#shotbybeckford

[simply-shakera]

Honestly, I could use one of these right now... and ideally again from @candice_nikita I’m a hugger so this social distancing hits different man 🥺 Hugs are so healing and such a positive source of connection. I do wonder sometimes what exchanges will be like once a bit more normalcy surfaces in society? If you’re a hugger like me, how have you been coping lately? #strongwomen #simplyshakera #shotbybeckford #vibes #healing #thursdaylove #hugs #love #connection #melanin #jodiannebeckfordphotography (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNs56aflof1/?igshid=poldlk6gvn79

[simply-shakera]

Didn’t expect to spend the 7th anniversary of #CarnivalSpice without my #SpiceFam... but thanks to the beauty of tech, I won’t have to 🙏🏾 ...I’ll be leading a virtual soca dance party Friday, March 27th at 8pm over on the @carnivalspice page via #IGlive. The experience will be free but - donations are welcome (dm for info)... * * * Tell a friend + Share the info 💗 Di stage nuh good again so have yuh watah & rag ready, xo. * * * #shotbybeckford #soca #simplyshakera #celebration #caribbeanfitness #torontodancers #fitness #communityovercovid #torontofitness #stayhome #socaclass #socamusic #quarantine #freeworkout #caribbeancardio #onlineworkouts #athomeworkout #danceparty (at Fit Squad Training) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-N8vSIl5__/?igshid=od5etyciuzza

[simply-shakera]

Normally Tuesdays I’d be headed to @humberfitnessnorth for #carnivalspice class but obvi that won’t happen today. Humber Crew - I’m gonna miss you guys. This has truly been one of my favourite semesters yet ✨ * * Instead I will be leading a free spice workshop on IG LIVE for everyone via @carnivalspice at 5pm. Hoping it will bring a bit of joy to your week. Stay safe out their friends and keep moving those bodies of yours, xo. * * 📸 @jodianne.beckford #wellness #melanin #energy #community #torontolife #naturalista #shotbybeckford #virtualclass #simplyshakera #SELFLOVE #celebrate #livingwithintention #blkcreative #soca #gratitude #dance #torontocanada (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/B91yDUKFzp5/?igshid=1suzeufvrabqc

[simply-shakera]

[BLOG POST] Dropped a new blog post today giving a recap of my amazing time at the #todayirise black history month event. A celebration of melanin, wellness, strength and joy. To the ladies I had the privilege of meeting, you are all gems. Thank you again to @iriseyoga @nicoleacardoza @niketoronto for such a powerful evening. ✨ * * Head to simplyshakera.com/blog to check it out or click the link in my bio. * * 📸 @jodianne.beckford #wellness #melanin #energy #untilweallwin #community #torontolife #naturalista #yoga #blackgirlmagic #melaninblogger #simplyshakera #SELFLOVE #livingwithintention #blkcreative #curlygirls #gratitude #shotbybeckford #blackhistorymonth #bloggersofinstagram (at 889) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9FeSAoFPBF/?igshid=1m4h5ev3merfu

[simply-shakera]

Today I Rise - Event Recap

Photo by: @jodianne.beckford

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.

…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!

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.

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.

#untillweallwin