A Wellness Advocate Shares Her Style & Beauty Favourites
My passion has always been about fostering human connection. I started working in the PR world, believing I just needed a creative outlet to explore this. I later started a blog to take on freelance projects, but I soon realised I was burning out – which led me to create Thy.Self, a platform for inclusive wellness through self-care.
My initial wellness experiences weren't positive. I was made to feel as if I wasn't welcome based on how I look, specifically as a curvy, melanated woman. Further research into the wellness space told me there was something wrong with the entire landscape. This is why I built Thy.Self – as a community to practise wellness in safe spaces. The subsequent pandemic and BLM movement grew it from a community into a business.
Wellness should be taught, protected and shared – and it must be inclusive. For example, breathwork is my specialism because it’s a wellness practice we all have access to. It’s not just about hosting a Pilates class for influencers who all look the same or just creating intersectional wellness initiatives. For me, it's knowing how to embrace and cater to the diverse needs of all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, socioeconomic status or cultural background.
FASHION & STYLE
My style is still evolving. Generally speaking, I would describe it as chic, effortless and body positive. I embrace a mix of classic silhouettes and modern trends, often choosing pieces that accentuate my curves and reflect my confidence. Growing up with a body shape that wasn't portrayed positively across mainstream media wasn't easy. Knowing what works for me has helped me. For example, understanding particular fabrics and proportions I like ensures I’ll feel good in what I’m wearing. I can then shop from anywhere online. I also always recommend experimentation. Be it shapes, styles, cuts, trends – don’t limit yourself. I also recommend dressing in front of the mirror and not being afraid to see your body in its purest form. Get to know your own body to find out what works and what doesn’t. That's true body confidence and acceptance.
Adanola is one of my go-to brands. Nike is another one I’ve loved since childhood. I love teaming workout sets with tailored white shirts and comfy socks. When it comes to brands, I expect them to be size inclusive, have consumer awareness or at least be making steps to become more inclusive. That applies to imagery. I want to see inclusivity across all their output.
The coastal and quiet luxury trends are two I’ve enjoyed recently. Dissh ticks all the boxes while still being affordable – plus, I find the clothes quite well-suited to my own shape and size. Linens are a staple because they can be layered. For colour, sizing and feel-good factor, Farm Rio is it.
I prefer a curve-friendly pair jeans with a bodysuit from either Skims, Spanx or Pantee. There’s something about shapewear that just makes me feel like I’ve got everything together. On the days that I don’t feel my best, I always opt for a co-ordinated piece of athleisure. Not only does it make me feel comfortable, it encourages me to work out, which is a great way to maintain your mental health.
I love discovering new brands. I’m really impressed by Rumluh – a modest fashion brand run by Chinutay. The dresses are so flattering – plus, the cinched waists are perfect. I’m really enjoying dressing more modestly at the moment – maybe living in the UAE is influencing me. I’m excited to see the return of Omolola Jewellery and need to get one of the Jamaica necklaces – I haven't seen a creative, stylised version of this before.
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
My skincare routine is clean and low maintenance. Alongside consuming lots of water and electrolytes, I tend to opt for water-based products like Tatcha’s The Water Cream. SPF designed for darker skin is also essential.
If you’re just starting your self-care journey, take your time. Know why you are starting this, how and what you want to feel, and start building your mental health toolkit. It's important to know that wellness has so many dimensions, so explore them all at a pace that works for you and your lifestyle.
I’ve said it already, but breathwork is a powerful and easily accessible wellness practice. It harnesses the transformative power of conscious breathing to enhance physical wellbeing, mental clarity and emotional resilience. It’s steeped in ancient history and offers a profound journey of self-discovery and healing, fostering inner peace and holistic wellness. I used breathwork unknowingly for years. It was something my mum was incredibly strict on growing up and, quite honestly, it was crucial in my son’s birth too. It really helps maintain composure and clarity in this challenging world.
I swear by easily accessible wellness habits. For example, the power of water, hydration and hydrotherapy. Water is known to bring pain relief. I learnt this truly through active labour. It's important to know the structure of water, and how teamed with electrolytes and electrolyte replacements as well as vitamins and minerals it can support a better or more well life. Also, being close to nature is almost like free therapy.
Magnesium and vitamin D supplements are my non-negotiables. But I’m actually convinced that most ailments start with poor hydration and stress. I take hydration supplements and breathe before seeking out anything else.
I’m definitely a mobile massage kind of person. It doesn't make the most sense to me to get into a zen state only then to have to brace London afterwards – so I like to use Urban Massage in London or I book directly with Sophie from MBD London. Next on my list to try is London’s AIRE Ancient Baths because hammams are super underrated outside of the Middle East and Mediterranean.
There are so many inspiring wellness girls to follow online. I have to shout out @SoulBodyByPhoebe, @Wellness_By_Georgina, @Rayanna.Raye and @MyNameIsJessamyn for bringing inclusive representation and techniques to social media and into studio settings.
TRAVEL & CULTURE
I love boutique hotels – preferably somewhere with a good wellness scene that's child friendly. I like places that also have access to the local culture so I can learn something from the trip. I like to wake up with the sun, take a walk or check out something in the area and then enjoy the food.
I’m a born and bred Londoner so I have lots of classic restaurants in the city. Dalston’s Peppers & Spice is a local Caribbean and cultural institution. Try every dish, especially the vegan options – Caribbeans know how to do vegan so well – but you also have to leave with a patty. I also love Gloria's for the grown-up Italian vibes, Nobu never hurts, and I’m really excited to try Bistro Freddie too.
A spicy margarita is my go-to order. I’m not drinking as much at the moment, but you cannot fault a Soho House Picante either. When it comes to coffee, I’m such a basic full-fat latte girl.
These days my go-to meal has been a rocket and parmesan salad with a quality steak. I’m obsessed with Spinney’s steak rub or a grilled chicken breast. If I’m eating with my family, it's likely to be a spaghetti bolognese.
I love the underrated vegetables, like squash and beetroot. They’re so rich in antioxidants and can be seasoned so well. Beets give you natural energy too. I want to try them as chips in the air fryer soon. I’ve also been throwing seeds and grains onto my meals to boost my energy without trying hard.
The Adanola team recently gifted me Atomic Habits and I’m looking forward to reading it. I’ve also added Sundus Abdul Hadi’s Take Care of Yourself to my reading list – if I can learn more about wellness and global diasporic cultures, I'm always invested.
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