Angela Turner, co-founder of Roots of Wellness NJ and an alumna of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program. Roots of Wellness of New Jersey (ROWNJ) is a community-centered initiative that supports families, youth, elders, and maternal health workers through workshops and programs rooted in ancestral wisdom, wellness, and culturally grounded care. We had the chance to sit down with Angela to hear about her journey in entrepreneurship and her experience with LAEDA’s training programs.
1) What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
“Entrepreneurship opens the door to many different directions, and that’s what excites me most. I have a wide range of interests and realized I couldn’t thrive in a one-size-fits-all role. Entrepreneurship allows me to explore those ideas freely and bring them to life in different ways.”
2) Why did you choose your industry?
“My journey has taken me through multiple industries. I believe my current work is guided by God’s plan rather than a single decision I made. I’m continuing to navigate and grow within the maternal health and mentorship space.”
3) Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. Major takeaways? “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help?
“My experience with EDTP taught me many things I thought I already knew, but from a much deeper and more practical perspective. One of my biggest takeaways was learning how to clearly identify my target area — not just my target audience. The program also reinforced the importance of using the correct codes, understanding industry statistics, and identifying relatable markets within my local community.
Most importantly, EDTP highlighted how essential it is to build a strong team to reach the next level. Trying to build an empire alone can quickly lead to burnout, and this program emphasized the value of collaboration and support.”
4) Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. Challenges? Successes? Failures?
“My entrepreneurial journey began back in high school when I majored in fashion design, and it continued into college at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. After graduating, I spent many years creating formal and evening wear and doing alterations, officially starting my business around 2015–2016. While I loved the creative work, it was incredibly time-consuming. Being the sole production team, manufacturer, administrator, and financial department was challenging and eventually led me to pause that chapter.
I transitioned into more traditional jobs, but over time I felt drawn toward a new path — becoming a doula. In 2018, I didn’t fully understand what the role entailed, but through community training and hands-on work supporting families with birth, family planning, and postpartum care, I discovered a passion I never knew existed. After supporting more than 25 families and working with Community Doulas of New Jersey, I knew I had found my purpose.
During this same period, I also began mentoring young girls through I Dare to Care Association. All of this unfolded within a single year, and I truly believe it was guided by God — I found myself stepping into spaces without seeking them out, and opportunities naturally aligned.
After several years of growth and learning, I co-founded Roots of Wellness with one of my doula sisters. What began as a maternal health initiative focused on creative prenatal workshops, doula mentorship, and community resources has grown into something much bigger. It’s more than a business — it’s a calling rooted in wellness, connection, and community support.”
5) Where is your business today?
“Roots of Wellness of New Jersey (ROWNJ) is an initiative dedicated to awakening the power of self and community. In partnership with organizations across New Jersey, we curate intentional community workshops and programs that honor ancestral wisdom and lived experience, strengthen family values, and center wellness and sustainability.
Additionally, we create supportive spaces for maternal health workers and birth supporters, ensuring that those who care for families are themselves nurtured, supported, and sustained.”
6) Do you have advice for future or existing entrepreneurs?
“Build a Team
When someone offers support — whether they say, “How can I help?” or “Call me if you need anything” — take them up on it. Be specific and give them a clear list of ways they can show up. Most people genuinely want to help, but many of us struggle to ask for it.
Burnout is real and can often resemble symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. It’s essential to use your resources and surround yourself with people who provide both support and accountability. And yes — therapy can be an incredibly effective tool for maintaining balance and wellbeing.”
Roots of Wellness of New Jersey (ROWNJ) – Organizational Biography:
Roots of Wellness of New Jersey (ROWNJ) is a community-centered initiative dedicated to awakening the power of self and collective care. We provide curated community workshops and intentional programming rooted in ancestral wisdom, cultural knowledge, and shared family values. Our work supports youth, families, elders, and maternal health workers — including doulas and birth supporters — by creating spaces that nurture wellness, reflection, education, and sustainability.
At ROWNJ, we honor family as both biological and chosen, embracing respect, collective responsibility, intergenerational wisdom, and culturally grounded care as the foundation for healthy families and thriving communities. Through collaboration, creativity, and education, we ensure that those who care for others are themselves supported, nurtured, and sustained.
Upcoming Events – Roots of Wellness of New Jersey (ROWNJ)
At My Elder’s Feet – Untold Stories of Our Elders
At the end of the month, ROWNJ will host a storytelling series highlighting the voices and histories of local elders. The initiative seeks individuals who want to share their elders’ stories or elders who wish to tell their own. These stories, shared “right at the feet of our elders,” will be released as a content series during Black History Month, preserving the histories that need to be known and celebrated.
Annual Period Party – May 30, 2026
ROWNJ’s Annual Period Party is an intergenerational celebration and educational event centered on the menstrual cycle. The day combines education, celebration, and meaningful connection, providing a space for participants to learn, share, and connect with family, friends, and community members.
Roots of Wellness of New Jersey (ROWNJ) can be reached at:
Contact: Angela Turner
Phone: 856-655-0836
Email: rootsofwellnessnj@gmail.com
Instagram: @rootsofwellnessnj or Facebook: Roots of Wellness NJ
Website: Coming Soon (rownj.org)
About the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP):
The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. For more Information visit us at laeda.com or refer an entrepreneur using this form.