Building a Wellness Community for Women of Colour

Introduction

In Canada, wellness spaces that authentically center women of colour have been few and far between—until the birth of The Villij. Founded by Kimberly and Chanel, two Black women from Montreal, The Villij emerged as a response to the need for an inclusive, welcoming community where women of colour can gather, grow, and prioritize wellness without reservation. In a recent conversation, they shared the origin of their unique wellness venture, the impact they’re making, and how they’re reimagining wellness.

From Co-Workers to Co-Founders

“We were both travelers, had lived in different places, and realized we wanted something deeper here,” Chanel recalls. It wasn’t long before Kimberly’s call to create something concrete came—and The Villij was born.

Kimberly and Chanel’s friendship began in an office bathroom, of all places. Introduced by a mutual colleague, they connected over their love for community, wellness, and a shared experience of often feeling isolated within traditional wellness spaces. This mutual understanding blossomed into a vision: a space where women of colour, especially Black women, could gather and feel genuinely seen. This realization, combined with inspiration from family, ancestral resilience, and diverse cultural backgrounds, set the foundation for The Villij.

Creating Spaces for Representation

“We didn’t need permission,” says Kimberly. “We made a space that was ours, that felt like home for us and the women we wanted to support.” Their approach speaks to a lesson many entrepreneurs will recognize: sometimes, the way forward is to carve your own path.

The Villij began by hosting TrapSoul Yoga, a blend of yoga with R&B and trap beats that immediately resonated with the community. Their debut event in 2017 sold out, with many attendees trying yoga for the first time. The founders’ approach was simple yet revolutionary: they designed experiences that felt true to them. As Chanel explained, they didn’t need permission to create something new; they were simply building for themselves and “the homegirls.”

Traditional wellness spaces in Canada often lack cultural resonance, as Chanel and Kimberly both experienced firsthand. For Kimberly, stepping into a predominantly white, “thin” yoga studio was alienating. With The Villij, she and Chanel set out to address the lack of representation by creating wellness experiences that feel inclusive, fun, and authentically “for us, by us.”

Evolving Through Challenge: Building The Villij During COVID-19

When the pandemic hit, Kimberly and Chanel pivoted quickly. Within weeks, they launched TrapSoul Yoga at Home, a virtual subscription service. Seeing participants join from Canada, the Caribbean, the U.K., and the U.S., they realized the importance of providing culturally relevant wellness experiences on a global scale.

Next, they launched Inner Villij, a holistic subscription that expanded beyond yoga. The online community included yoga, bar classes, weekly workshops, and access to therapists. This experience, though intense to produce, deepened their reach and connection with their audience, proving that wellness transcends physical spaces.

Building a Physical Community Hub: The Villij Studio

“It felt like a blessing,” Chanel reflects. “To have someone believe in us and the work we’re doing enough to trust us with their space—it was incredible.”

Their work continued to evolve. After years of successful pop-ups in Toronto, The Villij founders received an unexpected opportunity: the yoga studio they’d been renting offered them full ownership. Though initially hesitant, they knew this was a sign to expand their mission. Kimberly and Chanel took the leap, creating a permanent community space in Toronto—a milestone that marked a new era for The Villij.

Expanding a Vision for Wellness

The Villij’s journey is far from over. Beyond Toronto, they envision expanding their offerings to international audiences through pop-ups, virtual sessions, and eventually, wellness retreats that embrace both physical and mental wellness. Their plans for the future include expanding into mental health support, retailing their signature “Just Checking In” card game, and creating collaborative wellness products. Each initiative aligns with their core mission: to create accessible, inclusive wellness spaces that reflect and honor the diverse experiences of women of colour.

Lessons on Intuition and Resilience

For those considering similar ventures, Kimberly and Chanel emphasize the importance of intuition. Building The Villij has been a journey of taking one step at a time, fueled by passion and guided by a sense of purpose. As Chanel shared, they didn’t wait for the perfect plan—they simply started and adapted as they grew. For them, every experience, no matter how challenging, contributed to a community that now stands as a testament to resilience, trust, and authenticity.

A Legacy for Women of Colour

The Villij is a vibrant reminder that spaces for Black wellness are not just needed—they’re essential. Kimberly and Chanel’s story illustrates the power of creating something that doesn’t just fill a gap but creates a legacy, empowering women of colour to show up, care for themselves, and thrive unapologetically.