Kat Novoa, Founder of Babes of Wellness
Prioritizing mental wellness is a rare thing in the Latinx community, which is exactly why Kat Novoa has made it her mission to help women do just that. In 2018, the first-generation Mexican American launched Babes of Wellness, a safe space that’s helped countless women realize their worth and take back their power.
“The most rewarding part is witnessing the silent, unspoken transformation happening before the individual realizes or acknowledges it in themselves,” the CEO and founder tells us of L.A.’s first-ever Latina-owned wellness boutique studio.
Keep reading to learn more about this mujer de magia.
Grace Gavilanes: What inspired you to create Babes of Wellness?
Kat Novoa: Babes of Wellness was inspired after volunteering at multiple domestic violence shelters. I saw there was a need for a more holistic approach to the fitness industry as a modality for healing and empowerment. The longing and need for an all-women's space was very apparent, so I went for it and decided to create the first-ever wellness sanctuary for women in South L.A.
GG: What has been the response to Babes of Wellness? Are there any testimonials that have stuck with you?
KN: The response has been overwhelming and very humbling. I never imagined the impact and community BOW would have in our city and surrounding areas, but I feel blessed and honored to be able to do the work that I do. There are so many testimonials but I think my favorite is when I hear members say, "This is exactly what I didn't know I needed in my life and feels like home for my soul."
““To me, being Latina means I am my ancestor’s answered prayers. Everything they worked so hard for, they are harvesting through my life.””
GG: What would you say is the most rewarding part of your work?
KN: The most rewarding part is witnessing the silent, unspoken transformation happening before the individual realizes or acknowledges it in themselves.
GG: You’ve spoken about struggling with low self-esteem and poor body image. How did you work through these feelings? And what advice would you give to someone going through the same?
KN: Like every woman, I allowed outside ideologies about my worth and body to influence the lens in which I saw myself and my body. I made a conscious decision to start appreciating my body for all that it is and does for me daily. I stopped focusing on the "looks" and started focusing on its strength, functionality, and adaptability instead. I'd say begin focusing on loving your body and moving from a place of love versus punishment or hate. Let love be the driving force for why you invest in your health.
GG: What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?
KN: I am definitely proud of being a bisexual Latina daughter of immigrants! Also, recognizing the fact that with little access to resources and opportunities I managed to open up the first-ever women's only studio/gym in Compton after losing my dad to COVID-19 in 2020. This space represents so much for me and to see how well received it has been, is a dream I thought I lost when I lost my dad. Living in my truth has taught me the greatest lessons and provided the most growth!
GG: What does being Latina mean to you?
KN: To me, being Latina means I am my ancestor's answered prayers. Everything they worked so hard for, they are harvesting through my life. Being Latina is celebrating my family's beauty, foods, music, and honoring them through the work that I do and how I show up in this world.
GG: How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?
KN: Growing up in South L.A., I never saw—and still don't see—an emphasis on health and wellness. There were no spaces that provided resources for my community. From the lack of access to fitness centers and mental health services, to the food disparities, the influx of fast food chain restaurants and the lack of quality health care has all contributed to the health issues the community faces, including highest death rates due to COVID-19. I want Babes of Wellness to be a sanctuary for women who will shift the narrative in their own homes and communities for many generations to come.
GG: What would you tell 15-year-old Kat right now if you had the opportunity?
KN: I'd tell baby Katita, you're going to be okay. You are going to find your own light and stand in it. Your light is your liberation and ancestral divine wisdom. Lean into it. Trust it. Surround yourself only around those that support you and have your best interest in mind. Do the things that fill your cup and make you happy!
