5 Minutes with Kanndiss Riley of NBE FITNESS
Meet Kanndiss Riley, the visionary behind NBE FITNESS, where inclusivity and empowerment intersect. Her journey began in the heart of compassion, fueled by the desire to create a safe haven for individuals facing health challenges.
Drawing from her experiences supporting those with chronic illnesses, and disabilities, Kanndiss recognised the need for an accessible fitness space. Through NBE FITNESS, she dismantles barriers, from financial constraints to transportation hurdles, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and empowered to prioritise their well-being.
As a woman of colour navigating the fitness industry, she confronts the status quo, advocating for equality for diverse communities. We caught up with Kanndiss to discuss fitness, skincare and empowerment, and delve into the transformative power of holistic health.
How did your fitness journey begin, and what motivated you to start your business?
NBE FITNESS came out of a need to support more folks to have fun without worrying. Working with people living with cancer, chronic illnesses and disabilities in my previous roles, hearing them say what type of gym they wish they could go to or why they don't attend social activities made me want to create this vital space. We worked on removing barriers to activities from cost and travel and ensuring accessible sessions.
As a woman of colour in the fitness industry, what challenges have you faced, and how can the industry become more inclusive and diverse?
Broadly, entertainment, sport and health need to stop thinking that one thing works for all women of colour. It's ok to speak to the direct audience to engage them to help solve their problem or work on being deliberately inclusive.
In your experience, how does regular exercise contribute to overall skin health?
It reminds me how much my skin needs water to thrive and that my whole skin matters, not just thinking about my facial skin cleansing habits. Over the years, I've learnt more about breakouts on my shoulders and body from sweating or not looking after my skin well because of harsh products.
Are there specific skincare practices you would recommend to those who engage in regular physical activity?
Think about how you pin your hair up when exercising to cleanse your face, back, and neck. I make time for oiling and creaming my skin to put those essential oils back into my skin.
How has maintaining a healthy lifestyle impacted your own skin, and what key lessons have you learned along the way?
It's forced me to look at the food I eat that could help keep my skin healthy and take time out of my day to look after my body to be effective in fitness, such as creams I use to keep my feet and hands soft.
Given your success in the fitness industry, what advice do you have for aspiring women of colour who aim to pursue a career in fitness and wellness?
There's plenty of room for us all. Do it if you want to teach something specific or enjoy helping others on their health journey.
What has been your most memorable achievement in your career to date?
Helping a bed-bound person attend in-person fitness sessions and feel confident to go out in their power chair independently.
Finally, what upcoming projects or goals do you have for NBE FITNESS, and how do you plan to continue inspiring and educating your audience?
We’ll be running some beautiful arts and crafts rest club sessions to allow people to trial three types of wellness activity: breath work, yoga-inspired movements and art therapy. We will be trekking around the south of England again, so definitely look out for those if you enjoy paddle boarding or foraging.
Thank you so much to Kanndiss for chatting to us! Be sure to check out NBE FITNESS and keep up to date with upcoming events and activities.