A couple, who moved from California to Story County, Iowa, during the Covid 19 pandemic has found opportunities in this area to share their passion for health and wellness.
Darnel and Amanda Young participated at the Nevada Farmers Markets this year, and when he’s not working with another client or as a product assembler in the final assembly department at ALMACO, Darnel enjoys volunteering with the Nevada Fire Department as a fitness and nutrition consultant.
The Youngs own Wellness Awaken, a business based in Maxwell. Through their business, they are committed to helping others believe in their bodies. “We want you to believe in YOUR BODY’S abilities and intelligence again,” Amanda said.
“If you’re curious enough,” Darnel said, “we’ll show you what you’re capable of by finding the right movement patterns that actually get rid of pain and make you stronger and more confident.”
Amanda, who grew up in Iowa, is a licensed massage therapist and herbalist. Darnel is a former corporate personal trainer/coach specializing in optimizing a person’s health through various strength training methods, conditioning, and improved general flexibility. He was born in Belize City, Belize, and came to Los Angeles to pursue track and field opportunities.
It will come as no surprise that Amanda and Darnel met at a fitness club in Hollywood, Calif., where she was the head massage therapist, and he was a personal trainer.
When the Covid 19 pandemic hit, they needed a change of scenery. “The pre- and post-pandemic scene in LA was not something we wanted to be a part of,” they said. Amanda had family in central Iowa, so Darnel suggested that the ‘Tall Corn State,’ and Story County become their new “ground zero.”
Wellness Awaken, the two agree, came about as a simple evolution of where they were both headed with their careers. They merged their expertise into one business, allowing “mastery to meet purpose.”
“Being a massage therapist with an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, fascia, and movement patterns; and (him being) a former athlete, personal trainer, and instructor … we could offer customized massage care, combined with private and semi-private personal training sessions plus programming,” Amanda said.
Their business website, Wellness Awaken (vagaro.com), shows all the services they provide (including services right in your own home). If you talk with them personally, you’ll begin to understand their passion for wellness.
“Your life is art, and we understand that making time for intentional movement can feel like you’re the one holding the brush,” Darnel said. “We’re not here to help you ‘try’ fitness, we’re here to help you understand that there is only something to discover.”
The two have worked to become involved in the local communities. “Thankfully, we have both found some success in connecting with people and places that have allowed us to share our knowledge and practice what we enjoy doing,” Amanda said.
Amanda has clientele all over Story County and has also partnered with Hands-On Sports Therapy in Des Moines. Darnel, as previously mentioned, volunteers with the Nevada Fire Department.
“We’re constantly seeking ways to become more involved,” they said.
Regarding Nevada and the Nevada area, the pair has truly enjoyed the small-town feeling. “We tend to enjoy a good run, walk, or skate on the town’s trail system, and grabbing food or drinks at the local cafes and restaurants,” Amanda said. “We also enjoy partaking in the festivities the town offers for different occasions. We love that Nevada is growing in every sense. That’s very encouraging.”
A few more questions of interest for Amanda and Darnel:
Why are each of you so passionate about a career in health? Amanda said their passion stems from personal journeys. Amanda had a journey with weight loss (over 100 pounds), hormonal imbalance issues, family history of obesity, etc. Darnel was prematurely born with a laundry list of auto-immune issues at a young age and has a family history of dementia, obesity, depression, etc.
What are a few fun things the two of you love to do? Dancing salsa and tent camping
What is your favorite healthy thing to eat? Mangos and watermelon … and we usually have a balanced home-cooked meal most nights.
What is your favorite “unhealthy-ish” treat to enjoy? French Fries! And pretty much anything sweet – cookies, pastries, donuts, ice cream… all the sugar!
Do you have children? No, we don’t have any children, but we do have two nephews and a niece. We enjoy watching them play sports and do other extra-curricular activities. One of the reasons we moved back from LA was to be closer to family. It truly has been a blessing to be surrounded by loved ones.
Do you have pets? Yes! We have a dog, Leo. He’s usually with us everywhere. If anyone saw us at the farmers markets, they probably met Leo!
If you have an hour to watch TV, what are you watching? We are currently watching “Outcast” on Netflix.
Besides health, do you have other hobbies/pastimes? Amanda enjoys paddleboarding, learning how to garden, and learning what different herbs and new ways for cooking food can heal the body.
Do you have favorite sports teams? The only team Amanda cheers for is Iowa State. Darnel enjoys watching MMA and also track and running events. They’re not real big sports fans, but they usually bring food, snacks, and are good company to help people enjoy their sports events!
What is your favorite destination/vacation place? “… still loading … so much more to see!”
–Written by Marlys Barker, City of Nevada
