Meet Our Fall 2025 Cover Model
Shot on Location at The Hotel Chalet
A life and business coach, professional speaker, and co-CEO of local nonprofit, LAUNCH, DeJuan S. Jordan has devoted her career to helping people bring their visions to life. As much as she pours into others, Jordan also recognizes the importance of rest for well-being. Here, she shares how presence and practice have been essential for her health and wellness journey and how small daily decisions so often make all the difference.
What is your approach to wellness? How has that changed over time?
When I was younger, I measured wellness by the number on the scale or how I looked in my clothes. Now, it’s about how I feel and what’s going on within – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – and the small choices I make each day to protect my health. Wellness isn’t a destination; it’s a daily decision. Every meal, every walk, and every choice add up to the life I want to live. Watching loved ones face serious health challenges has been a powerful reminder that while I can’t control everything, I can make choices that reduce my risks. Every day is another opportunity to care for the body, mind, and spirit I’ve been given – because I want to be present, strong, and whole for the life I’m called to live.
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
For me, self-care is as much about presence as it is about practice – prayer, time with God, journaling, reading a good book, regular massages, listening to music, boating, or simply being near the water in a quiet “selah” moment. Sometimes it’s traveling to recharge, sitting in silence in my car for hours, resting, or laughing until my stomach hurts. Laughter is therapy, and I do a lot of it. Over time, I’ve learned that true self-care means listening to what my body, mind, and spirit need in each season – and honoring that without apology.
What are some of your current goals and what are you doing to work toward them?
My heart’s biggest push right now is the release of my first book, Life Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Making Sense of the Past. Making Peace with Its Purpose. After years of holding it close, I’m ready to share this deeply personal journey through pain, purpose, and peace – which includes a chapter on my grandfather’s battle with Alzheimer’s titled, “When Love is Silent.” I believe this book will meet someone right where they are and help them see that both the small moments, the big moments, and the hardest moments can all hold life-changing lessons.
When it comes to health and wellness, is there anyone you admire or look up to? Why?
My Aunt Kim lost more than 70 pounds naturally over 25 years ago and has maintained a healthy weight and lifestyle ever since through her holistic approach to wellness, healthy eating, and 3 a.m. workouts. Her discipline may not be contagious, but it is undeniably inspirational.
What does your daily routine look like?
Few days in my life look the same, but every day begins and ends with prayer. After my morning prayer, I meet with my team at LAUNCH for a quick daily check-in before diving into the day’s work. Evenings are a mix of events, fundraisers, ministry, community work, creative projects, or simply quality time with friends and family. I’m a night owl at heart, but I’ve learned that rest isn’t a luxury or reward – it’s a requirement.
What have been some of your recent challenges? Have you found any solutions?
In my work, I’m often carrying not just my responsibilities, but also the hopes, struggles, and dreams of the people I serve. It’s a privilege – but it can also be draining if I’m not careful. The solution has been learning that “no” is a complete sentence, that delegation is not weakness, and that rest is productive. I’m getting better at scheduling quiet time and keeping non-negotiable moments for my own wellness so that I can continue to show up as my best self – both for my community and for me.
What are the traits you most value in yourself?
I value my heart for people. Whether I’m leading, listening, serving, or simply showing up, I strive to be a light in the lives of others. I’m well-known for saying, “It’s a heart thing!” – because how we see others, how we treat them, how we choose to love, and how we choose to live are all matters of the heart.
