Janine Horne

Janine Horne, MSN, Ed, RN, AHN‑BC, Visionary Founder and Owner of Zen Well Studio

 

1) What is your profession and what are the specific dimensions of your work?

I am a Registered Nurse (RN) and the founder & owner of Zen Well Studio, a holistic‐wellness practice. My work spans several intertwined dimensions:

• Clinical Holistic Care I deliver one‑on‑one and group interventions—yoga & Pilates, guided meditation & sound baths, Reiki energy healing, IV Myers’ Cocktails, vitamin injections, and Soul Care Sessions—tailored to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
• Program Development & Facilitation: I design and lead structured wellness programs for seniors (assisted & independent living), corporate teams, youth mentoring (ElevateWell), and community events (e.g. “Spring Into Fitness”), ensuring each curriculum is evidence‑based and outcome‑driven.
• Strategic Partnerships & Community Outreach: I cultivate collaborations with schools, community health organizations, nonprofits, and senior living communities to extend accessible, culturally responsive wellness services in underserved populations.
• Education & Mentorship: I develop and deliver professional training—nurse coaching masterclasses, instructor on‑boarding, and ongoing mentorship—to ensure our facilitators uphold clinical standards and foster client empowerment.
• Grant Writing & Contract Management: I research, write, and oversee grants and government contracts, managing budgets up to six figures to fund tobacco‑control, mental‑health, and senior‐wellness initiatives.
• Brand Leadership & Digital Strategy: I steer Zen Well Studio’s brand vision—website design, SEO, social media, and content marketing—to engage diverse audiences, drive enrollment, and archive our work for long‑term impact.

2) How did you come to this type of career?

I actually didn’t start out aiming to become a nurse – nursing is my second career. I began as a medical assistant in a busy primary‑care practice, where I fell in love with patient education and preventive health. From there I transitioned into paramedical esthetics, partnering with dermatologists and plastic surgeons in New York and Miami to deliver advanced skin‑care treatments. Those roles taught me the power of blending scientific rigour with a truly personalized touch.

Growing up in New York exposed me to vibrant, diverse communities and stark health inequities, which ultimately shaped my passion for community and public‑health nursing — even before I pursued my RN. Though my mother was a nurse, I never imagined I’d follow in her footsteps until I realized I craved a deeper clinical foundation to support the holistic work I loved. That realization led me back to school, and today, as an RN and founder of Zen Well Studio, I merge my esthetic and wellness background with nursing’s clinical expertise to offer integrative, outcome‑driven care across the lifespan.

3) Tell us something about your process of study and formal and/or informal education and the nature of your degrees and/or training. When, where, and how did you become educated and qualified to do what you do?

I trace the roots of my practice back to 2012, when I enrolled at Chamberlain University in Jacksonville, FL, to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Immersed in clinical rotations – from medical–surgical wards to community health clinics—I discovered how much I valued patient education and the power of prevention. Graduating in early 2015, I felt ready to blend hands‑on care with deeper teaching skills.

 Within a year, I returned to Chamberlain — this time in Chicago — to pursue my Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Nursing Education. Between May 2016 and July 2017, I honed my ability to design curricula, apply adult‑learning theory, and mentor future nurses. It was here that I learned not just to care for patients, but to empower other caregivers with evidence‑based practice and thoughtful leadership.

Alongside my formal degrees, I’ve continually expanded my toolkit through both credentialed and experiential learning. Early in my career, I trained as a paramedical esthetician, working side‑by‑side with dermatologists and plastic surgeons in New York and Miami—an experience that taught me how clinical precision and personalized care can elevate wellness. I also earned my yoga and Pilates teaching certifications, delved into Reiki Level II and sound‑healing workshops, and completed rigorous clinical nursing continuing training education.

To ensure my practice stays at the cutting edge, I maintain my Board Certification with the American Holistic Nurses Association and regularly attend AHNA seminars, Sigma Theta Tau conferences, and community‑health workshops. Today, every credential — formal or informal — feeds directly into the integrative, outcome‑driven care I deliver at Zen Well Studio.

4) What were the greatest obstacles that you had to overcome to achieve the success that you now experience? What challenges have your experienced and how have you overcome them? What goals do you have left to accomplish?

 Reinventing my career while shouldering motherhood on my own was one of my toughest tests. I dove into paramedical esthetics in New York and Miami, mastering advanced skin‑care protocols by day and juggling bedtime routines by night. Deciding to pursue my BSN in Jacksonville meant logging sixteen‑hour days — clinical rotations followed by late‑night lesson prep—while still getting my child to school and activities each morning. When I immediately enrolled in Chamberlain University’s MSN program in Chicago, I relied on a patchwork of daycare, family support, and sheer determination. Those years taught me that resilience isn’t just a professional asset — it’s a lifeline for a single parent balancing two full‑time careers.

Launching Zen Well Studio brought a new set of hurdles. I was entering a crowded wellness market with a hybrid model — nursing‑grade IV therapies alongside yoga, Pilates, and energy healing — and many referral partners hesitated until I proved its safety and efficacy. Securing liability coverage, navigating state regulations, and educating senior‑living directors and community‑health agencies demanded long days of meetings and paperwork, all squeezed between school pick‑ups and soccer practices. A nonprofit‑only grant rejection stung, but instead of pausing, I pivoted: I deepened relationships with local health departments, applied for small‑business loans, and secured contracts with Charles County and the Maryland Department of Aging. Each win was fueled not only by strategy, but by the urgency of providing for my family.

Today, I’m proud of seating on the Chamber of Commerce board, expanding our Youth Mentoring Programs and delivering evidence‑driven wellness to seniors and corporate clients alike. Yet my ambitions stretch farther: I’m laying the groundwork for Zen Well Studio to unlock broader access to funding and opportunities; I’m developing an accredited Nurse Coaching Mastery series to uplift other clinicians; and I’m piloting a tele‑wellness platform to serve rural communities. Through it all — every late‑night email, every weekend workshop — I carry the drive of a single parent determined to build not just a business but a legacy of holistic care for my child and for every family we serve.

5) Did you have any role models or mentors either in your domains of entrepreneurship, work, research, and creation or outside of them? Who were they and how were they instrumental in shaping you as a person and as a professional?

From the very beginning, my first and most enduring role model was my mother. As an RN, she balanced long, demanding shifts with raising our family, always showing up with compassion, clinical precision, and unwavering advocacy for her patients. Watching how she juggled professional excellence, and motherhood taught me that true caregiving extends beyond the bedside — and that resilience and empathy go hand in hand.

Early in my career, Dr. Fran Cook‑Bolden — a renowned dermatologist in New York City —gave me my first opportunity as a paramedical esthetician in her office. Under her mentorship, I mastered advanced skin‑care protocols, learned to collaborate seamlessly with surgeons, and witnessed firsthand how clinical rigour and patient trust build transformative care. Her belief in me opened doors I never dreamed possible.

When I pivoted to community health nursing, Sarah Price — a dear friend and colleague —brought me into Unity Health Care. Through her guidance, I navigated the complexities of public‑health outreach, patient education, and program development. With her support, I rose to Director of Clinical Education and Development, where I honed my skills in curriculum design, team leadership, and outcome measurement — lessons I carry into every Zen Well Studio program.

On the entrepreneurial front, Will Holmes has been an invaluable business mentor. He challenged me to clarify my vision, refine my service packages, and leverage strategic partnerships. His insights on financial planning and scaling a small practice into a community staple have shaped my approach to growth, risk‑taking, and sustainable impact.

Each of these mentors — my mother, Dr. Cook‑Bolden, Sarah Price, and Will Holmes — has contributed a vital piece of my professional mosaic, equipping me to lead Zen Well Studio with compassion, expertise, and entrepreneurial confidence.

6) What does your daily work routine look like? Where is your place of business/production and how do you stay focused and productive?

• 5:00 AM – Rise & Reset I wake up before Kaiden (6) and Khari (5), spend 5 minutes in seated meditation, then flow through a 15‑minute yoga sequence in my home office to center myself for the day.
• 5:30 AM – Family Prep I pack snacks, lay out clothes, and prep fresh juices while jotting my “Top 3” studio and consulting priorities in my journal to-do.
• 6:15 AM – Morning with Kaiden & Khari I wake the kids, we pray, manifest, help them dress, and off we go.
• 7:00 AM – School Drop‑Off We load up the car and drop Kaiden and Khari at school by 7:15 AM.
• 7:45 AM – Studio Launch At Zen Well Studio (4475 Printers Ct, White Plains, Maryland), I brew herbal tea, turn on soft lighting, and tackle critical emails — often a quick consult note for Children’s National in DC.
• 8:30 AM – Consulting Block Twice a week I head into Washington, D.C. for on‑site meetings at Children’s National; the other days I consult virtually from my studio. Sessions run 8:30–10:30 AM.
• 10:45 AM – Clinical & Group Sessions Back in White Plains, I switch to clinical mode —IV hydration, vitamin injections, or a Reiki/sound‑bath session. On Tuesdays/Thursdays I’m off‑site at Cedar Lane Senior Living teaching gentle yoga and meditation.
• 12:30 PM – Lunch & Board Call While the kids are at school, I eat a quick salad and jump on a 30‑minute Charles County Chamber of Commerce committee call or a Greater Baden Medical Services board meeting (we rotate monthly).
• 1:15 PM – Program Development & Admin I draft curriculum for Nurse Coaching Mastery, revise grant proposals, or create social‑media content. Mid‑afternoon, I batch –process invoices and update our Thryv CRM.
• 3:00 PM – School Pickup & Snack Time I pick up Kaiden and Khari, settle them with an afternoon snack, and field any urgent emails or texts from board colleagues while they work on homework.
• 4:00 PM – Kids’ Play & Quick Work Sprint As the kids play, I squeeze in a 30‑minute block to finalize a Children’s National report or prep materials for an upcoming meeting.
• 4:45 PM – Evening Classes or Virtual Meetings I either lead a Pilates/yoga class at the studio or dial into a professional‑committee Zoom (AHNA peer group, tele‑wellness pilot team, Business accelerator etc.).
• 6:30 PM – Family Dinner & Bedtime Rituals We eat together as a family, followed by baths, bedtime stories, and lights‑out for Kaiden and Khari by 8:30 PM.
• 7:30 PM – Board & Committee Wrap‑Up With the house somewhat quiet, I review agendas for next week’s board or committee meetings, approve minutes, and set action items.
• 8:30 PM – Wind‑Down & Plan Ahead I spend 10 minutes journaling gratitude, then map out tomorrow’s schedule — balancing studio clients, consulting, board obligations, and family commitments — before lights out by 9 PM.

How I Stay Focused:

• Time‑Blocking: Grouping clinical, consulting, administrative, and board tasks into distinct blocks reduces context‑switching.
• Digital Boundaries: I mute non‑urgent notifications after 6 PM and try to keep checking emails to a minimum.
• Support Network: I rely on my family’s help for childcare when I have extended work obligations. I am fortunate enough to be able to lean on my team when days get unpredictable.
• Mindful Pauses: Every two hours I take a 3‑minute breathing break or quick stretch to reset energy — essential for a day this full.

7) What are your guiding principles? What informs how you do your work and how you engage with your co-workers, clients, customers, or consumers?

 From the moment I open the doors at Zen Well Studio until I tuck my two little ones into bed, I carry a set of convictions that shape every interaction and decision. I begin each day with a reminder that true wellbeing isn’t just the absence of illness — it’s the harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Whether I’m drawing up an IV hydration protocol or guiding a Reiki session, I pause to ask: “How does this honour the whole person?” That commitment to holistic integrity anchors my work and ensures every care plan addresses emotional, social, and cultural dimensions alongside physical needs.

When I propose a new class or pilot a tele‑wellness program, I lean on evidence‑driven innovation. I scour the latest nursing research and regulatory guidelines, testing each idea against safety and efficacy benchmarks before unveiling it to clients or colleagues. But protocols alone don’t heal; it’s the compassionate presence I bring to every room —listening without judgment, greeting each person with genuine warmth — that transforms clinical interventions into trusted partnerships.

Growing up in New York, I’ve witnessed the power of cultural responsiveness and inclusivity firsthand. I adapt my language, my pacing, even my choice of modalities to meet diverse communities where they are — whether I’m on a Chamber of Commerce board call or teaching yoga to a group of Seniors at Cedar Lane. In every setting, I practice collaborative leadership, valuing each team member’s expertise and co‑creating solutions that reflect our collective strengths.

I am, at heart, a lifelong learner. Between AHNA seminars, Sigma Theta Tau conferences, and strategy sessions with my mentors, I absorb fresh ideas — and then pay them forward by mentoring aspiring nurses and hosting peer workshops. That cycle of lifelong learning and mentorship keeps me grounded, curious, and ever‑evolving.

Above all, I show up authentically. As a single mother to Kaiden and Khari, I don’t hide the occasional missed school pickup or late‑night grant deadline — rather, I own those moments, modeling authenticity and accountability for my clients, coworkers, and boards alike. And because I care about the world they’ll inherit, I weave sustainability into every layer of Zen Well Studio — choosing eco‑friendly supplies, supporting local nonprofits, and building programs that enrich our community for the long haul.

Together, these principles aren’t just a list on a wall — they’re the current that carries me through each busy day, guiding how I nurture clients’ wellbeing, collaborate with partners, and raise my children to lead with compassion and purpose.

8) What are you working on now and when and how will it be shared?

 Over the next few months, I’m pouring my energy into three intertwined growth initiatives —each designed to broaden our impact and deepen our connections across Southern Maryland and beyond.

First, I’m ramping up our contracting efforts at every level: local, state, and federal. From May through July 2025, I’ll be drafting responses to new RFPs, refining partnership proposals for corporate wellness programs, and reaching out to senior‑living communities and nonprofit grantors. To kick things off, I’m hosting two virtual info sessions — one tailored for HR leaders in mid‑sized companies, the other for directors of assisted‑living facilities — inviting prospects via our monthly newsletter and targeted LinkedIn messages. Every time we secure a new agreement, we’ll celebrate it on our website’s “Partnership Spotlight” page and share the news through press releases circulated by the Charles County Chamber network.

At the same time, I’m expanding my speaking calendar from June through December 2025. I’ve been in touch with conference organizers for healthcare summits, corporate wellness retreats, and community‑education series throughout the DMV. On June 1, I’ll unveil our “2025 Speaker Series” on the Zen Well Studio website, complete with dates, topics, and RSVP links. Then, each month, I’ll spotlight upcoming talks in our newsletter and on LinkedIn — so colleagues, clients, and community members can join me live or tune in virtually.

Finally, I’m elevating our brand exposure with a summer‑long, multi‑channel campaign. In July, we’ll launch “Wellness Stories,” a weekly blog series showcasing client transformations and expert insights — promoted through email blasts and Instagram Reels. August brings a focused PR push: an Op‑Ed in The Baltimore Banner and a feature interview on a regional podcast, both highlighting how our nursing‑integrated model sets us apart. And throughout Q3, I’ll partner with two wellness influencers to co‑create short videos on TikTok and Facebook, driving new audiences back to our booking portal and newsletter sign‑ups.

By weaving together these contracting, speaking, and branding efforts — each with its own timeline and communications strategy — I’m setting Zen Well Studio up for a dynamic second half of 2025, ensuring our holistic‑care philosophy reaches more hearts, minds, and communities than ever before.

9) What are you proudest of in your career?

Looking back, what fills me with the deepest pride isn’t a single award or contract — but the living, breathing practice I’ve built from the ground up: Zen Well Studio. I’m proud that a single mom who once juggled paramedical esthetics in New York, late‑night nursing school in Jacksonville and Chicago, and two little ones — Kaiden and Khari and my adult daughter, Anaiyah — now leads a holistic‑wellness studio that blends IV therapies, Reiki, yoga, and evidence‑driven nursing into one seamless model of care. Every time I walk into our sunlit treatment room at 4475 Printers Ct and see clients breathing easier, moving more freely, or simply smiling as they leave, I’m reminded that my vision has become real.

I’m equally proud of the partnerships we’ve forged — contracting with local and state agencies, creating youth‑mentoring programs, and designing actionable outcomes for communities to thrive. These relationships show that integrative nursing isn’t a niche anymore; it’s a powerful force in community health. But the accomplishment that moves me most is watching the ripple effect: senior‑living residents who regained mobility through our tailored programs, and young nurses I mentor who now carry holistic principles into hospitals and clinics across Maryland.

Finally, I’m proud of the example I set for Kaiden, Khari and Anaiyah. Building a thriving business while serving on two boards and raising two young kids wasn’t just professional ambition — it was a lesson in resilience, compassion, and purpose. If, one day, they look back and see that their mom dared to dream, worked tirelessly, and stayed true to her values — that will be my greatest legacy of all.

10) What are you proudest of in your life?

 What I’m proudest of in my life goes far beyond titles or milestones — it’s the person I’ve become through a journey of deep self‑discovery and wholehearted healing. As a single mom raising Anaiyah, Kaiden and Khari, I’ve faced my own fears, doubts, and patterns head‑on — learning to take accountability for the ways I show up, the boundaries I set, and the energy I share. In those late‑night reflections, I realized that being born with the gift to nurture and guide others comes with a sacred duty: to protect my own wellbeing so I can bring genuine value to everyone around me.

Over the years, I’ve turned each challenge into a lesson. Whether it was navigating paramedical esthetics alongside demanding school schedules, or balancing boardroom discussions with bedtime stories, I discovered that true healing starts within. Embracing modalities like Reiki, sound baths, and mindful movement taught me not only how to facilitate transformation in others, but also how to honour my own emotional and spiritual needs — so I can remain a clear, compassionate conduit for my clients.

I’m proud of the community we’ve built at Zen Well Studio — a place where people feel safe to lean into their own journeys, just as I have. Watching seniors rediscover strength, young nurses grow into confident coaches, and families find respite in our studio reaffirms that living my values matters more than any accolade. And as a healer, that sense of purpose —to protect my energy, to hold space with integrity, and to catalyze real change — remains my greatest legacy.

11) What fiction or non-fiction book should be essential reading?

 Housel, Morgan. The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness. Harriman House, 2020

This non‑fiction gem distills decades of financial experience into clear, human stories —reminding us that how we think about money matters more than how much we know. It’s essential reading for anyone building a business, managing contracts, or simply seeking greater peace of mind around wealth.

12) What TV show or film should be essential viewing?

I recommend the documentary Heal (2017), directed by Kelly Noonan‑Gores. It weaves together stories from spiritual leaders, physicians, and chronic‑illness survivors to explore how our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions can profoundly influence physical health —essential viewing for anyone interested in the mind–body connection.

13) How do you relax and take care of yourself?

I keep self‑care varied and simple:

• Sleep: Prioritize 7–8 hours of restorative rest each night.
• Read: Unwind my mind with a good book.
• Meditate: Cultivate calm and clarity at any point in the day.
• Sound Healing: Use gentle vibrational therapy when I need a reset.
• Yoga & Pilates: Stretch, strengthen, and reconnect with my body.
• Water & Spa: Enjoy pool dips, saunas, or steam rooms for rejuvenation.
• Massage: Release tension and encourage deeper relaxation.
• Family Time: Share laughter and adventures with Kaiden, Khari, and loved ones.
• Heart‑to‑Hearts: Talk through thoughts and feelings with people I trust.
• Environment Swaps: Change my scenery — like a quick park stroll — to shift energy.
• Journaling & Brain‑Dumping: Clear mental clutter by writing out thoughts and to‑dos.
• Self‑Forgiveness Practices: Pause to acknowledge, forgive, and release self‑judgment.
• Manifestation Exercises: Set intentions and visualize desired outcomes to guide my mindset.

14) What’s next?

 I can hardly wait to see Zen Well Studio take its next steps in our community — earning even more recognition as we share the full spectrum of nurse‑led, holistic health services that have become our signature: mindful movement, restorative education, and evidence‑based wellness care. Every class I teach, every Reiki session I guide, and every IV infusion I administer is an invitation for individuals, families, and neighbourhoods to experience what happens when clinical precision meets wholehearted compassion.

My own path of healing has taught me that growth isn’t a straight line but a scenic, sometimes bumpy journey — filled with unexpected exits, detours, and those joyous moments when you rediscover your way. Each twist has given me fresh tools for my wellness toolbox — whether it’s a new mindfulness practice, a deeper insight into somatic healing, or simply the gift of vulnerability in community.

Looking ahead, I’m committed to widening our reach — bringing our model of whole‑person care to more boardrooms, living rooms, and community centres across Southern Maryland and beyond. I’m grateful for every step of this journey — past, present, and yet to come — and for the privilege of walking it alongside each person who entrusts us with their mind, body, and soul. Here’s to wherever the road leads next.

 

 

Janine Horne, MSN, Ed, RN, AHN‑BC, is the visionary founder and owner of Zen Well Studio, a holistic wellness practice dedicated to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. With over two decades of nursing and leadership experience, Janine combines her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and an advanced certification as a Holistic Nurse Board‑Certified (AHN‑BC) practitioner with a passion for integrative health. Before launching Zen Well Studio, Janine served as Director of Clinical Development for Federally Qualified Health Centers and as Director of Nursing, overseeing long‑term services and supports (LTSS), care coordination, and management for vulnerable elderly populations. Her background in both acute and community health settings cultivated a deep understanding of how social, emotional, and environmental factors influence overall well‑being. At Zen Well Studio, Janine offers a comprehensive suite of services — including personalized fitness coaching, guided meditation, therapeutic sound baths, IV hydration therapies, and dynamic group classes — designed to empower individuals, families, and organizations. She has partnered with public school systems, senior living communities, and nonprofit organizations to develop tailored programs that address chronic disease management, stress reduction, and healthy aging. Driven by her own journey of healing and personal transformation, Janine infuses every interaction with empathy, evidence‑based practice, and a genuine desire to help clients reclaim balance. Her mission is to bridge the gap between clinical care and holistic modalities, creating a safe, nurturing space where true wellness can flourish.

Learn More…

Morton, G., & Bansil, S. (2025, April 14). “Trump’s federal worker cuts are destabilizing the nation’s 2 richest Black counties.” The Baltimore Banner.

Website: Zen Well Studio