BEAUTY OF THE MONTH

She Chose to Stay : From Survival to Strength

INNR VWS Media – Beauty of the Month | PIECES Model Spotlight

Before she became a trainer, before she became a wellness leader, she was simply trying to stay alive.

A mother, a woman raised in faith, and survivor of multiple suicide attempts.

“I didn’t know anything about therapy,” she shares. “I was told to pray about it. That’s all I knew.”

After years of silently battling suicidal ideation, she reached a turning point in 2018. Prayer alone was no longer enough. She chose therapy even when it challenged her upbringing, even when it meant standing against what others believed.

“Therapy saved my life,” she says. “If you’re not okay mentally, you’re not okay at all.”

That realization reshaped everything.

Today, as a Trauma Informed Certified Life Coach, Personal Trainer/ Strength Coach, she builds more than muscle. She integrates nervous system regulation, breath work, and mental health awareness into her classes. Her cool-downs include meditation. Her training includes check-ins. Her environment includes safety, because to her, strength isn’t aesthetic.

It’s internal.

She is especially passionate about women over 40 lifting heavy, not for vanity, but for longevity.

“We’re not lifting for looks we’re lifting to stay independent, to age strong, to avoid walkers and wheelchairs.”

Empowerment, in her world, looks like women in their 50s and 60s confidently deadlifting weight they once feared. It looks like unlearning shame. It looks like community.

She partners with licensed therapists and refers clients when deeper care is needed. She reminds every woman she trains. You don’t have to carry this alone.

If someone reading this feels overwhelmed?

“Call somebody, DM somebody, don’t suffer in silence. You belong here.”

Her life reflects the PIECES Model, physical discipline, internal awareness, emotional growth, community accountability, empowerment, and self-advocacy.

This isn’t just fitness, this is choosing to stay.

To train with Shanika, connect with Release the Dope Fitness, and follow her at @coach_shanika.

Photographer: @mppboudoir

Interested in Being Featured?

The PIECES Beauty of the Month spotlight is for women who embody strength, alignment, growth, and community impact. If you believe your story can inspire others and align with the PIECES movement, we invite you DM us at @piecesmodels or email us at info@innrvws.com.