There’s a cultural renaissance right now inspiring Black women to recommit themselves to self-care and wellness. And while some may think “wellness” is defined as bubble baths and red wine every night, it’s actually an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Which is something that is necessary for Black women in today’s society.
With the wellness industry growing faster than ever, unfortunately it still lacks the diverse representation that is needed to spread these messages far and wide. Thankfully, these women are unapologetically leading the charge and revolutionizing the way Black women define and embrace wellness.
01
Briana Owens, Spiked Spin
As the founder of Spiked Spin, Briana Owens was called to create a fitness experience specifically aimed at catering to women and people of color. Recently, Owens even launched a free 8-week fitness challenge via her Spiked Spin platform encouraging those to get fit, by any means necessary. Integrating a variety of trainers, workouts, meal plans and more, she’s not just motivated by money (hence, why the challenge is free), but a community growing stronger and healthier, together.
02
Christina Rice, OMNoire
Christina Rice created OMNoire as a platform to empower more women in the Black community to practice self-care. Through OMNoire, Rice is dedicated to helping black women live well from the inside out. Through events, workshops and wellness retreats around the world — Bali, Grenada, Arizona and the Poconos, to be exact — OMNoire’s mission is to empower and support you in living a WHOLE-listic lifestyle…from the foods you eat, to your exercise regimens, love and friend relationships, emotional and mental health, and more.
03
Francheska Medina, Hey Fran Hey
Known best for her all natural beauty DIYs and mental/emotional wellness, Fran has been encouraging and highlighting all the ways to and benefits of taking care of yourself since she founded her popular blog, Hey Fran Hey in 2011. Inspired to create it after healing herself following years of chronic illnesses, she was on a mission to help others live a more healthy and holistic lifestyle. Her wellness website, HeyFranHey.com and YouTube channel provide holistic lifestyle wellness guides, tips, and discussions. Addition to spreading her wellness gospel, she is also one third of The Friend Zone podcast, as well as the host of the official recap podcast for HBO’s Insecure: Insecuritea.
04
Lauren Ash, Black Girl in Om
Black Girl In Om is a lifestyle brand that promotes holistic wellness for women of color through their online publication, monthly #BGIOMindful Twitter Chat, Self-Care Sunday gatherings, and a podcast with more than one million downloads. As the founder, Lauren Ash has been supporting holistic wellbeing and inner beauty for women of color for years. A yoga and meditation teacher, she uses her training to advocate for a mindful lifestyle that centers a healthy mind, body, and soul.. In addition to this, Lauren teaches yoga and meditation, hosts retreats, and sits on the board of SXSW as a wellness advisory member.
05
Aminatou Sow, Call Your Girlfriend
As the co-founder of Call Your Girlfriend — a podcast that celebrates sisterhood, and being a woman through experiences and humanity — Aminatou Sow recognizes the importance of having a tribe around you. In fact, this support system is what proves to be a key factor in the success (and sanity) of black women. Call Your Girlfriend offers this type of support, but in podcast form. She was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in December 2017, and although caught early, is sharing her experiences going through treatment, staying positive, and all while still working.
06
Koya Webb, Get Loved Up
Koya Webb is an internationally recognized health and wellness coach passionate about inspiring people to reach their goals through fitness and a healthy lifestyle. She runs a holistic health community, Get Loved Up, which promotes good nutritional habits and body confidence. In addition, her transformational seminars, retreats and workshops have inspired many to live more holistic and fulfilling lives.
07
Jessamyn Stanley, Every Body Yoga
Yoga comes in so many beautiful shapes, sizes, and forms, and thanks to Jessamyn Stanley, she was first to challenge the preconceived notions of what a “Yoga body” should look like. Her movement, which started on Instagram, has turned into a global platform inspiring others to feel confident in their own bodies and to get up, and get moving. The well-known yoga teacher, positive body image advocate and author of “Every Body Yoga” proves healthy and happy doesn’t look the same for everyone. And for that, we’re thankful for her.
