March 21, 2022

It's Black History Month Everyday

March 21, 2022/ Shakera Martin

Shakera Header — It’s Black History Month

Everyday!

Sending love to you and thank you for tuning in!

I know that it has been weeks since Black History Month - 2022 has ended, but why stop celebrating Black excellence? Why stop amplifying Black voices? Why stop shopping at Black businesses?

There is a tendency to only engage in diverse practice when a topic is trending. Diwali is here, let's engage the South Asian community. Pride Month is here, let’s engage the LGBTQ community. It’s Orange Shirt Day, let’s engage the Indigenous community. All the events I have mentioned (and more) are meant to recognize the challenges these communities have faced historically while continuously celebrating the strides many have taken within these communities to elevate themselves and the community at large.

Cultural recognition or celebration does not need to be limited to a month or a day of action.

I experience this most through my business when working with corporate clients. There is often a sudden rush to book Carnival Spice for events during emancipation month or Black history month to fit a “theme” per say - instead of realizing that the culture and community exists year round. It is okay to have cultural - based conversations or programs at anytime.

As a Black Caribbean woman navigating the arts and fitness industry, a large part of my personal mission is to consistently show up, take up space and ensure people that look like me are always visible - even if it goes against societal norms.

If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen the Black History Month series I did highlighting Black Owned Businesses (& brands) based in the General Toronto Area that I enjoy.

For your convenience, you can find the full list (+more) and their contact information below. May you also shop, support or amplify them; not just because they are Black Owned, but because they are talented at what they do.

allDunamis
Chiropractic Wellness Centre
Their purpose is to educate the church and community at large on the prevention of disease and the maintenance of optimal health. They combine timeless Biblical principles with current research and offer practical relevant solutions.
https://alldunamis.com

Testimonial: “The team at allDunamis facilitated my 60 day plant based journey in 2021. They provided a full meal plan, training facilities and fitness professionals that truly cared. I felt so supported and was able to make great changes to my overall wellness practices. Changes that were based on the specific needs of my body”. - Shakera

Alluring Interior
Certified Interior Decorator, Home Stager/Stylist & Staging Instructor
https://www.instagram.com/alluring.interiors

Bona Fide Organizing
BIPOC Pro Organizer
https://bonafideorganizing.com
https://www.instagram.com/bonafideorganizing

Brickyard BBQ & Bar
BBQ Restaurant with drive-thru in Etobicoke.
https://www.brickyardbbq.ca
https://www.instagram.com/brickyardbbq_bar

Carnival Spice
Caribbean Dance Fitness and Entertainment
https://www.carnivalspice.com
https://www.instagram.com/carnivalspice

**Caryn Parchment**

Toronto Realtor
**https://www.instagram.com/athomeinthegtarealty**

Daniel's Chai Bar
Home of The FAMOUS #LionChai
Located In Bramalea City Center
https://danielschaibar.com

Dessillustrations
Illustrator
https://www.instagram.com/dessillustrations

Fame Holiday
Hip Hop/Rap Musician
https://www.instagram.com/officialfameholiday

**Joseph Osei Bonsu**

Illustrator & Co-Founder of Heroes of the World
https://www.joeoseibonsu.com
**https://www.instagram.com/heroesoftheworld**

Koko Rose Skincare
Spa & Professional skin care products with the finest natural ingredients
https://www.kokoroseskin.com

Kofi Frempong
Artist
https://kofifrempong.com

Leigh Event Group
Event Design & Planning | Social Media Management
https://www.leigheventgroup.com

Michelle Nicholls Counselling
Mental Health Service
https://www.michellenichollscounselling.com
https://www.instagram.com/michelle.nicholls.counselling

**Mintworthy**

Changing the way women relate to money and empowering them to step into a life of financial freedom.
**https://www.mintworthy.co**

NISE
Toronto-based premium streetwear brand made for all ages, genders and sizes.
https://www.niseworld.com
https://www.instagram.com/niseclothing

Noire Girls Plant
A space supporting your mental health through plants
https://www.noiregirlsplant.com

Omi Woods
Contemporary heirlooms that celebrate all of our connections to Africa and her diaspora.
https://omiwoods.com

**Orijin Jewelry**

small batch, quality investment pieces
https://www.orijingold.com
**https://www.instagram.com/orijin_jewelry**

Percy Anane-Dwumfour
Actor, Choreography, Dancer
https://www.plantainpercy.com
https://www.instagram.com/plantainpercy

Phnx Fithouse
An inclusive fitness space where purpose and passion come together.
https://www.instagram.com/phnxfithouse
https://www.phnxfithouse.com

Rebeckah Price
Wellness Advocate and Founder of iriseyoga
https://www.instagram.com/rebeckahprice
https://www.iriseyoga.com

Sam’s Juices
Fresh-made tropical juices and smoothies (located in Scarborough Town Center)
https://www.instagram.com/samsjuices

Sarah-Naomi’s Hair Care & Beauty
Hairstylist & Beauty Supply
https://www.instagram.com/sarahnaomihcb

Siobhan Bent

Legacy Coach & Founder of Mortgages 4 Moms
*Empowering Moms with educational wealth building strategies and opportunities that can help build a legacy for their children.*

**https://www.siobhanbent.com**

The Real Jerk Restaurant
Unique art adorns this long-standing Caribbean-themed bar & eatery boasting a rum bar & karaoke.
https://www.therealjerk.com

The Wedding Group
Professional Wedding Team servicing the World through Photography, Cinematography & more
https://www.theweddingroup.com
https://www.instagram.com/theweddingroup

Tray Arts
Artist and Paint Night King
https://www.instagram.com/trayarts
https://trayarts.ca

Memorable Moment: I highly recommend Tray to lead a paint night at an upcoming celebration or gathering you have coming up. He is mobile and also had a studio in North York. I had the pleasure of celebrating the launch of simplyshakera.com at the Tray Arts Studio. It was such an unforgettable night! Read my blog post recapping the festivities: The #SSPinkParty

**Xaymaca Restaurant**

Jamaican & Caribbean Food In Brampton
High-end service with real authentic Food.

https://xaymacarestaurant.com

When You See It, You Can Be It!

Know them - Support them - Amplify them!

December 11, 2020

Holiday Gift Guide [+Giveaway]

December 11, 2020/ Shakera Martin

YA’LL!!!!! WE MADE IT TO DECEMBER!!!!!

2020 has been rocking all of our worlds since January and does not seem to be letting up chile.

But we are here. Still Standing! Adjusting - Growing - Healing - Learning - DOING OUR BEST!

Normally in December I take a few weeks “off” to unplug from social media and my regular routine. My birthday is also on New Years Eve so the holiday season is often a great time for me to reflect on the past year and recharge.

“When You Support A Small Businesses You Are Supporting Someone’s Dream”

— Unknown

Introducing the “Pink Box” by simplyshakera.com

Another end of year tradition is my annual Holiday Giveaway in collaboration with one of my brand partners. This year will be a little different!
Introducing the “Pink Box” by simplyshakera.com. The color pink represents compassion, nurturing and love. In 2021, I will be releasing a goodie box filled with items that are meant to cultivate joy and practice self love. Stay tuned for when the “Pink Box” is officially released. HOWEVER, just in time for the holidays I will be gifting one lucky winner with a special edition Pink Box filled this time around with items from some of my favourite Black owned businesses. I have each company listed below in my Holiday Gift Guide. Know them - Support them - Amplify them!

The Simply Shakera Holiday Gift Guide

I am so excited to share with you a few of my favourite small businesses offering products and services that you can support today. Grab something for yourself, book an appointment/session, or purchase a gift for someone else. Christmas is exactly two weeks away - happy shopping!

Orijin is a Toronto based brand creating small batch, quality investment pieces that are real gold and guaranteed to become heirlooms. The first piece, designed by founder Candice, was the iconic OM bead bracelet, symbolizing the meeting of a deep connection to self with a nod to a nostalgic trend. Ten percent of the proceeds from the OM collection goes towards supporting the work of BIPOC artists and wellness entrepreneurs. Other notable collections are the essentials collection and the paperclip collection.

Personal Review: I love how sophisticated the pieces are! Simple and stylish! I own the mask chain which also can double as a chain for my glasses!

**Sea Moss N Tingz**

*home of the real wildcrafted sea moss gel*

@seamossntingz
www.seamossntingz.ca

Seamoss N Tingz provides the highest quality wildcrafted gel made with Alkaline water and no additives or preservatives. The gel can be added to your food or drink as well as topically for multiple skin ailments including facial masks to tighten and rejuvenate your skin. Sea moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals that the body requires daily. It is jam packed with Protein, Fiber, Selenium, Iodine, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc and powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains omega 3 fatty acids, iodine, potassium chloride, antiviral and antimicrobial compounds. Some benefits include: strengthened immune system, improved energy, supported mental health and more.

Personal Review: I am new to the sea moss world! Two months to be exact. My journey started as a means to decrease inflammation in my body. The most noticeable benefit for me so far is an increase in digestion. I eat a spoonful raw once a day; but you are recommended to add it to food or apply it topically for skin care. During this holiday season, SNT will be donating $5 of every purchase to the Pinball Clemons foundation.

Sarah-Naomi’s Hair Care & Beauty

protective & natural hair styling

@sarahnaomihcb
sarahnaomischedule.as.me

Sarah-Naomi’s Hair Care & Beauty “where the beautification of the whole woman is the focus and purpose”. Sarah is a natural and protective hairstylist and has been maintaining crowns for over fifteen years. She believes knowledge and love of self is the key to the unlocking of new and higher levels of our existence. Hair education is also a deep passion of hers. Sarah is currently enrolled at Art & Technique in Oshawa to obtain her hairstyling/cosmetology license with a mission to style, serve, instruct and educate all women about the crown they wear daily.

Personal Review: Sarah is awesome and pretty fast. She is my go to person for protective styles such as single braids or twists. My new favourite style she has done on my hair were the knotless braids I did in October! She’s based in Durham but is also mobile. Kid friendly as well.

gp cakes.jpg — **Georgie Porgie Cakes & Gifts**

*cakes, cupcakes, cookies & sweet tables*

@georgieporgiecakesgifts
www.georgieporgie.ca

Georgie Porgie Cakes & Gifts is a vibrant, rapidly growing company. Founded in 2004 by Georgette and her mom Carol, Georgie Porgie is now famous for their red velvet rum cake with cream cheese filling. Georgie Porgie is your sweet boutique offering homemade specialty and artisan desserts made daily with the highest quality and fresh ingredients. At Georgie Porgie, they believe that every event and celebration should create a story-book ending. They would love to help plan your next blockbuster with their experienced team.

Personal Review: When I have a celebration coming up I purchase my sweet treats from the Georgie Porgie team! Check out HERE the carnival birthday cake that was made for my 30th birthday surprise birthday! I still get chills looking at it.

Koko Rose

*professional skincare*
@koko.rose.skin
www.kokoroseskin.com

Koko Rose Natural Skincare, founded by Marsha Rose, is a complete facial skincare brand for both women and men. The skincare products are made with the finest natural ingredients and made in Canada. They consist of naturally formulated products designed to treat all skin types, address skin conditions and individual skincare needs. All products are paraben free, vegan certified, formaldehyde free and contain naturally sourced fragrance.

Personal Review: Marsha is super knowledgeable in all things skincare. She not only a licensed aesthetician but she also a registered nurse! I have been healing from hormonal acne for years. Since I have been going to her spa for regular facials I have seen a significant change in my skin. There is also a organic line and mens line among her skincare products. She also offers a variety of other services at her spa including waxing!

**In My Own Skin**

*Canadian-made active wear*
@inmyownskinxo
www.inmyownskinxo.com

Founded by Mohogany Brown in 2016, "In My Own Skin" is a lifestyle brand aimed at promoting self-love amongst young women. In partnership with Dance With Me Corp, the brand extended to provide fun, cute and comfy activewear that everyone can feel beautiful in. The company wants their community to not only showcase people of all body types, ages, ethnicities and walks of life, but to also ensure they are a brand that truly represents everyone. They especially hope you fall in love with yourselves all over again, and feel confident... IN YOUR OWN SKIN! Xo

Personal Review: The apparel side of In My Own Skin comes in three different collections - the sizes are body positive too! I work with Mohogany frequently for dance based initiatives and she truly is a force. For good vibes and fitness inspo, check out her personal acccount @mohoganyxo.

Carnival Spice

*fitness & entertainment with a Caribbean carnival twist*
@carnivalspice
www.carnivalspice.com

Carnival Spice an award winning fitness and entertainment company devoted to showcasing Caribbean Carnival. Here aspiring artists of colour are welcomed to a platform where they can further develop their talents through Caribbean dance. Founder Shakera Martin and her team have been featured on Cityline, CP24, CTV, Breakfast Television and most recently Season 12 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta."⁠ The company currently offers a variety of virtual Caribbean Dance & Fitness programming and host initiatives to maintain the connection between their global #SpiceFam community.

Personal Review: Despite a whole pandemic and all carnivals around the world being cancelled until further notice. Carnival Spice has consistently been pumping out content and resources to showcase and uplift Caribbean culture. It is amazing to witness in front and behind the scenes. Tickets are now available for the 2020 Holiday Lime and Workshop event.

Holiday Giveaway

As mentioned, one lucky winner will be gifted with a “Pink Box” that includes a prize from EACH of the brands featured in my holiday gift guide. A value of over $350!!!!

Enter Here Now - contest closes Friday, December 18th!

Happy Holidays To You & Your Loved Ones!! xo

June 01, 2020

Black Lives Matter

June 01, 2020/ Shakera Martin

A Revolution Is Happening.

…and I am 100% in support of it.

If you aren’t prepared to educate yourself, rally or donate… then please move out the way!

Don’t ask your black friend how they are doing. It’s triggering.

I’ll answer on their behalf with this: We are not okay.

THE BLACK COMMUNITY IS TIRED.

Many Traumatized. Many Angry.

On top of the affects of years of racism, we are also navigating through a worldwide pandemic that is disproportionately affecting the black community & health care workers.

Rest In Peace: Arlene Reid, Sharon Roberts, & Leonard Rodrigues

Christine Mandegarian I honour you too!

“Anti-Black racism only exists in the U.S.” - No I’m not going to break this down for you. This is EXTREMELY FALSE and you know it.

“All Lives Matter“ - of course! HOWEVER, if that’s your response to someone who’s saying BLACK LIVES MATTER then you are missing the point. What you should ask is with black bodies being killed in broad daylight AND on camera, why are their murderers not being brought to justice??

Rest In Peace: George Floyd.

Further, people of colour may experience racism but only black people experience anti-blackness; it is super important that we distinguish the two entities.

This was apparent to me just a few days ago… when I learned the editor in chief of the Toronto Sun, A WOMAN OF COLOUR, approved a front page headline that mocked the death of a young black man that was recently killed by gun violence.. DISGUSTING. Would she approve that story if he was her brother? I think not.

Enough is enough. We need new systems.

What exists isn’t designed for black people to live in peace, or see themselves as beautiful or have access to the same resources as their lighter counterparts.

I pray for my brothers, nephews, cousins… chile even my exes daily because even though we have the same skin color their daily experience is still 10x more challenging then mine! Plus, they aren’t allowed to ask for help, they can’t cry and god forbid they get angry!

Yes fitness is a great physical outlet, but what accessible and safe outlet do they have for their mind and hearts?

My heart breaks at the thought. I am hopeful for change though and I can feel the world shifting.

I also declare today that my future children will live in a world where they are seen as equal.

Till then, no more silence and only action that supports or uplifts my community.

WATCH THESE:

Tyrone Edwards on The Social

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CAwhcusnL-6

Trevor Noah on The Daily Show

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAyfFnaJbyL/

Celina CC on CBC News

https://www.instagram.com/p/CA2yWQml6EA/

Support These Organizations: