In this compelling episode of Equity in Focus, Kevin E. Hooks sits down with Quentin Vennie, a wellness expert, co-founder of Equitea, and author of the best-selling memoir Strong in the Broken Places. The discussion is more than just a deep dive into Quentin’s journey from trauma to triumph; it’s a blueprint for how communities can heal and thrive by embracing mental wellness and breaking generational cycles.
A story of survival and transformation
Vennie’s life is a testament to the power of resilience. Growing up in West Baltimore, one of the nation’s most challenging environments, Quentin faced numerous personal struggles, including severe anxiety, depression, and addiction. His journey, however, took a pivotal turn when he embraced holistic wellness practices, such as yoga, meditation, and herbal teas. These practices didn’t just save his life—they ignited a passion for sharing healing tools with others.
Vennie’s story resonates deeply with many in the Black community, where conversations about mental health have historically been taboo. “We’ve experienced trauma for so long, and it’s been so embedded in us that we often view it as normal,” Vennie explains. His mission is to change this narrative by encouraging open dialogue about mental health and offering tangible solutions, like the adaptogenic teas created by his company, Equitea.
Redefining strength in the Black community
Hooks and Vennie explore the concept of strength within the Black community, challenging the traditional notion of the “hustler” mentality. While this mindset has historically been about survival — no sleep, tough exterior, and relentless hustle — Vennie argues for a shift toward self-care and wellness as new definitions of strength.
The discussion touches on the importance of breaking generational cycles of trauma. “If trauma can be passed down from generation to generation, so can healing,” Vennie asserts. He emphasizes the need for today’s generation to survive and thrive by building upon the foundations laid by their ancestors. For Quentin, this means providing his children with opportunities he didn’t have, such as a solid educational foundation and the tools for self-sufficiency.
The birth of Equitea
Quentin’s journey into entrepreneurship was sparked by his desire to find a natural, effective way to support his son’s ADHD without resorting to prescription medication. This led to the creation of Equitea, a line of adaptogenic teas designed to support mental wellness. Quentin’s commitment to quality and efficacy is evident in the meticulous selection of ingredients, such as ashwagandha and licorice root, known for their stress-relief properties.
Equitea is more than just a product; it’s a movement toward reclaiming traditional, natural methods of healing. As Vennie notes, “We’ve always been known to heal ourselves using herbs and things from the earth.” His hope is that Equitea will help others in the Black community and beyond to reconnect with these ancient practices and find a path to wellness.
A vision for the future of wellness in the Black community
Vennie’s parting advice is clear: “We’ve been in a space of collective suffering for a very long time. I think through discussing health, wellness, mental health, and entrepreneurship, we can get to that space of not only healing collectively but growing collectively.”
For those looking to learn more about Vennie’s work, his book Strong in the Broken Places is available on Amazon, with an audiobook release planned for 2025. Equitea products can be found in major retailers nationwide, or you can visit equitea.com for more information.
AI assisted in summarizing this episode of Equity in Focus.
