Shani McGraham-Shirley’s holistic method to wellness | Lifefashion

From the brilliant lights of the Miss Universe Jamaica stage to the energetic pulse of her Caribbean Fit Fiyah Soca exercises, Shani McGraham-Shirley has all the time been a girl on a mission. However, her path to empowerment has been something however standard. Today, as a health skilled, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and mom of three, McGraham-Shirley continues to encourage ladies throughout Jamaica and past to embrace wellness, resilience, and authenticity in all areas of life.

“I’ve always believed in the power of community for women,” mentioned McGraham-Shirley, who’s one in every of 10 audio system on the January 31 Women Ignite Success Summit. “Many of us feel so alone in this journey of life, facing challenges we think no one else understands. But when we share our experiences, we realise we’re not alone. That takes away the shame we often feel, whether it’s struggling in marriage, coping with the ups and downs of motherhood, or dealing with changes during perimenopause and menopause. These are universal experiences, and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

McGraham-Shirley’s dedication to empowering ladies is deeply rooted in her personal life experiences. From a younger age, she naturally turned a mentor and confidante for her friends. “I was that youngster from 10 or 11, helping other girls understand their bodies and what to expect when their periods began. My mother had educated me so well, and I realised many girls at my school hadn’t received that knowledge. I carried a little book she gave me, showing them their cycles and what to expect. I would even carry classmates who felt unwell to the nurse or help them speak to an adult they trusted. Ironically, this is exactly what I’m doing now, but on a much larger, social media-based platform. It has always been innate [for] me.”

This intuition to nurture and educate seamlessly transitioned into her skilled life. As an honours graduate of The Mico University College with a level in particular schooling, McGraham-Shirley developed a novel capacity to interrupt down advanced ideas into classes anybody may perceive. “Adults are just oversized children with a lot of baggage,” she mentioned, laughing. “Being able to teach children, especially those with learning challenges, prepared me to connect with women. I know how to teach in ways that are digestible, relatable, and empathetic. And that’s exactly what I do in fitness and wellness spaces — people need to feel understood before they can be transformed.”

Her signature Caribbean Fit Fiyah Soca collection is an ideal instance. Blending high-energy motion with the rhythm and spirit of Caribbean music, these classes are designed to empower ladies bodily, emotionally, and mentally. “Confidence is not based on size or appearance,” she mentioned. “It’s about believing in yourself and embracing your journey. Fitness should be joyful, not a measure of perfection.”

McGraham-Shirley’s philosophy of wellness goes past the bodily. She views it as a holistic pursuit, encompassing emotional, psychological, religious, and monetary well being. “Exercise isn’t just about losing weight or toning your body. It’s about regulating stress, releasing endorphins, strengthening your heart, and improving mental clarity. It helps me manage life’s pressures, be a better wife, mother, and boss. Fitness and wellness touch every part of life, from your interpersonal relationships to your financial decisions. Everything is connected.”

Her private journey hasn’t been with out challenges. Entering Miss Universe Jamaica at simply 18 uncovered her to scrutiny and pressures that might simply have undermined her confidence. “At that age, it was an eye-opening experience. People don’t realise how much a young woman’s confidence can be shaken. Before one of the final nights, I was told to lose five pounds. I was furious. But I spoke up for myself and others, and I held on to my integrity. I even won Miss Congeniality, which meant more to me than any crown. That experience shaped my understanding of confidence and taught me the importance of lifting others while remaining true to yourself.”

Motherhood, entrepreneurship, and public talking are a relentless juggling act she navigates with grace and realism. “Balance is never equal. One year, work might take the front seat while my parenting or marriage may get less attention. The next year, priorities shift. You’re constantly reevaluating, learning, and sometimes failing, but that’s okay. That’s where growth happens. You cannot be an A+ mom, wife, and entrepreneur all at the same time. But you can strive to do your best in each area when it matters most.”

Her emphasis on embracing failure is a cornerstone of her instructing. “People are so afraid to fail that they fail to even try. If you’ve lost confidence, failed at a project, or stumbled in your wellness journey, it does not define you. Failure teaches lessons, builds resilience, and makes your wins even sweeter. Nothing lasts forever, highs, lows, [successes], and setbacks. Life is seasonal, and the key is to keep moving forward, learning, and growing.”

Through her firm, Yahsuh Fitness Ltd (FitField), McGraham-Shirley has constructed communities that prioritise empowerment, schooling, and holistic wellness. Her lessons usually are not simply exercises; they’re areas the place ladies really feel protected, supported, and celebrated.

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