Behind the Glow: Women Driving Wellness in Our Village

At ITAVcollab,  innovation isn’t just about technology or strategy—it’s about the people who bring ideas to life. The women that we collaborate with are leaders, visionaries, and changemakers, shaping not only their company but the communities they serve. In this special series, we highlight the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of the incredible Black women blazing their own paths within the wellness space.

Ma’Sheka, Founder of A Healthier You, Inc:
Pioneering Holistic Wellness for Community Transformation
For Ma’Sheka, wellness has always been a part of her life. Raised in a family that emphasized fitness, mindfulness, and healthy living, she had a strong foundation in external wellness. However, her true understanding of holistic health came in 2018, when stress-induced hives forced her to reexamine her approach to self-care.“I wasn’t even aware I was stressed until someone introduced me to yoga,” she recalls. This realization opened the door to a deeper understanding of wellness, leading her to integrate yoga, sound healing, herbal medicine, and mindfulness into her life. She transformed this passion into A Healthier You, Inc. (AHY), a nonprofit dedicated to helping others achieve balance in all aspects of life—mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, and socially. 

One of the biggest hurdles Ma’Sheka has faced is shifting the perception of wellness from a luxury to a necessity, particularly in underserved communities. She overcame this challenge by leading with authenticity, education, and collaboration. ITAVcollab has played a crucial role in her journey, offering referrals, resources, and space for AHY to expand its reach. “I want people to feel empowered, capable, and supported in their wellness journeys,” she says. Through her work, Ma’Sheka is creating a ripple effect—one where wellness is not just a momentary goal but a lifelong practice.

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Lauren, Founder LoveWell Ministries:
Centering Wellness on Community and Sustainability
Lauren approaches wellness from a unique perspective—one that prioritizes social, mental, and spiritual well-being without centering capitalism. “I think it’s important to pull from our source—body, mind, and spirit—to truly cultivate a wellness routine that’s sustainable through it all,” she shares. Her mission is to create wellness practices that are not just trends but generational transformations, particularly for the Black community.


At the heart of Lauren’s work is collaboration. As a leader at Lovewell, she understands that wellness is a collective effort. She has built strong relationships with organizations that share her vision, including ITAVcollab. 
“ITAVcollab has supported fundraisers, events, and our programming, like Take Up Space, and has allowed me to be a presenter and workshop facilitator at the Queen Bee Retreat,” she explains. Through these collaborations, Lauren is ensuring that wellness remains accessible, sustainable, and community-driven. 

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Shaiday, Founder of Sunflxw Artistry: Movement as a Source of Healing
 Shaiday’s  wellness journey began with personal adversity. After breaking her foot, she turned to yoga for physical healing, unaware that it would spark a profound transformation in her life. “I realized that taking care of my body and truly listening to its needs kept me going,” she reflects. What started as a search for physical healing transformed into a deeper connection with herself. Through yoga, she learned to listen to her body, grow its strength, and eventually became a yoga teacher, sharing her healing practices with others. Over time, her approach expanded into a holistic wellness practice that continues to guide her work today.

As a woman in wellness, Shaiday has faced challenges such as societal pressures and the commercialization of wellness, but she's found strength in embracing her authenticity. By setting boundaries and prioritizing her well-being, she empowers herself and those she serves. “I’m DONE people-pleasing,” she declares, knowing the value of the wisdom she brings to her clients and community.
Looking ahead, Shaiday envisions a wellness revolution where women reclaim their divine feminine energy and nurture themselves and their communities. With the support of her collaborations, particularly with ITAVcollab, Shaiday is committed to creating a lasting impact. Her journey continues to inspire others to trust their own paths and embrace wellness in all its forms.​

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​The Power of Women in Innovation at ITAVcollab
The stories of Ma’Sheka, Lauren, and Shaiday are just a glimpse into the incredible impact of the women within our community. Their journeys reflect resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to change. They have overcome barriers, challenged industry norms, and built pathways for others to follow.

4 Takeaways from These Leaders:

• Wellness is not one-size-fits-all true innovation comes from integrating diverse approaches.
• Collaboration amplifies impact by working together, communities can create lasting change.
• Breaking barriers requires persistence women in wellness often face skepticism, but their work is essential for creating sustainable solutions.
• Impact doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful, small, consistent efforts lead to meaningful transformations.

Looking ahead, these women see a future where holistic health is fully integrated into everyday life, where community-driven wellness models replace quick-fix solutions, and where women continue leading the charge across the globe!