Q&A with Tennessee’s outdoor leader Shawanna Kendrick: Her nature prescription to boost wellness support for Women of Color

By Cowgirl Candace | Photos by Chris Shaw

She rustled up her social well-being formula in 2019 for Women of Color to reset their minds and bodies in a demanding digital age. Her three remedies: new neighborhood adventures, here-and-now conversations, and safe spaces for participants to discover the nature around them. The H20 Life is Shawanna Kendrick’s refashioned compound and community-based enterprise that provides natural and spiritual healing by way of the outdoors. “We literally go on outdoor adventures together and talk about everything – respectfully and openly that feels freeing and not forced,” said Kendrick. “Our nature events and activities are all about belonging, and decreasing stress and anxiety.”

Standing for hiking, healing, and outdoors, The H20 Life takes women of all walks of life on group adventures – including watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding –  throughout the Southeast Region. These nature activities sprinkle in reflective discussions around top-of-mind thoughts like relationships, careers, music, movies, and favorite foods. Annually, nearly 100 women participate in Kendrick’s nature-bonding trips in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and surrounding waypoints. Her offer to just hike has literally saved lives. This invitation into nature has opened doors for Kendrick to spread the word across the internet about her brand’s impact, including a TEDx Talks opportunity in her hometown. Since Women’s History Month is nationally themed “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” this trailblazing outdoorswoman stands as an exemplary leader our organization naturally wants to celebrate. Here’s what we learned about this influential educator, explorer, and Southern joy during a recent “Scenic City” stay:

COLOR MY OUTDOORS: You were born and raised in Chattanooga, so we know you know the best nature spots to explore. Can you describe what makes “Nooga” an outdoor destination worth visiting? KENDRICK: Chattanooga boasts a stunning landscape surrounded by mountains, lakes, and the Tennessee River. Its parks, trees, plants, and walkways are simply remarkable. I can’t say I grew up as an outdoor enthusiast, but I vividly remember climbing the dogwood tree in our yard and spending hours there during the summer months. When friends and cousins came over, we headed straight to the trees. That was our hangout. At some point, I grew out of it, but I’m so glad to be back exploring, embracing, and admiring all things nature.

COLOR MY OUTDOORS: We can see that childhood moment and those bold, flowering trees. Digging a little deeper into those throwback times, what types of outdoor activities interested you the most as a kid? And what types of outdoor activities interest you today as an adult? KENDRICK: Well, as a kid I loved riding bikes, climbing trees, as I mentioned, and playing any type of game – whether made up or established. Outdoor games were just fun to me. Simple as that. Now as an adult, hiking and paddling became my two favorite outdoor activities. Never in a million years did I expect this to be part of my journey, though. Spending time outdoors gives me a sense of peace and serenity. It’s a disconnect from my daily routine and the ills of life. And, I have to be honest: It’s fun.

COLOR MY OUTDOORS: For new travelers to your home, what outdoor and cultural activities were a must growing up and still stand today? KENDRICK: If we didn’t do anything else as kids, we had family reunions and church gatherings that included an outdoor element. Booker T. Washington State Park is where most of those events took place. This 353-acre historic park is located on Chickamauga Lake and was one of two state parks for Black residents. It’s where the self-proclaimed grill masters of my family cooked up anything from ribs to hot dogs and hamburgers. There were the designated servers prepping the condiments, plates, utensils, napkins, and drinks. Each and every time, we were outside – filling the air with laughter and smack talk over Spades. And we did it together.

COLOR MY OUTDOORS: We appreciate a good old-fashioned cookout the way you described it with card games and cracking jokes. Lol. So, why hiking? KENDRICK: Hiking gave me a new kind of peace. It also reminds me of life. The terrain reminds me of the journey we find ourselves on. At times, things will be smooth sailing or easy. So are some of our trails. Other times, we’ll experience inexplicable challenges or obstacles that require more fortitude, thought, planning, etc. Again, the trails are no different. We won’t always be able to take the easy road, but as long as we keep going and putting one step in front of the other, we’ll get there. That’s the goal. Always.

COLOR MY OUTDOORS: Now, some Southern grandmas insist never ask a woman her age. However, it’s liberating to know that we can reconnect with the outdoors at any stage of our lives. That said, how does your age play a role in how you interact with nature currently? KENDRICK: Well on March 4, I turned 49 years old. This is a pivotal age in that I, and many others, are experiencing physiological and psychological shifts due to perimenopause or menopause. Nature has been a tool I’ve used to support my mental health journey as I navigate unknown waters. It may not always be a hike, but spending 10 minutes outdoors allowing nature to do what nature does best is sometimes all that’s needed.

COLOR MY OUTDOORS: So, these personal health experiences and nature’s role as a natural antidote sparked your urge to develop The H20 Life? KENDRICK: Yes. I’ve always been a fan of creating space for Black women to disconnect and reconnect with one another. It wasn’t until I saw organic, unplanned connections being made on the trail that I realized just how powerful nature can be. It not only affords us the opportunity to disconnect, but it brings us together. The H20 Life’s goals are to create safe, trusted outdoor spaces for Black women and provide resources for ongoing mental and physical well-being. We’re getting there.

COLOR MY OUTDOORS: Why is it important for Women of Color, especially Black women, to have and share space in the outdoors? KENDRICK: For Black women, it’s about more than just recreation. It’s about healing, reclaiming, and fostering community in a world that often neglects our need for rest and restoration. Nature has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Black women often carry the weight of societal and generational burdens. The outdoors offers a space for renewal and emotional release. As well, historically outdoor spaces have been exclusionary due to systemic barriers and cultural narratives that have kept Black people from fully embracing nature. By being present and visible in outdoor spaces, Black women challenge those narratives and reclaim their right to belong in nature. As for sisterhood and community, sharing outdoor spaces fosters a sense of belonging, allowing Black women to support one another, exchange experiences, and uplift each other in ways that are deeply restorative. It creates opportunities for mentorship, bonding, and collective joy.

COLOR MY OUTDOORS: Thank you for sharing the “why” to your work in support of Black women. To reach more Women of Color years ahead, what next? KENDRICK: My favorite question! I’m working to expand the work into other regions of the United States with chapters run by more Black women under The H2O Life umbrella. I also plan to create a nonprofit arm to support those of us in need of these services but with limited or lesser means to get involved. I’m in the process of strategizing how to offer travel opportunities at least once per year – domestically and internationally – to deepen our experiences in nature, too.

Connect with Shawanna and join The H20 Life on social media. IG: @ the.h2o.life and FB: @TheH2OLifeLLC. Enjoyed this outdoor health and wellness post? Submit your Southern story here.