Hidden Gems: Meet Angelique Soulakos of Work It Out Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelique Soulakos.

Hi Angelique, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I fell in love with fitness and became a group fitness instructor in high school. The gym became my way of managing my own stress and anxiety. I knew I wanted to help others feel their best, so I became interested in physical therapy. I shadowed some physical and occupational therapists in college and decided to pursue occupational therapy because it seemed to be a good blend of physical and mental/emotional wellbeing.

Fast-forward to my last semester in college. I had applied to occupational therapy schools, scheduled interviews with a few programs, and visited the schools I was most interested in. After the interview and tour with my top school, I felt strongly that I should look into other programs. My counselor at the time suggested I look into Richmont Graduate University. I was hesitant, as I was fairly certain I didn’t want to solely focus on mental health. I have always been a highly empathetic person, so the thought of focusing on mental health felt overwhelming.

I ended up touring Richmont and felt that it was where I was meant to be, so I decided to give it one semester. During that semester, I had the chance to learn more about the mental health field and talk to those in it. I grew more and more excited about a career in mental health. During my first semester at Richmont, I came up with the idea of Work It Out Wellness: a place where I could positively impact individuals, families, and my community by creating a space where people could come to work on their mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.

As I studied the effects of trauma on survivors, I was struck by how much our minds AND bodies are affected by trauma. While I would never want anyone to go through trauma, I was excited by the possibility of healing and finding a way forward by helping the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. As I began working with clients, I revisited my first love of fitness, and I became certified and registered as a yoga teacher. Yoga is SO much more than fitness, but it was the first step in combining my passion for physical and mental wellness. I gained amazing experience interning at a practice that focused on art and play therapy for kids, working at a trauma center & practice that focuses on the treatment of trauma, and being supervised some incredible clinicians along the way. Each of which paved the way to where I am in my career today, and I love my role as the Founder & Director of Work It Out Wellness. It has truly been a dream come true & I am so thankful for everyone that has been a part of the journey so far!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely been a bumpy road! There have been many times where I’ve doubted if this is what I should be doing or if I could make it happen. There is a lot that goes into owning and running a business, and it is not always easy. I do not like asking for help, and I had to get more comfortable with that. I could not have done this without the amazing community around me. The hours are long and the pay isn’t always great, considering the hours I have had to put in. Sometimes, it is difficult to stay motivated to keep pushing through. It can also be a little lonely starting a business, as there wasn’t as much time for other things in the beginning. I definitely prioritized my business in order to get where I am today. All of that being said, it has been totally worth it. Now, I have an incredible team, and I’m so thankful for all our clients who trust us enough to walk alongside them for part of their journey.

We’ve been impressed with Work It Out Wellness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Work It Out Wellness, we believe true healing happens when your mind, body, and community are all supported. We’re a holistic, trauma-informed wellness practice offering mental health counseling, yoga, personal training, and community events — all designed to help you reconnect with yourself and thrive.

Every member of our team is trained and supervised in trauma-informed care, ensuring that every interaction — whether in therapy, movement, or community — is built on empathy, safety, and empowerment.

We understand that no two people heal the same way. That’s why our therapists and wellness professionals bring diverse specialties and approaches, from trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD/autism, to body image, disordered eating, addiction recovery, parenting, and life transitions. Your care is always personalized, respectful, and designed to meet you exactly where you are.

But we don’t stop at individual sessions. Work It Out Wellness is also a community hub — a place where healing and connection grow together through workshops, classes, and events that foster belonging and resilience.

At Work It Out Wellness, we take an integrated, whole-person approach — combining mental health, movement, and community to support healing from every angle. Every provider on our team is trauma-informed, offering care grounded in compassion, consent, and collaboration. We tailor each client’s journey to their unique needs, bridging the gap between therapy and everyday wellness. Our focus is on empowerment, self-understanding, and sustainable well-being — not perfection or quick fixes.

What’s next?
We are planning on continuing to grow and find ways to be accessible to more people. We are building a partnership with a non-profit clinic, The Healing Bridge Clinic, to bring mental healthcare to their patients. They offer free healthcare to uninsured individuals. We are also hoping in having more locations to support different communities throughout Georgia!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wiowellness.com
• Instagram: @wio.wellness
• Facebook: @Work It Out Wellness

Image Credits
Anna Giovingo