Chloe Pierre, author of Take Care, The Black Women's Guide to Wellness, advocates for a more inclusive approach to wellness. These are some of her favorite spots in London that champion diversity and nourishment.
Less"Nobu Pilates is a gorgeous space and very friendly to attend, especially for someone who doesn’t fit the aesthetic of what wellbeing or Pilates looks like. It’s an incredible venture that was also started by a Black woman. For me, seeing more Black women, Black people, women of color, and people from marginalized backgrounds in the wellbeing space and industry is really important. It makes one feel accepted and that they belong. It also reinforces the idea that they have a right to wellbeing."
"Wild Roots yoga studio is a rare find in East London, especially in this day and age due to the pandemic’s impact on many small, wellness-focused businesses. It’s a beautiful, welcoming space that feels quite grassroots. They also run retreats. If you’re looking for a safe, beautiful, and genuinely friendly place run by friendly people, this is exactly the place you should be considering. It’s a blessing to have it not too far away."
"Sweaty Betty is one of my favorite athleisure brands. They are incredible, moving toward a more inclusive approach throughout their entire business. I love their workout wear. It’s not only functional and fit for purpose, but it also looks good. What I love about Sweaty Betty is that they’ve managed to sustain a beautiful space that the local community can access for events. I think this aspect of wellbeing, a genuine community, is often overlooked."
"I believe it’s crucial for individuals to explore various wellness methods, and Get A Drip, located on King’s Road, is one such place. This is their flagship store. They offer not only the vitamin drips that have surged in popularity over the past few years but also cryotherapy, which includes fat freezing and other freezing treatments. This is beneficial for anyone but especially for those who work out and have injuries."
"Studio Anatomy is a wonderful wellness space. They are based in E9, which is Hackney, where I grew up. It’s nice to see a dynamic reformer Pilates studio that is not only light-filled and beautiful but also maintained in the area where I grew up. I didn’t see enough of this when I was growing up, so this is the kind of gentrification that we appreciate. All the workouts are very accessible and fun, and it’s a place that everyone should know about."
"Latticia is based in Chiswick, a lovely area of London, where I wish I could spend more time. Her facials are, I would say, the future of wellbeing and facials. She comes from a background of using organic and handmade products, creating creams, moisturizers, and cosmetic products like candles, which are incredible. Her skillset is incredible, and I’m in awe of how she conducts her business. Seeing her representation within this space is really important, so she has to be on this list."
"I recently discovered the incredible effects of a Brazilian drainage massage delivered by hand by the incredible Sophie at Urban Retreat. A more vigorous but painless massage which sees smoother skin and less bloating in just one session."
"Jools is a Bio Sculpture nail technician. Although she works remotely, she is sometimes based in Liberty. Jools is not only a lovely person, but she is also incredible at her work. Bio Sculpture nails typically last about four weeks, but with Jools, you can expect them to last for six weeks. Being around her is a blessing. It’s refreshing to be around someone so diverse. As another Black member at the top of her game, she is well-respected for being her authentic self."
"Re Place London is the ultimate recovery spot in London. There’s so much focus on working out and achieving all these wellbeing goals, but there’s very little on sports recovery and allowing your body to recover other than sleep. What I love about Re Place is that it’s a purpose-built space and they are incredibly open. They are inclusive, friendly, and they champion not only the brands they support and the small businesses they have in-store but also entrepreneurs like me."
"She’s Lost Control truly champions my message, which is diversity within the wellbeing space. Not only do they stock my book, but they also offer classes for marginalized groups of women. You can learn about wellbeing and spirituality without feeling like a novice or fearing ridicule for not knowing which crystal is which or what this means. It’s both an entry point and a go-to place for spiritual workshops in London that focus on people’s wellbeing and fostering closer connections."