Meet Jenn Brown of Tawas Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Brown.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Story of Tawas Wellness Warriors

In the small lakeside towns surrounding Tawas Bay, people have always looked after one another. Neighbors shovel each other’s driveways in the winter, share bonfires on summer nights, and rally when someone is in need. But somewhere along the way, life got busy. Stress piled up. Health — physical, emotional, and mental — slipped to the background. People began to feel alone in their struggles.

Then something powerful began.

A group of everyday people — teachers, parents, veterans, caregivers, retirees, and even kids — came together with a simple desire: **to feel better and live better, together.** They met in parks, church basements, garage gyms, anywhere space could be found. No one was judged for their age, ability, or where they were starting. They came as they were.

At first, they showed up for exercise. But over time, they stayed for connection — and purpose. They cheered one another on. They shared stories, tears, laughter, victories, and setbacks. The group became more than a workout crew. They became **Warriors** — not because they fought others, but because they refused to give up on themselves.

What started as an outdoor fitness group led by local trainers soon evolved into a community-wide movement rooted in courage, grit, and hope. The message spread:

Wellness isn’t just for the few — it is for everyone.
It should be accessible.
It should be affordable.
And most importantly, it should be done together.

In 2023, this movement found a home and a mission and became Tawas Wellness, a nonprofit dedicated to building wellness opportunities for all. In time, Tawas Wellness found a permanent home: The Collective, a former banquet hall transformed into a community wellness hub. Here, movement, nutrition, recovery, healing, and connection live under one roof.

And at the heart of everything?
Still — the Warriors.

The single mom showing up before her first shift.
The veteran rebuilding his strength and spirit.
The retiree choosing health and purpose in her next chapter.
The teenager learning confidence and grit.
The volunteer who always stays late to help.
**The neighbor who keeps coming back — not because it’s easy, but because it matters.

To be a Tawas Wellness Warrior isn’t about being the fastest, strongest, or most skilled. It’s about showing up for yourself and your community. It’s about living with courage — and helping others find theirs.

This movement didn’t begin with a corporation or a grant. It began with people who believed in something better — for themselves, for their families, and for the future of Tawas.

And the story isn’t finished.
It’s just getting started.
Because once a Warrior, always a Warrior.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any major community effort, we’ve faced our share of challenges along the way. Early on, we struggled to find support from traditional local systems. The parks and recreation association did not initially see community wellness as a priority and viewed facilities strictly through a recreation-only lens. Renting space short-term was their only solution, which made it difficult to build a sustainable, year-round wellness initiative.

When we moved into what is now The Collective, we also encountered misconceptions and resistance. In a small rural community, change is often viewed with suspicion, especially when it comes from people who haven’t lived here their entire lives. Some questioned our intentions and misunderstood what we were building.

But these challenges only strengthened our mission. We are intentionally shifting the local culture by creating a place that welcomes everyone—whether they were born here or just arrived. Today, many of our members are new residents seeking connection, purpose, and community. Our Wellness Warriors are people of all ages and backgrounds who value not just physical health, but mental, spiritual, environmental, and social well-being. Together, we’re proving that change—when rooted in community and compassion—can be a very good thing.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Tawas Wellness is more than a fitness organization—we are a nonprofit movement dedicated to making wellness accessible, affordable, and community-driven. We believe wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a basic human need. Through our home base, The Collective in East Tawas, we provide programming that supports body, mind, and community connection.

We specialize in holistic wellness, offering more than traditional gym memberships. Our offerings include functional fitness, yoga, meditation, functional medicine, recovery services, youth empowerment programs, and social connection events such as community suppers and holiday celebrations. We design programs for all ages, abilities, and economic backgrounds, and we are proud to operate with a mission-first model: no one is turned away for financial limitations.

What sets us apart is our community-first culture. We are known for our Wellness Warriors—people who show up for themselves and others, not because it’s easy, but because they’re committed to growth. We don’t just build stronger bodies—we build resilience, confidence, belonging, and purpose. Unlike traditional fitness centers, we are a nonprofit that reinvests every dollar back into programs that serve this growing wellness community. We’re not here to sell memberships—we’re here to create transformation and connection.

Brand-wise, we are most proud that people don’t just join us—they belong to something. Our brand stands for courage, community, and wellness with heart. We honor every story and every journey, and we meet people where they are.

If there is one thing we want your readers to know, it’s this: Wellness is not a solo journey. At Tawas Wellness, nobody does it alone. Whether you’re just getting started, rebuilding your health, or hungry for a deeper connection, you have a place here.

What were you like growing up?
I often say that God has been preparing me for this work my entire life. My first “job” was as a junior camp counselor at the YMCA day camp I had attended since I was eight years old. At 15, I was packing coolers, loading buses, organizing field trip groups, and supporting the senior counselors in any way I could. I loved being useful. I loved leading. And I loved bringing people together.

That thread continued throughout my life. I’ve always been a worker—someone who shows up, contributes, and takes initiative. I pursued a Master’s in Environmental Management and built a career in field research and reporting. It was good work, but something was missing. I didn’t feel connected to people. I craved purpose, community, and impact.

When my family moved to Michigan during COVID, my health declined, my energy drained, and—for the first time in my life—I felt lost. I missed the tight-knit communities I was part of back in D.C.—the early morning workout groups, the 5K runs, the shared accountability, and the sense of belonging. I missed feeling part of something bigger.

So I did the only thing that felt right—I *started* something. I invited people to join me for a free weekly 5K run. No pressure. No cost. Just connection. A few people showed up. Then a few more. And then—something beautiful happened. People started building friendships. They started getting healthier. They started believing in themselves again.

A simple 5K group turned into a movement. That movement became a mission. That mission became Tawas Wellness, a nonprofit committed to building community through wellness. Looking back, it’s clear—every job I’ve ever had, every team I’ve led, every challenge I’ve faced has prepared me for this. I wasn’t just building an organization. I was building what I had been searching for all along: **community, purpose, and a place where people belong.

Pricing:

• Annual Warrior Pass $125/year
• 3 Free Classes each week
• $15 drop in / $10 for Warriors / $5 for Volunteers
• Communities Supper Meals Range from Free for Kids to $16 for Perch Dinner!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tawaswellness.org
• Instagram: /tawaswellness
• Facebook: /tawaswellness
• Youtube: /@TawasWellness4u