It’s no secret that wellness is on people’s minds around this time of year. The last two Forbes health surveys on New Year’s resolutions found physical and mental health seesaw as the top focus for U.S. adults. While New York City has no shortage of diverse wellness companies, we rounded up seven small businesses that are run by community-minded people of color.
From herbal teas that encourage you to take a moment for yourself to intimate fitness classes and life coaching sessions, here are some of our favorite NYC wellness offerings.
Fringe Pilates
In the heart of Flatbush, Tayler “Tay” Milburn’s Fringe Pilates is redefining fitness with a focus on diversity and community. Milburn’s journey from kindergarten teacher to Pilates studio owner began with a health scare that led her to discover the healing power of Pilates.
Fringe Pilates stands out for its inclusive atmosphere, where women of color find a safe and supportive space to prioritize their health. Milburn’s approach, shaped by her experience as a teacher, helps clients feel comfortable as they learn new movements and focus on their individual fitness journey. The studio’s small class sizes ensure personalized attention and a sense of community. Read more about Fringe Pilates here.
147 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn
Tuned
This might be the year you learn to ride a bike — or upgrade your wheels to make riding even more pleasurable. Tuned, based in Gowanus, offers more than just bike repairs. Co-owners Tijon Randall, Joy Liu, and Vincent Cabrera have created a welcoming space that combines expert service with a touch of hospitality.
The shop’s ambience, complete with the aroma of incense, free coffee, and friendly chatter, challenges the typical bike shop stereotype. And as Black, Latino, and Asian co-owners, they’re breaking barriers in an industry often dominated by white men. Read more about Tuned here.
291 Nevins St., Brooklyn
Follow on Instagram at @tuned.by.
GoodForm Studios
At Rockaway Beach, GoodForm Studios is making waves as an inclusive fitness space that prioritizes form and technique. Founded by Monice Small, the studio offers a unique approach to strength training and community building.
GoodForm Studios operates on a membership model that combines private sessions with group classes. The studio’s staff, primarily women of color, brings diverse experiences to their coaching, creating a safe space for clients of all backgrounds and body types. To that end, Small encourages people to embrace their power by embodying fitness archetypes like ‘pilates princess’ or ‘muscle mommy’ during their journey. Read more about GoodForm Studios here.
88-08 Rockaway Beach Blvd
Follow on Instagram at @goodform_studios.
Mpower Productions
Dr. Wendy Ward’s Mpower Productions offers a unique blend of life coaching and self-empowerment. As both an anesthesiologist and a holistic healer, Dr. Ward combines science and spirituality to create transformative experiences.
Mpower Productions focuses on stress management, resilience building, and helping clients recognize their unique strengths. Dr. Ward’s unconventional approach, which might include donning a Knicks jersey during presentations at schools, helps her connect with young people on a relatable level. Her work extends beyond local schools to individual clients across the country and even in Europe. Read more about MPower Productions here.
CherVitality
In the heart of Queens, CherVitality is mixing things up in the wellness space through the power of Caribbean herbs. Founded by dietitian Cherie Conliffe, this company blends traditional knowledge with modern nutrition science. Growing up in Brooklyn’s Brownsville, Conliffe witnessed the impact of so-called food deserts on community health. This experience, combined with her Caribbean heritage, led her to rediscover the nutrient-rich Moringa plant.
CherVitality’s signature Moringa tea blends and sea moss beverages have gained popularity at farmers markets and Black-owned stores across Queens. Conliffe’s mission extends beyond selling products; she actively educates her community about nutrition through workshops and tea parties. Read more about CherVitality here.
Shop online here.
Follow on Instagram @moringaboost.
Read more of our small business stories here.
