General, Spirituality

Shining a Spotlight on Diversity in Wellness

Shining a Spotlight on Diversity in Wellness

This article is dedicated to celebrating diversity in the wellness community. I posted a video to TikTok recently addressing the controversy around the wellness-to-QAnon pipeline. Check out the video here:

@azeezahgoodwin

Stay tuned for the post! I should have it up on the site by tomorrow ❤️

♬ original sound – Azeezah Goodwin

Articles like this one published by Harper’s Bazaar decrying “privileged, whitewashed, holistic health ideology that so often tips into science denialism, anti-vaccine activism, and, in some cases, the promotion of outright conspiracy theories” ignore the wealth of diverse backgrounds and perspectives present within the mainstream wellness community.

To the extent that the wellness space is perceived as whitewashed, I put forth the challenge to diversify your follows. And how lucky for you! I have compiled a list of some of my favorite wellness creators to help you do just that.

Aparna

I came across Aparna after seeing her go live with Kimmy Smalls on Instagram. Aparna is an Aryuvedic Health Practitioner and Dharma Coach. Aparna said during the live that studying Aryuveda after receiving training in herbalism helped her connect with her Southeast Asian heritage.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVGuMSqhAkI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Khaki Martin

I came across Khaki after she performed an incredible sound bowl session during the most recent Sakara Life Affiliate Summit. Khaki has such a warm, lovely energy and I am constantly reposting the inspirational content she shares in her Stories and on her feed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca72P3crmFD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Amanda Gloria Valdes

I met Amanda a few years ago in NYC during a Sakara Life event and we’ve been friends ever since. Amanda is a yoga instructor at Y7 and also offers her services as a doula. I had the privilege of interviewing Amanda last year regarding her work as a doula for my YouTube channel (for more, click here).

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUph117r5H_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
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Laura Chung

Laura is one of my favorite wellness creators to follow on TikTok. I admire her for pushing for more inclusive narratives around popular spiritual practices like manifestation. I also love how keeps it fun and funny, just as you’d expect on TikTok. An example:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iamlaurachung/video/7002280738489928965

Shadeen Francis

Shadeen is a sex and relationship therapist. She’s also one of the founding experts for the emotional wellness app Mine’d. Shadeen’ s content encourages us to use pleasure as a way to get in touch with ourselves by becoming more embodied.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CENiq1gJbHg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Black Rican Vegan

Based in the Bronx, Black Rican Vegan makes bomb vegan Puerto Rican dishes (in case you couldn’t tell). By veganizing some of her favorite dishes, Chef Lyanna Blount encourages fans of Puerto Rican cuisine to try plant-based versions of their favorite meals. Additionally, she offers a way for vegans and vegetarians to try a wider range of Puerto Rican dishes. A win-win.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZmjgx3uRz8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Chelsea Clark

A fellow Floridian, Chelsea is a great creator to follow for all things wellness. I love that her content features practical tips, like how to intentionally care for your eyes after looking at screens for hours a day for work.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CanxagYrXL4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Dr. Rocio Rosales Meza

Dr. Rosales Meza is a beautiful soul doing the incredible work of helping BIPOC women heal generational trauma stemming from colonialism. I came across her work during the height of the protests in the wake of the murder George Floyd (RIP). I participated in her group meditations, which were an incredible experience.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3yn2UrqHA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Who are some of your favorite wellness content creators? Let me know in the comments!

By Azeezah Goodwin

Azeezah Goodwin is the Editor & Founder of La Vie de Zee as well as the Founder of The Miami Events Newsletter & The NYC Events Newsletter. She travels frequently between Miami & NYC. Azeezah is a University of Southern California, University of Virginia School of Law and Sciences Po Paris alum. She enjoys Reformer Pilates, Padel, beach days, shopping and spending time with good friends and family.

Follow her on TikTok: @azeezahgoodwin
Follow her on Instagram: @azeezahgoodwin