Chapter 1: The Beginning

It’s official, our blog is up and running! I am beyond excited to be a part of this amazing brand. To me it is more than just an athletic wear line, it’s a movement. Phēnyx Athletica has given me hope that one day mental health won’t be a taboo to discuss, seek treatment and most importantly take the shame away. We decided to add this blog to our site because we want to be more than just an athletic brand. Phēnyx does not operate on its own, there are real people behind this company. People who have days where everything that could possibly go wrong does, People who doubt themselves at times but believe in hope and that a Phēnyx ALWAYS rises again.

I have had my own personal struggles with depression and anxiety. It is a dark place to be in and I did everything from being on medication to seeing a therapist and psychiatrist regularly. After years of trying to find what works best for me and even recently losing someone dear to me due to suicide from mental health illness, I finally gave in and took my depressed / anxiety ridden ass to the gym. After a few weeks my mental state went from one of the darkest places to a life of hope and light. I had finally found what worked for me. It was the challenge of holding myself accountable. Making gym dates with myself and crushing whatever workout I had planned for that day. It became such a lifestyle that all I was ever spotted wearing was workout gear. About 6 months ago, I was given the opportunity to be a part of the Phēnyx Athletica Team. My partner and I discussed both of our visions and I was given creative freedom as well as a platform to bring mental health awareness out of hiding. I was sold after that and We have put our blood, sweat and tears into this venture and are so proud of the end result. We have done the leg work and have not settled for anything less than the best quality for you all!

Our motto that we promote and honestly live by is #RiseAgain. Where there is life, there is hope. I will openly be sharing my personal journey with mental health with you all and I pray it reaches someone who just needs to know that my shit stinks just like the next person but we still push through. Isn’t that pretty much what life is? Things happen and we react. Good, bad or indifferent. Why not deal with life in Phēnyx Athletica, with us, people who are rooting for you! Thank you for checking in <3 This is only the beginning. Sending light and love always.

Xo Nneka