4 Women In Toronto Bringing Wellness To The Community
Posted by Karen Bishop | 15 Comments
” The concept of total wellness recognizes that our every thought, word, and behaviour affects our greater health and well-being. And we, in turn, are affected not only emotionally but also physically and spiritually.” ~ Greg Anderson
Doesn’t it feel like winter stays around for at least 8 months out of the year? I’ve been soaking up all the sun that I can this summer. And quite frankly seeking different ways to balance my mind, body and soul. With the sun and warm weather outside you tend to automatically feel better, at least I do. I personally think there’s no better time to get started on making healthy lifestyle choices. And I don’t mean by hitting the gym hard for a minute or two but by building a way of life that helps you align your mind, body and soul.
That’s kinda the vibe I’m on. Balancing what’s on the outside with what’s on the inside.
Let’s Talk About Wellness
Wellness, in its very basic form, is the balance of our physical, emotional, mental and (some may say) our spiritual health. In the black community, there is still a major struggle to find basic resources or establishments that arm individuals with knowledge on how to cope with and minimize stress. More and more women of colour have entered the wellness industry to share their knowledge to help support a movement for living a well-balanced life.
And I’m all for it!
#1 Lonie Murdock (Toronto)
Founder, Lonie Murdock, took her passion as a fitness trainer and chef and turned it into what we now know as, Eat. Train. Live. ETL (as it’s called) is a macro-balanced meal plan service to help her clients balance they way they eat, train and live. With over 20 years of experience in fitness and health industry (she was lucky enough to have Will Smith as a client. Geez!) she enjoys helping her clients live their best life through fitness and food.
#2 Tania Jones (Pickering)
Moksha Yoga Studio (Pickering)
With over 8 years as a professional yoga instructor, owner and Reiki Master Practitioner, Tania Jones along with her team share the techniques of Moksha Hot Yoga which combines therapeutic and traditional yoga (specifically) in a heated room. Moksha focuses on strengthening and toning of muscles while calming the mind.
#3 Shakera Martin (Toronto)
Shakera Martin is a Movement Coach, Artistic Director and Owner of the Simply Shakera lifestyle brand that focuses on empowering women using dance, fitness and culture. Working with women through a variety of customized workshops and events, her work has allowed her to partner with brands like Lululemon and Toronto Sun. And travel internationally to Belize and India. When she’s not working on the Simply Shakera brand you can find her hosting monthly community meetups and fitness shops through Carnival Spice a brand dedicated to teaching the community about Caribbean culture all year round.
#4 Dr. Nadine Wong (Pickering)
Founder Dr. Nadine Wong used her many years of career and academic training in the sciences to establish the Alabaster Wellness clinic. Through scientific research, she analyzes the issues that affect one’s mental, physical and spiritual health by the cosmetics we use, the food we consume and the effects that it has on our body’s as a unit.
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Can Women Wait To Have Children?
Posted by Karen Bishop | 14 Comments
Today, women are choosing to wait to have children to focus on their careers, waiting until marriage or until they are much older. But can women afford to wait to have children….let’s say, past the age of 35? It’s been documented that the longer you wait to have children, the higher the risk.
On a recent episode of Listen To Black Women, they tackle the question, can Black women literally afford to wait to have children?
Read MoreAll Things Natural At The Textur’d Hair And Beauty Show
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I’ve worn my hair naturally mostly under protective hairstyles for a few years now. It just made things easier. But easier isn’t always better if you let a busy schedule and a non-existent hair care routine get in the way. If your natural hair isn’t getting TLC on a regular basis it will take a toll on the health of your hair. Let’s just say, my hair is in need of TLC, a good hair care routine and a few good products to match. Coincidently, timing couldn’t be better. The Textur’d Natural Hair & Beauty Show was happening right in my neck of the woods and I was able to catch day 2 of the event.
With over forty (mostly female) vendor’s, I looked forward to chatting it up with hair and beauty brands from Toronto and the United States. It was hard just to choose just one item from the variety of organic, vegan and naturally handmade products available. Almost all of the brands had a solution to maintain, repair and encourage healthy hair growth.
Not just a vendor showcase, several workshop facilitators shared their unique knowledge on everything to do with natural hair, body and skin care. Nutritional Consultant, Trisha Smith, discussed natural remedies and the connection between digestive disorders and the various effects on the hair. Certified Shea Butter Technician, Kedar Waterman, discussed the many healing properties of premium grade Shea Butter and it’s benefits.
I ATE whole wheat roti, coconut curry chickpeas and quinoa salad courtesy of Chic Peas Veg, a plant based catering company. I CHATTED with Ndija Anderson-Yantha, a natural hair advocate and author of “What are you going to do with that hair?” A non-fiction book encouraging young girls to celebrate and love their natural hair. And I BOUGHT, (with so many wonderful products to choose from) En’tyce Your Beauty’s Herbal Temple Root Gro to help with thinning edges. And Muthaland Secrets’ Three Leaves Special Body Bar to help tone and purify your skin. It was a great afternoon fill with positivity and love for all things natural!
My haircare brands wish-list to definitely try,
- Up North Naturals
- Flawless by Gabrielle Union
- Design Essentials
- London Ivy Products
What do you use in your natural hair?
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IAWH x Friends
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I couldn’t have been more pleased! I had the pleasure of officially launching the IAWH blog and online store and celebrating with a few of my entrepreneurial friends. It was such a lovely afternoon for a personal video and photoshoot, with nothing but sun to add to an already perfect day.
The day was filled with great food, wine, and even better conversation. We settled in quite nicely at the Designers Authentic Warehouse Loft; a creative, intimate space that made the day even more fun.
Thanks to our makeup artist Rahnell Branton the women arrived and were treated to a mini makeup session followed by tasty hors d’oeuvres and a Coconut Crusted Chicken Thai lunch prepared by our caterer, Maiya Griffith. It was an amazing day chatting with the ladies about family, business and our personal goals for 2017.
Thanks to everyone that helped me make the launch so memorable: my videographer Shawn Pinnock (aka Pplus), my makeup artist Rahnell Branton (Rahsthetics) and our personal chef for the day Maiya Griffith.
And a very special thank you to the lovely ladies that helped me make the day possible, Shiva Burnett (Founder, Avazera), Sofia Stefou (Founder, On Brand Video) and Tia Thomas (Founder, Love & Light Jewels).
Thank you all, I can’t wait to see what 2017 brings your way!
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Secret Supper Club Anyone?
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Shhh! I’ve got a secret. Well, not exactly. Other than I had a great night out this past Saturday and dined at one of the Food Networks Top Secret Supperclubs in the world. How lucky am I? Very. I love a good meal, glass of wine and meeting new people. And besides that, for one night I can avoid an over-crowded restaurant and can actually take some time to get to know the person sitting next to me.
Have you ever attended a secret supper club? It’s a cross between a dinner party and a restaurant, at a secret location, enjoying a great meal with a small group of friends or strangers.
If you don’t know what to expect. Expect to be fed that’s for sure. But for the newbies (like myself), here’s a few tidbits on secret supper club etiquette that will guarantee everyone in attendance has a great time!
- Don’t panic: you will receive instructions a day or two before you attend your dinner.
- Dress: unless stated in the instructions, dress comfortably to eat, relax and mingle among the group.
- Drinks: supper clubs are not licensed to sell alcohol. But you can bring your own. Your host will often recommend what type of alcohol (often wine) you could bring to pair nicely with the meal.
- Service: it’s not a normal restaurant. Expect service but not the same type of service as a fully staffed restaurant.
- Seating: you will most likely be sitting with strangers but it makes for a fun atmosphere.
- Help: depending on your host, some supper clubs welcome any help when things get too busy.
- Be on time! but not too early. If you arrive a few minutes early, you may get your choice of seating.
Bon Appetit!
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