International Women's Month 2024
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International Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the diverse stories and accomplishments of women globally, inspiring inclusion and unity across all communities and cultures.
For this year’s edition of my IWD commemorative post I was called to highlight women in the wellness space. The women you will meet below each bring their unique practices and strengths to the table, yet collectively, they are all driving positive change in promoting health and empowerment among individuals. Their diverse approaches and unwavering commitment underscore the profound impact women have in shaping the landscape of wellness and inspiring others to prioritize their well-being.
“Happiness is your birthright. Wellness is your birthright. Healing is your birthright.”
As an entrepreneur and service provider in the arts and fitness space for over a decade, I have often found it challenging to prioritize my own needs alongside those of my clients and community. At one point you could find me teaching upwards of 10 in person classes across the city, plus performing or speaking at a range of events in the same week. In situations like this, one's dedication and passion for the work often dominate, causing personal matters such as self-care, medical check-ups, and social engagements to be overlooked or sidelined.
However, in 2018, I received a rude but necessary awakening. My body simply had enough - physically, emotionally and spiritually. I needed to make some immediate lifestyle changes! For me that looked like switching to more natural based products, adding a therapist to my medical team, and incorporating supplements to my routine.
As a personal preference, I also began transitioning to having Black service professionals manage my care; from my esthetician, to my chiropractor to my gynecologist chile. (Still looking for a Black female dentist - so if you know one, please send my way!). Yes, a practitioner's qualifications are important, however I find something so special about being supported by a wellness provider that looks like me or one that understands my lived experience.
When You See It, You Can Be It!
Being a Black and Caribbean wellness provider holds even greater significance as the work extends beyond the pursuit of mental, physical, and spiritual health. It involves actively confronting systemic disparities and addressing the multifaceted dimensions of well-being within marginalized communities. Such as: reclaiming cultural traditions, fostering mental resilience, and advocating for equitable access to resources and opportunities, thereby empowering Black and Caribbean individuals to thrive holistically amidst systemic challenges.
With that said, I encourage anyone who is reading this to advocate and amplify women in your community doing great work. Not just during International Women’s Month, but all year round. The impacts could be far greater than you can imagine.
The ladies featured below I have had the pleasure of watching their businesses unfold at different stages. Their dedication and impact serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential within collective efforts towards holistic health and empowerment.
Devon, my stretch therapist and sister in soca! Nike, my sister in Christ and fellow CanFit Pro presenter! Breanna, one of my fave wellness voices on instagram and Reshmi one of the pioneers of dance fitness in Toronto; who’s also the one I’ve known the longest yet never met in person! LOL. (We will change that soon)
Know them - Support them - Amplify them!
Devon MD Jones
Vincentian - Canadian
Devon MD Jones is a Certified professional in Performance Stretch Therapy, Fascial Stretch Therapy, Reflexology Personal Training and Movement Therapy. She brings this unique blend of modalities to Stretch Therapy to stretch your fascia and your muscles, while figuring out the neurokinetic connections from your muscles to your brain to give you lasting results.
From patient to Personal Trainer to Therapist, Devon has always been intrigued with how we can keep the body functioning at its most optimal level. Working with athletes, regular exercises, and clients in recovery and rehabilitation. Devon see’s health and wellness as a form of therapy. She uses her fitness and Manual therapy knowledge along with her Sociology degree. She has an extensive knowledge of how the body moves, to not only help individuals get fit and de-stress, but to communicate with them the "why" of what they are doing. There is a process to the Mind, Body and Soul connection. You have to believe in what you’re doing and get past your mental barriers to achieve success.
Devon believes in working towards being better as a whole. Getting stronger mentally as well as physically while you learn about your body and improve your overall fitness level. This includes her method of trying new movement patterns that challenge your muscles, coordination and confidence so that you evolve in ways previously unimagined.
What advice would you give to 13-year-old Devon?
“You're weird and that's amazing! These are the things that make you unique and special. There is no one in this world like you, and you will inspire so many people when you embrace your courage, ingenuity, resilience and kindness..” - Devon
Check out some of Devon’s current offerings:
I have developed the Movement Therapy System from the needs of my clients. This system is a combination of Mobility, Stretching, Strength and Breath work to help you connect to your body in new ways as you prehab, rehab and recover from the stress in your mind and body. Register here: 21 Days of Movement Therapy Online
With Movement Therapy I help you move more freely to help you:
*Increase flexibility: especially for those of us who are not naturally flexible
*Prevent injuries.
*Increase body awareness: the more we understand, the better we can help it.
*Increase mobility: the better we move the better we feel.
*Improve circulation
*Improve your bodies immunity.
*Increase Core Strength: holds everything together
*Decrease stress, pain and inflammation throughout the body.
Reshmi Chetram
Guyanese-Canadian
Reshmi Chetram is an award winning reflexology therapist, reiki practitioner, movement coach & Indian classical dance educator with 20 years of experience. Reshmi currently serves as the founder of her newest venture, Reysh Rituals; a natural therapies studio. Reshmi’s work is deeply rooted in understanding how human emotion impacts the mind, body, spirit and how through natural modalities we can alleviate acute to chronic symptoms that may be the result of unprocessed, suppressed thoughts, feelings and energies.
The pillars of Reysh Rituals are in providing care for our physical, emotional, energetic & mental bodies through 1:1 care in studio & internationally via the RR Virtual Care Portal. Reshmi’s care blends east & western practices together with her personal insight and energy bringing to life what is now known as signature care at Reysh Rituals. The goal is to provide integrative natural health experiences that blend energetics, therapeutic touch, reflex points in the body & breath bringing each client back home to their bodies, mind & spirit.
What advice would you give to 13-year-old Reshmi?
“That contrary to popular belief you are not meant to just make it to the finish line, you are meant to take the scenic route, to explore, develop and understand yourself. Where you are, is where you are meant to be; kindness matters, speaking your truth matters, you can do difficult things. Your tool is your mind, your body & your spirit. At 13 success is liking yourself and that at 36, success is also, liking yourself. Don't be afraid to change, its' called evolution and we as human beings are meant to evolve. You are beautiful, you are smart, you are kind, you are incredible, you are needed and honey boo - you are LOVED .” - Reshmi
Check out some of Reshmi’s current wellness offerings:
If it's your first time at Reysh Rituals, booking a 1 hour integrative health session allows a full assessment & debrief + full care: RR Signature Special - Extended Session | Reysh Rituals
If you'd like to book a consultation to discuss what fits best you can do so herehere: Select a Date & Time - Calendly
Breanna C.Phillip MSW, RSW
Grenadian-Canadian
Breanna Chanelle Phillip is a registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist of Grenadian descent, who has been working in the field of community and social services for nearly a decade. Breanna has worked in various roles and settings, and most recently opened Breanna Chanelle Therapeutic Services, a psychotherapy practice that prioritizes the mental and emotional wellness of Black individuals, families and communities. Through her efforts in the field of Social Work, Breanna is dedicated to supporting individuals in owning, writing and re-writing their stories. She is determined to remind all that come in contact with her, that their stories matter and their voices deserve to be heard.
What advice would you give to 13-year-old Breanna?
“Hold tightly to your joy baby girl, this world will do some unfathomable things to try and steal it from you but hold on, and do not let go. Your joy is your biggest form of resistance.” - Breanna
Check out some of Breanna’s current offerings:
I am currently accepting psychotherapy clients through my practice Breanna Chanelle Therapeutic Services.
Here we prioritize Black wellness through culturally affirming psychotherapy and transformative dialogue for individuals, families, and communities.
Adenike Charles (Nike)
Nigerian Canadian
Adenike Charles (Nike) is the visionary behind Just2sweat, where fitness and faith intersect to spark life-changing transformations. With over two decades of marriage and raising two children (ages 18 and 14), Adenike understands the importance of balance and alignment in wellness. As a kinesiologist, certified personal trainer, life coach, and nutritional specialist, she’s dedicated to guiding you on your wellness journey. Adenike specializes in personalized one-on-one sessions, online coaching, and group training, tailored for women over 35, individuals with disabilities, and athletes seeking strength and conditioning. Beyond fitness, she leads corporate and church wellness workshops, fitness classes, and mentors young individuals. At her local church, she leads the Women’s Ministry, embodying her commitment to holistic well-being.
What advice would you give to 13-year-old Nike?
“Don't wear the the limiting behaviour labels place on you. You are a leader and will beat all the odds stacked against you. Chin up kid!” - Nike
Check out some of Nike’s current offerings:
Her 7 Week online fitness classes runs from April 8- May 24, 2024; register here: - 7 Week online fitness classes
Her 6 Week In person fitness classes runs from April 2- May 11, 2024; register here - 6 Week in person bootcamp
