Meet Essence Smith | Certified Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator, Certified Yoga Instructor, Creative Director, International Dancer
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We had the good fortune of connecting with Essence Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Essence, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As the founder and director of, Uniquely You, my community goal is to create a safe space where individuals are educated on the “Essence of L.I.F.E.” In order for them to Learn Independence For Excellence (L.I.F.E), they need to understand the true meaning of self-esteem, self-awareness, social awareness, “life skills, and coping strategies.
I’ve created a platform that allows me to infuse holistic care with social and emotional practices to individuals who suffer from post-pandemic stress and trauma. Uniquely You is a coed dance infusion course that blends performing arts with character education and holistic wellness.
What should our readers know about your business?
The Power of Afro Infused Yoga and Meditation
Uniquely You incorporates Afro yoga which is an infusion of dance movements of the African Diaspora with meditative yogic practices and healing rhythmic tunes. During our time together, students, parents, and members of the community come together in a judgement free environment to reconnect with their mind, body, and soul. The therapeutic stretches target certain areas to help you gain strength, flexibility, and release muscle tightness.
With over 15 years of professional dancing experience, I’ve had the opportunity to perform domestically and internationally as well as partner with Apple Incorporation. Being a traveling yoga and social and emotional learning facilitator, allows me to infuse the five competencies of SEL and my intercultural competence into our Afro-Yoga session. Music and affirmations are heavily included during our sessions because research shows that listening to music and saying daily affirmations can reduce anxiety and depression, reprogram the mind to think positively, as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory. This provides attendees to get a total mind, body, and soul workout.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a traveling full figure entertainer, so I’m either at the dance studio or somewhere exploring artistic events around the city.
Mondays: Self Care Day where I focus on recharging and meal prepping. I actually consider cooking therapy because I find peace in shopping at the farmers market for fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, I’m able to spend quality time with my mom by creating meals with her, and most importantly I cook with LOVE.
Tuesdays: I attend Madmiles which is a black owned run group that welcomes all levels.
Wednesdays: Dance Training with my dance team HOUSE OF DREAMS.
Thursday: Dance Training with my dance group, 4THIRTYTWO, which is a plus size dance team geared towards empowering full figure women.
Friday: Camp North end to explore different events such as poetry night, sip and paint, or other artistic event.
Saturday/Sunday; I normally have a traveling performance on the weekends which is either in state or out of state. If not, I spend most of my day at the farmers market then work my part time job afterwards.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I consider myself a spiritual person, so I have a strong relationship with God in my life. With his guidance and my faithfulness to his word, I truly strive to live out his purpose within my journey. Throughout every steppingstone and even certain periods in my life where I lost faith, God has never failed me. For that, I truly give God all the praise, glory, and recognition.
Website: https://dreamerslab.org
Instagram: Dance Page- Crown4Royalty
Other: Hair Wellness Instagram Page: Ladye_luscious-locs
Plus size Dance Team: 4ThirtyTwo