Carnival In New Brunswick?

Carnival In New Brunswick?

Event Recap of Carnival Spice at Summer Soulsa 2022

This Labour Day I had the pleasure of spending the weekend in Fredericton, New Brunswick for Summer Soulsa 2022.

Summer Soulsa can be described as “a vibrant and dynamic music festival that celebrates the diversity and beauty of Caribbean, Latin, and African cultures through art, music, dance and cuisine.”

Carnival Spice was invited as performers to bring our Caribbean Carnival flair to a series of events throughout the weekend.

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Although the weekend had a heavy workload for the team and I, we managed to find many bright moments throughout our time in Atlantic Canada.

The People

It was quite lovely to see Black and Brown culture and artistry on full display at the festival. It allowed for many to learn and many to feel connected to parts of themselves that they haven’t tapped into for a while. The most common statements I heard was: “we’ve never had anything like this before in our city” or “we are so happy you are here”.  You can tell Summer Soulsa was the first event of its kind and executed in such a way simply by looking in the eyes of the attendees. There was such a sense of joy and inspiration that flickered when they heard the music or saw their favourite acts come on.

I have hosted hundreds of classes in my career and have performed on countless stages, yet it NEVER gets old seeing someone hear soca or dancehall for the first time and watching how their bodies naturally respond to it. It’s quite beautiful actually.

I also met a young girl who reminded me so much of myself when I was her age - she was about 10. She was so curious; I’ll never forget the smile she made when one of the dancers let her wear their costume feathers.

The Music Circle

The Music Circle is a dance workshop concept where instructors from across Canada joined together to lead Frederiction through a day full of dance. The room was filled this day with folks of all ages and ethnicities. I vividly remember the first person to arrive - a gentleman who came alone and mentioned it was his first dance class. I loved this for him and appreciated his courage to try something new. I had a great time hosting the event and leading a Carnival Spice dancehall workshop to the excited audience. My fellow instructors were Cherelle from Soca Fit (Edmonton) who taught a soca dance workshop and Zumba with Corey (Fredericton) who taught us a bachata workshop.

Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiDp2hBJVc7/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

The Food

Atlantic Canada never disappoints when it comes to seafood. My diet for the weekend was made up of haddock and chips. As a seafood lover, I was in my glory. Everything was so fresh and flavourful. If only I could bring some of those fresh oysters back in my suitcase.

Di Road

Carnival Spice were one of the groups of masqueraders that lead the Fredericton community down di road for the first carnival parade since the pandemic. The weather was perfect, the tunes were running by Dj CJ, and yours truly was on the mic keeping the vibes going. I had the perfect view of hundreds of smiling faces. The children were my favourite - they were so enthusiastic and kept up with us the entire parade.

Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjOvV9_q-Ny/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

The Comradery

There were a wide variety of performers from all across Canada present at Summer Soulsa 2022. From latin dancers, to reggae bands, to hip hop artists. I appreciated how everyone supported each other and/or worked together.

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Kudos to everyone who was apart of the festival - it truly made a positive impact on the community and I look forward to seeing how it grows.

AND HUGE THANK YOU TO CHEICK FOR CAPTURING THESE PHOTOS!

New Year Reflections

New Year Reflections

What lessons from 2021 am I carrying with me.

Hello? Is this thing on?!

The blog got abandoned ya’ll! OMG - I apologize! All I remember is starting a plant based meal plan back in June and the world became foggy! lol. (ref: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CPZuIL8FQNQ) Like seriously. I was so locked in to the world around me. Although I enjoyed creating monthly recap videos on my instagram, I really did miss how therapeutic writing was. Happy to be back and happy to start sharing here again. Consider this a reflectionary, welcome back post.

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2021 ended so long ago but it left us with so many lessons. There were downs, loss and much grief but there was also much to be proud of. 2021 taught me to be present in each moment and celebrate my wins. 

Here are a few highlights I would like to share with you from this past year:

• Named one of the top 100 health leaders in Canada: https://www.optimyz.com/optimyz-top-100-health-leaders-2021
  This was such a nice surprise and felt even better seeing my melanin skin take up space in a wellness magazine.

• Partnered with Lululemon on a community wellness event: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSkYXbYlhWy

• Selected as a keynote speaker for the CanFit pro fitness conference: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSdEGVfHP-i
  Had such an incredible time delivering the opening keynote speech to the beautiful souls at the 7th annual “Women Who Influence” event during the conference.

• I went 60 straight days on a plant based meal plan. Thank you to the Alldunamis Wellness Center for supporting me through this experience. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences ever. I developed such a strong understanding of my overall health and how to manage it through lifestyle practices for my specific needs.

False Evidence Appearing Real.

“The fears we don’t face become our limits”

— Robin Sharma


2021 reminded me that some decisions may be scary but it is important to push past your fear and bet on yourself. Release limiting beliefs about your capabilities.

Fear is a normal human response.

When we imagine things outside of ourselves that we have little or no control over, we tend to panic.

The thing is, fear can be a great motivator if we redirect the energy in a positive way. Harness that energy to motivate yourself into action.

Cultivate Joy.

“On the healing journey, feeling worthy of joy and rest is a massive step. It requires a consistent practice to be able to surrender into it. Embodying authentic joy can be the greatest challenge faced because of the immense amount of vulnerability required to feel at ease.”

— Devi Brown

2021 reminded me to prioritize joy and do more of what lights me up. Joy raises your frequency causing you to attract similar energy into your life. Joy is a source of light within you.

When you’re not operating in your purpose, you are always going to feel like you are dim… like you’re made to do more. Cultivating joy keeps you plugged into your light so make your best efforts to stay connected.

You can also help keep that light shining by eating bright and nutritious foods, participating in activities that fuel you, and being mindful of your choices for the future. This isn’t always easy to do - but daily consistent practice and intention will help. Stay committed - your future self depends on it.

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There is so much to navigate and the world seems to shift day by day… but none of that can stop your greatness. A lot of good can happen in a year so continue to do your best. Sending love and encouragement to you all… plus a friendly reminder that you got this. WE GOT THIS!

Photos By: Anthony Berot

Getting Vaccinated In Ontario

Getting Vaccinated In Ontario

Dose 1 of my covid vaccine

There has been so much discussion around the topic of covid vaccines. As a health & wellness professional and someone who shares most aspects of my life with you anyway, I thought it was important to share this experience on the blog. I know there are a lot of opinions and conspiracies floating around. My intention is not to convince anyone to take the vaccine nor shame those who have chosen not to. I just want to share insight on the process from a Black female lens. I noticed many of my peers who took the vaccinate were quiet about their decision for fear of conflict or being judged. That is not okay - we all have the right to choose what we do with our bodies. I too had many concerns about the vaccine at first but I got to a point where I was just tired of doing nothing.

Our province remains stagnant, as the world progresses around us. Businesses continue to close, the mental health of many continue to decline, and sadly we are losing precious lives to the virus - especially within the Black community. I personally lost a family friend to covid complications on April 26th. Still shook up about it. One of the kindest humans - someone I have known my entire life. He even lives on my street. A husband, father, brother, uncle and grandpa. A leader in the Jamaican - Canadian community. His legacy lives on and was highlighted by the hundreds of people across the world that celebrated his life virtually. We will miss you forever Fadda Ramsey. 

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Scheduling Appointments:

I heard the vaccine booking process referred to as the “hunger game”s many times and I would have to agree. Although I live in a peel hotspot and was eligible for booking, appointments were scarce. Many opted to attend a pop - up vaccine clinic but I simply didn’t have the time or patience for that. The line-ups at these pop up clinics were horrendous. Unfortunately the Ontario booking process is also extremely outdated; my heart goes out to the elderly or people with language barriers as I’m sure this process was especially difficult for them. I remained patient and diligent. On May 3rd, I managed to book my appointment after waiting on the phone for about an hour and simultaneously in the 658,781 spot on the Ontario health website!

For support in finding vaccine appointments, follow: Vaccine Hunters Canada. This volunteer based organization turned out to be the super hero of this process. They frequently update their pages with info on vaccination sites near you.  https://twitter.com/vaxhunterscan https://www.facebook.com/vaxhunterscan

Appointment Day

On May 13th I received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Trillium hospital’s vaccine clinic. The process was seamless and all the staff were friendly. The actual needle felt like I prick - not painful at all. Then I was asked to wait for 15 minutes to be evaluated. I was also auto scheduled for my second dose in four months.

Symptoms: 

From my own research I was aware that the vaccine will effect every body differently. Thankfully, for the first 24 hours, the only symptom I experienced was a sore arm. However the real tea came weeks later… (warning - I’m about to discuss menstrual cycles!)

One of my biggest reasons for vaccine hesitancy was due to reports that it could effect your reproductive health. As a woman with no children yet - I was concerned. As a women who’s spent years healing her hormonal health - I was concerned. As a Black woman living within systems that don’t always look out for my best interest - I was concerned. Low and behold my first menstrual cycle since the vaccine is where I believe effects from the vaccine showed up in my body.

After spending years cleaning up my diet and taking supplements specific to my needs, I generally have a peaceful period. Mild cramps for about 1-3 hours on the Day one of my cycle.

My first period after the vaccine however was the most painful menstrual cycle I have had since my teenage years! For about three days prior I could barely move around much or sleep through the night. Constant cramping and sharp pains in my lower back. I didn’t go to the doctor for the pain but I did find a reliable article that shared a plausible link as to what may have caused this outcome. It stated that the lining in a women’s womb is a part of the immune systems. Since immune cells play a role in building up, maintaining and breaking down the lining of the uterus, it is highly likely that chemical signals from the vaccine triggered a response in my ovaries. Again, my reproductive system may be extra sensitive but I thought it was crucial to let my ladies be aware of this. Especially since I know of other women who experienced similar symptoms. Please do not use this information as a deterrent use it as insight to do further research for yourselves. 

Here’s a forum by the City Of Toronto titled: Black Scientists Task Force On Vaccine Equity. It offers a wealth of knowledge from Black medical professionals:

Do I agree with all the decisions the government has made during the pandemic - NO. Would I have loved more extensive vaccine trials to be conducted on women - YES. Would I have loved more trials to be conducted on women of colour - HECK YES. However, I really had to take a breath, lean in on my faith, do my research and make a decision that I believe is best for myself and family.

I miss hugs, I miss creating in person experiences for people to cultivate joy, I miss traveling, I miss carnival, I miss buffet brunch dates at CIBO wine bar, I miss not wearing masks and having my lipstick pop in the sun, I miss house parties,  I miss going to my nephews soccer games… I miss boat rides, I miss regular eye brow appointments, the list goes on… 

Thinking of you all - praying for you all and your families.

Cheers to brighter days ahead!

International Dance Day

International Dance Day

Highlighting Black / Caribbean Owned Dance Studios in the GTA

Wishing everyone a happy international dance day!

Dance is and will always be something in my life that I cherish. It has given me discipline, a way to share my culture, and provided an outlet for me to express myself. So blessed to have transformed my passion for dance into a business, a lifestyle, and a source of inspiration for others. With dance as a foundation of Simply Shakera, I have been able to grace many stages and be featured by: CP24, The Canadian Olympic Committee, The Marilyn Denis Show, Breakfast Television, etc. while simultaneously teaching 100s of women and children dance over the years. 

Similar to me, there are other artists in the General Toronto Area who are passionate about dance so much so that they founded companies to share their passions with the world. I have compiled a list of local Black / Caribbean Owned Dance Studios.

Over the past few months I have seen many lists of small businesses and/or Black owned business to support and often I see this group left out. These companies need support just as much as retail stores and restaurants. They provide training, variety and most offer styles rooted in culture.

Support local. Support the arts.

Without continued participation in virtual classes, competitions and conventions etc. these companies will be negatively impacted. Check out the list below and if I missing any, please add in the comments! Support can be in the form of participation or amplification.

Afiwi Groove School

Aifwi Groove aim to empower, educate, and inspire all ages through African and arts and culture. Their programs promote positive self-esteem, confidence and an active lifestyle while educating and connecting participants to arts and culture of the African Diaspora.

400 Monarch Avenue. Unit 11. Ajax, ON. L1S 2G6

https://afiwigroove.com

https://www.instagram.com/afiwigroove

A New DAEI Dance School

A New DAEI Dance School is an award-winning family-friendly community space for toddlers, children, tweens, teens and adults. 

1 Nelson St W (Inside the Art of Dance Centre). Brampton, Ontario, L6X 1B6

https://anewdaei.com

https://www.instagram.com/anewdaei

City Centre Dance 

City Centre Dance is the hottest drop-in dance studio located in Downtown Mississauga, offering a wide-selection of classes in various styles and levels for people of all ages and abilities.

68-5359 Timberlea Blvd Mississauga, ON L4W 4N5

https://www.citycentredance.com

https://www.instagram.com/citycentre_dance

DOAHL Dance Academy

DOAHL provides a full dance curriculum for dancers age 3 and up looking to make dance as a career, and for those who simply want to enjoy the art of dance, learn new skills, and make life-long friendships.

50 Anderson Ave,Markham, ON,Canada L6E 1A5

https://www.doahl.com

https://www.instagram.com/doahlacademy

Industry House Studios

Industry House Studios an elite dance training facility located in the Stockyards District.

100 Symes Rd Unit 202 & 203

https://www.industryhousestudios.com

https://www.instagram.com/industryhousestudios

Jade's Hip Hop Academy (JHHA)

JHHA is the only all Hip Hop and street dance studio in Toronto, the GTA and one of the few of its kind in Canada.

1310 Steeles Ave E Unit 6, Brampton, ON L6T 1A2

https://jadeshiphopacademy.com

https://www.instagram.com/jadeshiphopacad

Riddim Fitness Wellness Centre

The Riddim Fitness Wellness Centre serves the community by offering fitness programs, personal training and dance classes for children, youth and adults that also want to live their best lives and take the journey to wellness in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment. 

845 WESTNEY ROAD SOUTH, UNIT#7. AJAX, ONTARIO 

https://riddimfit.com

https://www.instagram.com/riddimfit

Socacize

Socacize Fitness is a creative blend of authentic Caribbean and African dance techniques, in harmony with effective fitness moves, resulting in a unique, non-judgmental and exhilarating dance fitness program.

2811 Weston Road. North York, ON M9M 2R8

https://socacize.com

https://www.instagram.com/socacize

The Space

The S.P.A.C.E. is a full performing arts centre focused on building self-esteem. They encourage students to dream, challenge them to develop determination and perseverance along with technique and give them the confidence both to get up on stage and perform and to believe in themselves.

1324 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M5J 1M9

https://the-space.ca

https://www.instagram.com/thespacetoronto

Lastly, although we do not have a physical studio, I would be remiss not to shoutout my company Carnival Spice!

Carnival Spice is an award winning dance and fitness company that showcases Caribbean carnival arts. We are currently offering a variety of virtual programming HERE . You can also connect on instagram via https://www.instagram.com/carnivalspice

Get Into The Groove

Get Into The Groove

A Discussion On Dance Fitness

"Get into the groove" is more than just a phrase, it is a an action that everyone should be practicing.

I encourage you all to embrace the power of movement and if you have not tried a dance fitness workshop or class, then you are definitely missing out! I do understand however if you are unable to participate because of physical injury or other health reasons but any other concerns shouldn't stop you -  instead they should motivate you!

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of leading a dance fitness workout on an episode of the Social. To increase the difficulty of the workout I added the use of a household item that is accessible around the house. This was a perfect opportunity to incorporate my Caribbean flair; the item I chose was a flag!

Check out the full segment here:

My outfit in the segment is by Tendu Active. Their clothing is super cute and comfy plus the company is female run and Caribbean fuelled!

Dance fitness is a type of group exercise that incorporates dance moves/technique. This full body workout is tons of fun and the overall intensity of a class varies depending on the style of dance you are doing.  I often hear folks call dance fitness “ Zumba". To clarify, "Zumba" is a TYPE of dance fitness workout and one of the more popular dance fitness brands. Their instructors go through a training process based on the Zumba style, class format, and program principles. So for example, if you were to call a class I teach "Zumba", you would be incorrect for a variety of different reasons.

One of the main differences between dance fitness classes is style. There can be fifty different hip hop classes out there but I promise you they are not the same. I challenge you to try them all so you can experience the difference for yourself and feel which one you enjoy the most. 

For most of us, the way we workout has changed significantly since the start of the pandemic. Instead of hitting the gym/studio, we have been required to workout in our homes or outside. Whether in class or online there are so many great dance fitness classes out there that provide amazing results. Benefits include building your stamina and energy levels, strengthening and toning your muscles, burning tons of calories etc. Dance fitness workouts can also help you avoid or overcome plateaus because they will challenge the body in a different way. Plus most classes are super fun so you do not realize how much work you are putting in. 

Listed were only a few benefits that affect your physical state but there are amazing social benefits as well such as boosting your confidence, building your performance ability, releasing stress and meeting amazing people who are active and may also be looking for support for their workout too.  Not everyone in the class will be at the same fitness or dance level, but that is the beauty of it, you have to start somewhere in order to grow or see results. As as I would say, you have to "pace", listen to the music, listen to your body and take everything in stride. 

What you need for a dance fitness class:

• a water bottle

• comfortable fitness attire and shoes

• a yoga mat (if you have & incase there is floor work)

• and a change of clothes because you will get sweaty!

There are so many different classes to choose from out there.  Do some research and ask yourself:  What music do you like? How long is the class? Check out different videos and see how you feel while watching. 

To experience more Caribbean Dance Fitness classes, try Carnival Spice’s new Spice On Demand programming - now available online here.

20 Day Mental Wellness Challenge

20 Day

Mental Wellness Challenge

SENDING YOU LOVE & LIGHT!

I had a whole other post scheduled for today but my heart is so heavy man. Need to get my mind right… still going to show up and spread love and light!

Literally as I write this my hands are trembling. My anxiety level today is the highest it’s been in a while. It’s safe to say my mental wellness today is out of whack.

“Mental Wellness can be defined as: “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, and can work productively and fruitfully.””

Between physical distancing, cancellations and closures, and busting my brain trying to pivot my entire business while keeping the #SpiceFam engaged… I just learned of the sudden passing of a colleague. Guys I am shook to my core. This news will rock so many; I’m saddened for the world and especially the black community .

At the moment my emotions are all over the place. The day has been spent creating content and doing conference calls… now I feel numb. 

If one thing 2020 is here to do, it’s to remind us that life is precious, do not take time for granted. Many of us have a lot of “free” time right now. I encourage you to utilize it wisely. By all means, binge watch your shows and eat the snacks you choose, but also reflect, meditate, and truly think about the person you want to be on the other side of this pandemic. 

You are not alone in this. My heart is with each and every one of you reading this.

Tomorrow marks the start of a new month and a new quarter so I am determined to start it on the right foot. 

I’m inviting you all to join me on a 20 day mental wellness challenge with you. It’s not the antidote to all the chaos in the world, however it will provide simple tasks to help add supportive notches to our day.  


The secret to success is found in our daily routine. To be honest, I haven’t had a routine these past few days but moving forward I am committed to devoting time to my well being. Scheduling time I believe will help accomplish this. Let’s do this ya’ll.

To participate in the challenge:

Download my worksheet HERE

Schedule each task in your calendar and ensure you complete each within the next month. 

Let me know you are participating so I can check in and/or hold you accountable if you’d like.
- social @simplyshakera

XOXO <3

Today I Rise - Event Recap

today i rise

Event Recap

Photo by: @jodianne.beckford

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Throughout my entire life, I know the feeling too well of being the "only one" in the room. From attending a predominantly Italian elementary school to attending auditions at the start of my dance career where castings alarmingly read “all ethnicities welcome too”. There was never anyone who looked like me in these spaces. 

Eventually I said F*** it, let me create my own spaces… and have been doing so for almost a decade. The Carnival Spice community in particular has truly become a gift for many. It allows for beautiful humans of all shapes, sizes, and colors to come together and cultivate joy.

To be honest though creating these spaces, hosting events, sticking to your mission is A LOT of work chile… So you can only imagine how happy I was to be invited to "today i rise”.

today i rise - a Black History Month event that celebrates the resiliency and power of the Black Woman.

It truly was.

The event was hosted inside the 889 community. Upon arrival we were greeted at the door with smiles and guided us to the event space. I looked around and the first things I noticed were:

• I didn’t see anyone familiar. I loved that! 

• everyone was smiling - good vibes already!

• everyone in the room was melanated - yoooo!!! my peopleeeee!!! whats good?! This made me giddy… and PROUD.

There were four parts to the event (a) Fitting (b) Yoga & Meditation (3) A fire side chat. (4) Refreshments. 

Nike gifted us with a head to toe look, purse, and yoga mat.

Photo by: @jodianne.beckford

…and catch this - my outfit was PINK!!! How did they know my colour?? The fit of the outfit was great too, especially for my body type.  I literally was floating around the room on a cloud.

The day just flowed. There was so much attention to detail. I couldn’t stop smiling. We laughed, we cried, we laughed some more, we listened… we hyped each other up!! All the women in the room were doing some amazing things in the city. It was an honour to hear their stories. I learned that many of the women were also wellness leaders in different facets, from yoga, to fitness, to meditation and more.

One of my favourite things was the question jar - this tool is excellent for people like me who low key are terrified of small talk. 

"We are seen. We are heard. We are celebrated"

- Rebeckah - Wellness Advocate, founder of @iriseyoga, & dope ass human! KNOW HER!

Photo by: @jodianne.beckford

During the yoga practice led by Rebeckah, there was such a sense of peace, strength, and vulnerability in the room. 
This moment was was so impactful. It was like I could see my reflection everytime I opened my eyes through the beautiful people around me.

“Everyone has the right to be well”

-Nicole Cardova - Entrepreneur, Speaker, Wellness Advocate

Photos by: @jodianne.beckford #shotbybeckford

Once the yoga practice was complete, we exchanged some more! @nicoleacardova what a powerful human. She travelled all the way from states shared her story with us. We left feeling uplifted and empowered.

These spaces are so important to me. I salute all the leaders out there taking charging and ensuring these moments happen as much as possible. THEY ARE NECESSARY; not only for us but for the generations to come. I will remain hopeful and continue doing my part in ensuring that these “moments” last forever.

#untillweallwin

Thank you Rebecka, Nicole, the Nike team, literally everyone involved for pouring into us - I KNOW it took a village to put this event together. Congratulations.

Photo by: @jodianne.beckford

[Giveaway] Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

Giveaway!

Ya’ll! I tried something new and I’m sure you’ll be proud. In time for my upcoming vacation, I tried laser hair removal on my underarms!!

I was reluctant at first but my body hair grows really fast so I needed an alternative to waxing.

My technician Beni was very patient with me and made the experience fun. The treatment took about 10 minutes and on a scale from 1-10 the pain level was about a 6. I have super sensitive skin so I was quite impressed by this.

It gets better the Canada Med Laser team and I are giving one lucky winner a free laser hair treatment. You can choose between underarm, upper lip or Brazilian. 

How To Enter:

Real simple, in the comment section below, tell me what’s your hair removal choice of preference: Shave, Wax, or Laser!

**Contest closes November 30th**

**Winner must be a Canadian resident**

[Giveaway] Spring Up Your Wardrobe

Spring Up Your Wardrobe

Giveaway!

The weather is warming up and it has me feeling oh so nice! I feel so relieved that I can wear a lighter jacket and not have to brush snow off of my car. Warmer weather also calls for outdoor workouts… so why not workout in STYLE! 

As a #FitSquad member for Titika Activewear, we have often collaborated on offering you free Simply Shakera dance cardio classes. Now we would like to “spring" up your fitness wardrobe! (See what I did there 😛) We're giving away one lucky winner a $50 gift card and another lucky winner thie sexy sport bag seen in my hand! 

Titika’s activewear is designed for performance, comfort and versatility so I now you’ll enjoy shopping at their store as much as I do.

How To Enter:

In the comment sections, tell me your favourite way to get FIT: Cycle? Dance? Yoga? Run? or Weights? AND tell me if you prefer online workouts or offline.

For a BONUS entry, visit this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/BwE4Y6VgLAV/

**Winner must be a Canadian resident**

Identifying Your Passion Pillars

Identifying

your passion pillars

Identifying your passion pillars allows you to live life a more intentional life. They can include your gifts (things your born to do, given by God, what’s naturally to you), talents (things you chose to do, areas you’re trained or educated in), Values (areas you hold at high regard), and/or interests (things that bring you joy).

I am grateful to have transformed my passion pillars into a business, a lifestyle, and a source of inspiration for others. Whether it’s your first time visiting my page or you have known me for years, you may have guessed that my passion pillars are Dance, Fitness, and Culture. Learn more in MY STORY about why these areas are so important to me.

“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

— Oprah Winfrey

Passion is a powerful feeling that translates into intense enthusiasm or excitement towards something. That something can include love for a particular activity, great emotion for another individual, or an interest in an idea or cause.

Passion unlocks action.

It enables us to have self-confidence, trust ourselves and to take the risks!

Others can feel passion in you - that’s how strong it is!

Passion empowers us to overcome challenges and obstacles. Whether real or imagined, with passion you will overcome these challenges and obstacles and see the world as a place of infinite potential.

Pillars in this context are things rooted in the core of who you are and provides support for other areas.

Through my Passion Pillars, my goal is to bring joy to the lives of others. I would also love for you to establish your own passion pillars too!

Start by considering areas you’re strong in:

Are you always sketching designs, graphics, comics etc. on napkins?

Are you the friend everyone goes to for Life advice? Tech advice? Health Tips? Relationship help?

Perhaps you were like me and could dance before you could walk? What activity have you loved to do since you were a child? Or rather what activity have you had a growing love or appreciation for?

Does the work you do prompt results for others?

Now, use the statements below to help discover your passion pillars by filling in the (x) with the areas that immediately come to your heart or mind for each statement. Is there an area or thing that shows up more than once? Add it to your list. When making your final list of passion pillars I recommend selecting ONE, THREE, or a maximum of FIVE!

______X_____ is something I would do every day if given the opportunity.

______X_____ is something I could make a living from but would be open to do for free!

______X_____  is something that I utilize to be of service to the world.

When I practice/do ______X_____  I feel challenged to be better version of myself.

Ever since I could remember, I could be found  ______X_____ .

SENDING YOU LOVE & LIGHT!

Xo,

Shakera