Blk Women Wellness Co. Fosters Community, Healing, And Access For Black Women

What began as one woman’s passion project is now part of a broader movement to expand wellness access and create inclusive community spaces for underserved groups across New Jersey and beyond. 

BLK Women Wellness Collective, founded by Shannon Qualls, blends yoga, meditation, nutrition, and connection into events that welcome Black women into spaces historically closed off to them. From vision board brunches to mental health resource drives, her work is both deeply personal and part of a statewide shift toward more equitable wellness opportunities.

From Passion Project to Growing Movement

For Qualls, wellness is more than a trend. BLK Women Wellness Collective began when she was studying sociology and journalism at Stony Brook University and turned into a thriving community hub dedicated to making wellness accessible, relatable, and culturally relevant for Black women.

Qualls started sharing digestible wellness information on Instagram in 2017, with topics ranging from the importance of boundaries to highlighting Black women nutritionists, doctors, and mental health practitioners. Over time, her following grew, and so did her vision.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Qualls became a certified yoga instructor and meditation practitioner. She hosted free wellness events for Black women in New York City, which led to a growing calendar of gatherings: yoga classes, walks in Central Park, themed brunches, and retreats.

Though her events have primarily taken place in New York City, Qualls is taking her practice into New Jersey. She recently partnered with a New Jersey-based wellness brand for a wellness activation at the One Love Music Fest in Newark and plans to expand further into the tri-state area with a full calendar of events and merchandise in 2025 and beyond.

Making Wellness Accessible

Her mission is to create luxury wellness experiences that are accessible to everyday women. “Wellness has become so tied to finances or influencer status,” Qualls said. “I wanted to make sure my mom, my aunt, and women like me feel like they belong in those spaces too.”

Events are designed to be both restorative and connective. Popular offerings include the annual Vision Board and Brunch at a Black woman-owned Brooklyn restaurant and Galentine’s Yoga, which also collects donations for women in need. “People don’t just show up for the activities. They build relationships,” Qualls said. “It feels like a sisterhood.”

Collaborating With Purpose

Qualls is intentional about collaborations, working primarily with Black women professionals in wellness. 

“Credentials matter, but so does the ‘why,’” she said. “I want people who share the mission and are invested in the community.”

One of her proudest moments came when a woman in her 60s told her she felt completely included and safe at an event. “Wellness is for everyone at every age, at every stage,” Qualls said. “If we can give that to ourselves, we can heal generationally.”

Looking Ahead

Despite challenges such as funding and protecting her brand from imitators, Qualls remains committed. Recently laid off from her tech job, she is going all-in on her business and on herself. She is prioritizing personal wellness through long walks and rediscovering the joy of reading while planning an expanded 2025 and 2026 events calendar, merchandise line, and more programming in New Jersey.

Joining the BLK Women Wellness Collective community is as simple as following the Instagram page, signing up for the newsletter, and RSVPing for events. 

“We’re cousins now,” Qualls laughed. “Just come as you are. No prerequisites. Just a willingness to pour into yourself.”

For Qualls, the work is deeply personal and the impact is clear. 

“The follower count is small,” she said, “but the community is big.”

This story is part of NJ Urban News’ Black Business Spotlight, uplifting Black-owned excellence across New Jersey. Know a business we should feature? Email us at editorial@njurbannews.com