Dr Safeeya Mohammed
guardian.wemagazine@gmail.com
To many SHE Casa is a haven where one can escape and return invigorated and ready to take on the world! Be it engaging your core in gravity defining pole dancing classes, learning a new dance move and activating muscles you didn’t realise you had, or destressing with like-minded women in a space that feels like a sanctuary!
SHE Casa is that space that encourages women to be their best S.H.E. : Sexy, Healthy, and Energetic and as they celebrate their 10th anniversary, the many clients over the years can attest to this mission being accomplished.
Managing director and founder of SHE Casa, Joella Corneille, envisioned this multipurpose lifestyle centre for women, merging her background in hospitality, administration and entrepreneurship with her passion for dance and fitness and launched SHE Casa with the goal of being a ‘women-only’ feel good centre focusing on healthy lifestyles and confidence building while having fun.
The mission was firmly enshrined: “Women supporting each other, to achieve holistic personal growth.”
Dancing from age three
Corneille never imagined that dance and fitness would become such a significant factor in her career. She started dancing at the age of three and participated in various genres of dance classes for more than three decades. During that journey, she competed and medalled in various aerobic competitions which eventually led to training others for those competitions.
Corneille said: “At this time, this was just an extracurricular activity/hobby while I was a teller at a financial institution, trying to figure out a career path. Subsequently, I studied Hotel Management at the Centre for Hotel and Tourism Management in the Bahamas and secured a managerial position at an international hotel chain. I firmly believed that I was getting ready for a long and illustrious career in hospitality. But the universe had other plans!”
Creativity catalysed the pivot
Her warm personality and compassionate nature fostered conversations with women in varying spheres.
“They shared their challenges, successful women with hidden insecurities, some not having a space to comfortably be themselves and detox. I always felt like there was more to be done, more I can do to help women, and that we did with SHE Casa. My passion and creativity pivoted me to this next entrepreneurial stage, where SHE Casa was birthed.
“Managing my own business came with many adversities. The biggest challenge has been trying to make a significant impact, while trying to survive financially as a business. I learnt very early, the strength in focusing on the goal, diversifying the business and asking for help where needed.”
SHE Casa Social Club
SHE Casa diversified their activities to fill the gaps and needs expressed by the clients in those conversations with founder Joelle Corneille.
“We developed events for women to socialize, network and learn from each other - Sip & Colour, hikes, karaoke and our signature event SHE Talks,” she shared.
“However, the pandemic, hampered these in person activities and various shifts were necessary to stay afloat.”
“How did SHE Casa survive the pandemic?” WE asked.
“Immediately the classes were shifted to online using whatever platforms and resources were available. Members were in the middle of their monthly packages so the first thought was honouring that commitment in any possible way,” Corneille explained.
“We were eventually able to reach women who were no longer barred by distance. These online classes became a source of purpose and an outlet for both instructors and participants during this time of global uncertainty. We were even able to expand the services of the club during this period as we hosted free online self-defence sessions with a qualified martial arts instructor.”
Attention to self-care
In the past ten years, SHE Casa has offered various “Me Time” activities placing that emphasis on self-care. This plays a key role in one’s self-image and self-confidence, especially in this fast-paced world. Self-care can help one isolate time to disconnect from overwhelming issues and encourage person to equilibrate and find that healthy balance.
“Self-care is important for all, especially women who deprioritise their wellbeing,” Corneille said. “The activities at SHE Casa are all planned with attention to Self-care for women.”
SHEflex Dance Fitness
SHEflex is the signature dance-fitness activity designed and perfected by Joelle Corneille. Some may incorporate the pole dancing exercises.
Corneille explained: “The session is meant to give women the opportunity to feel liberated in a safe and supportive space. Some of the movements are quite provocative but within the encouraging space, when the participants complete the dance routine, their level of confidence soars!”
Corneille shares there are many benefits to the SHEflex Fitness routines:
• Puts you in a better mood. It is very unlikely that you will leave your SHEflex session in a bad mood.
• It is an awesome social activity.
• The class gets your heart pumping a little faster and definitely improves your cardiovascular health. The Caribbean music is very infectious and makes it impossible to remain still.
• Even though you are having so much fun, it is still a workout, therefore if accompanied with a proper diet it will work for weight loss.
• Learning the simple routines will result in better coordination and improved mental health.
• Available to all adult women regardless of age, size or previous experience.
One regular client said: “Dancing at SHE Casa makes me feel empowered, beautiful AND healthy. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to unwind and improve my fitness level, all while experiencing the unique sisterhood.”
Her advice to women: “Practise self-care!
“It isn’t always easy, but there’s nothing you can’t do! Be the best you possible. Take care of your mental health along with taking care of your physical health! We’ve spent the past three years dealing with the pandemic, and almost all of us have experienced a rollercoaster ride in our lives.
“And remember to dance!”
As one of the many SHE Casa clients shared: “I forget all my stresses for that brief period, while I am dancing, and I escape into my own world of happiness!”