sexy”.

The Origin of The Sexi Brand

For years, I found myself frustrated with how the media has indoctrinated society (both women and men) to believe being a sexy woman is synonymous with possessing lustful, materialistic, and demoralizing attributes. Often, I carried the feeling and belief that I was sexy but never truly felt that my interpretation of sexy aligned with the traditional definition, nor did I honestly want it to.

My sexiest moments stemmed from feeling confident and empowered. For instance, being well-read, capable of holding intellectual conversations, being financially literate, tending to my mental and physical wellness and most importantly placing my spiritual wellbeing first. This is when I radiated as the greatest manifestation of myself and voila, the inception of sexi!

God told me this is a great start, but there is more building to do (in so many words lol.. This conversation with God spans over several years and into present day). Remaining guided, walking unapologetically in purpose and placing faith over fear has allowed me to build sexi from a concept into what you see before you today – The Sexi Brand, where we define sexi as, “A woman who intentionally strives to be the greatest manifestation of herself spiritually, mentally and physically”.

This journey has been anything but easy, though incredibly rewarding. I have taken countless risks, including abandoning my coveted career trajectory to blaze a new trail as a certified life coach. I have used the savings allotted for my student loans and invested it into my business (cringe, but worth it!). I have turned down wonderful job opportunities that were not in alignment with where my purpose is leading me. Among other morally sound risks and sacrifices that shall remain nameless.

I won’t elaborate, but if you are following your dreams, I highly recommend looking up the term opportunity costs and internalizing what it can look, sound and feel like along your journey. I’m sure you’ve already encountered them! Continue to push through and remember to make decisions that will keep you in alignment with your purpose.

How Do We Accomplish This Mission

We accomplish redefining sexy by supporting women obtain spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing through two modalities. One – lifestyle practices. Two – life coaching.

Life has its seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). As we see it, in one season, we are able to maintain a quality of life by carrying out practices that pour into our everyday lives. This is where the lifestyle side of the brand comes in handy. The Sexi Brand is a source for all things lifestyle. We offer products, events, a budding dialogue series entitled Sexi Conversations and a wealth of information that promotes toxin-free living spanning across health, house cleaning, laundry upkeep, wound care, natural remedies, personal hygiene, and the list goes on!

On the other hand, in another season, we need an unbiased supporter and strategic partner to reach specific goals and align ourselves accordingly. This is where the life coaching side of the brand is most effective. As a life coach, I help women hone self-awareness to liberate themselves from limitations and ultimately live fully and aligned to their purpose or desired way of being. Currently, I am offering private coaching and accepting new clients.

*Disclaimer, I give out “Lifework” 🙂 At the end of each session, we will agree on a practical way to take what is being discussed within coaching and apply it to your life. We will then discuss the results in our following session. This is to ensure my clients experience growth outside of the comfort of our private sessions.

Despite which season you are in, you are in great hands with The Sexi Brand!

Where We Are Headed

It is exhilarating to say we are expanding!! Currently, we are undergoing a rebrand, which includes building an online presence as a lifestyle brand and coaching resource *haaa-llelujah*. As of now, we offer private coaching, send out monthly newsletters, and use social media as our platform for visibility.

In the near future, our beautiful website will be your home away from home, offering:
– Private Coaching, with a client portal
– Our Store, offering products with purpose
– Enrollment, for our Annual Retreat and quarterly local events
– A blog, where Sexi Conversations, book recommendations, recipes, what’s new in the world of Sexi, and endless information sharing will live

Shameless plug. In Spring 2023, when The Sexi Brand website launches, our store will release the following products:
– 100% pure essential oils. Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Peppermint
– Reusable mesh bags
– Awakening Self-Awareness, a digital workbook
+ All of which is just the beginning!

Needless to say, there is a lot to look forward to in the coming months!

How To Work With Us

The Sexi Brand is purely a work of passion and purpose, and I am so grateful to be able to share it with you. If you believe yourself, a close friend, a family member or the general public could benefit from the impact we are making, please be sure to share this article and our social media.

Curious if we would be a good pairing? Let’s talk about it. Book a complimentary Chemistry Call where we can have a candid and caring conversation about your needs and if we’d be a good pairing or if I have a recommendation in my network. Your wellbeing matters to me!

Or simply want to stay in the know? Sign up for our newsletter by downloading our Free Resource,  Awakening Self-Awareness Worksheets!

Go to our website, thesexibrand.com to book a Chemistry Call or download our Awakening Self-Awareness worksheets to sign up for our newsletter.

With gratitude,
Ayanna Fields

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I tend to enjoy activities that get me moving physically, out in nature, or bring me peace. Most times, that aligns with my friends lol. Assuming energy and financial goals were no object, the week could go as follows:

Monday

Morning-

• 5:45am cycling class, my friend’s attendance is optional. This time of morning is not for everyone lol.
• Now, to start the week off right. How so? By making homemade juice and a tasty breakfast!

Afternoon-

• Rock climbing at Dino-Rock Indoor Climbing Center. (Pro Tip: Purchase a Groupon!!)
• Afterward, ride over to JUIC’D in Patego to grab a fresh treat.. Smoothies, Acai bowls, fresh juice, whatever our heart desires. The owner has a beautiful spirit and is a wealth of information! Her belief in the power of healthy eating is not only refreshing, but it shines through as she fulfills orders.
• Rest.

Evening-

• Head down to Deep Ellum (on a chill day) and order ramen from Oni Ramen. Hopefully, the parking isn’t an Olympic sport, as it usually is. However, the effort is worth it. The menu is friendly to all food preferences and sensitivities. I recommend sitting outdoors, the music indoors is great, but the outdoor vibes take the cake.
• Walk around, if it’s not nuts down there.

Tuesday

Morning-

• Walk the neighborhood or sleep in – To thine own self be true.
• Read and have a light breakfast because next are…

Afternoon-

• Massages!! Baeja Morris, the owner of Dallas Mobile Massage (baejamorrislmt@gmail.com), is a Licensed Massage Therapist who does remarkable work. Don’t let her size fool you. She gives a mean deep-tissue massage!
• It’s time to eat. Bread Winners in Uptown will do the trick 🙂
• Manis and pedis at Mini Luxe in Uptown. Their establishment does not wreak of fumes, but instead gives off delicate fragrant notes paired with music that makes for the perfect relaxing afternoon.
• Relax.. (Pro Tip: When hosting a guest for an extended period of time, give yourselves a little breathing room. Your friendship will thank you for it.)

Evening-

• Dinner at one of my favorite Thai restaurants, Thai Thai Restaurant, in Lower Greenville. I’ve not ordered the wrong dish yet, everything is delish!
• Walk around Lower Greenville. Gives my guest an opportunity to experience a different side of Dallas and whoo knows, maybe ice cream will be enjoyed during said walk!?

Wednesday

Morning-

• 5:45 cycling class
• Read. Eat. Chill.

Afternoon-

• King Spa (Pro Tip: purchase a Groupon!!)
• Order lunch from Vegan Heat in Plano. Whether plant-based or a devout meat eater EVERYONE will be pleased and stuffed. Seriously, you cannot tell the flavor-packed meals are plant-based. It is scary in the best of ways!
• Chill out.

Evening-

• Eat leftovers. Yep, Vegan Heat’s portion sizes are that generous!
• Live music concert.. Indoor or outdoor venue does not make a difference as long as the artist is doing what they do best!!
• Snack because, let’s be real, who isn’t ready for a midnight snack after a live event!?

Thursday

Morning-

• Kylde Warren’s Park. More than likely there is some excitement going on. The Park is no stranger to yoga classes, food trucks, family fun and positive energy!

Afternoon-

• Museum time!! Plenty to choose from – African American Museum of Dallas, Dallas Museum of Arts, Ross Perot Museum of Nature and Science, etc.
• The Henry for lunch. Eat downstairs for the full menu. Venture to the rooftop for the view and a great DJ!

Evening-

• Body Works + Abs class at the gym.
• Then happily spoil the workout by following up with dinner at Taqueria La Ventana’s downtown location.
• Finish off the night at Griggs Park. More than likely enjoying churros as we enjoy the view! The view. The view. The view. Watching the sun set over downtown never gets old. Also, reading the plaques is a must! They detail African Americans’ influence on the history of the park and beyond.

Friday

Morning –

• Walk the Katy Trail.
• Go home make smoothies and have a little dance party. Get ready for the next activity, but first.. Breakfast!
• Thinking Snooze, an A.M. Eatery. It’s in walking distance from my house. This allows a bit of sightseeing for my friend and an opportunity to walk off the heaviness before our next adventure!

Afternoon –

• Trapeze class at the Dallas Circus Center. (Pro Tip: purchase on Groupon!)
• Followed by an easy lighter lunch maybe Salata or Cava. I’ll let my guest decide.
• As one could imagine, we’re tired – nap time!

Evening –

• Dinner at Si Lom Thai Asian Fusion in Oak Lawn. Thai food and I have a very close relationship.
• Did someone say drag show?? Following dinner, we’ll walk to the Rose Room to see what all the fuss is about. I’ve not been yet but based on the Rose Room’s reputation, it is a show to see!

Saturday

Morning –

• Dallas Farmers Market. Engage with the various vendors at the market and fill up on smoothies and other breakfast goodies we can get our hands on.

Afternoon –

• Pottery Class at Trade Oak Cliff.
• Walk around and absorb the character that only Bishop Arts can bring! Then grab a bite at Paradiso.

Evening –

• Relax.
• Dinner, anywhere with good fish tacos. (Great fish taco option with deep-fried tortillas is Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant.. The travel time in this case is unrealistic).
• Finish the night off pleasing the sweet tooth at Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant.

Sunday

Morning –

• Attend Church. It’s a black church, so fast forward to the afternoon 🙂

Afternoon –

• Let’s make our way to VII Kitchen & Cocktail. It’s a restaurant that serves up culture!! Meaning – live music, food, dancing, and laughter among family and friends.
• Packing time!! Giving my guest time to organize their suitcase so that by Monday they will feel at peace versus frazzled as their flight time approaches.

Evening –

• Sunday dinner at home. Inviting over family and other friends for a wholesome dining experience that is saturated with flavor, love, and laughter.
• Time to wind down. And remind myself I will never pull a week like that again!

It’s crazy because there are so many other places that I would’ve loved to include, but there simply is not enough time.. Too bad I’m not signing up for another week-long guest :). My energy simply isn’t set up that way.

If you decide to try any of these places, I truly hope you enjoy them!

Tell them The Sexi Brand sent you 😉

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, this question surfaces a lot of gratitude. I am blessed to say, I have crossed paths with many people, places and things that have deposited knowledge, support, and love in my life. I now see why acceptance speeches are so difficult for award winners.

I can’t resist a little fun.

“I’d like to thank God because He gives me the strength to overcome challenges and walk away with a testimony.

My mom/right hand (Nicole), dad (Anthony), siblings (Evan & Reed), and extended family – you are the personification of all 5 love languages.

My dear friends who accept me unconditionally with my spordic communication and all. I appreciate you!!

Shoutout and show out, Scripps! It is something indescribable about the students and faculty members that come out of the School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University. Please continue to do what you are doing, because wow, you all do it so well!!

Colleagues turned lifelong friends, Markena, Dori and Dr. Nadia your wisdom, friendship, and keekees mean the world to me.

Urban Specialists!! There are not enough words, so I humbly say THANK YOU.

Adeyinka, thank you for your partnership throughout this creative process. The Sexi Brand is materializing before my eyes. This experience has been intense yet incredibly rewarding!!

Books: The 4 Agreements, The Alchemist, The Millionaire Next Door

Women Entrepreneurs, keep going!!!!

And that’s my time.”

Website: thesexibrand.com

Instagram: @thesexibrand

Other: The Sexi Band is undergoing a complete rebrand, so stay tuned for our Spring re-launch. The website will be new and improved!!

Image Credits
Providing image credits for the photos – by row, then left to right. Row 1 (Left) – Black Excellence Night in Dallas, Row 1 (Right) – The Ultimate Women’s Expo, Dennis Cooper Row 2 (Left) – The Ultimate Women’s Expo, Dennis Cooper Row 2 (Right) – Carlos Steele Row 3 (Left) – Carlos Steele Row 3 (Right) – Carlos Steele Row 4 (Left) – Carlos Steele Row 4 (Right) – Urban Specialists
Ayanna Fields