Reflecting on Inclusivity in the Wellness Industry: A Missed Opportunity

Skill in Action by Michelle Cassandra Johnson

Kia ora, Creative Embodiment Community,

I want to take a moment to reflect on something that has been on my mind and in my heart for some time now. A few months ago, a local article came out that highlighted the wellness and yoga communities. Unfortunately, it represented a perfect example of something that has been troubling within the wellness industry for a long time—whitewashing and a lack of inclusivity.

The images chosen for this article featured individuals of the same race and similar age groups. What was missing was any representation of the rich and diverse communities that exist here—especially our Māori and Black communities. The opportunity to show a truly inclusive wellness space, reflective of the beauty and diversity that surrounds us, was completely overlooked. It was deeply saddening to see that, once again, voices and faces from underrepresented communities were left out of the narrative.

A Call for True Inclusivity

As someone who is passionate about breaking down the harmful systems that perpetuate exclusivity and unrealistic ideals in the wellness industry, this moment reminded me of the work we must continue to do. Inclusivity is not just about ticking boxes or making spaces look diverse—it’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their race, background, or identity, feels seen, heard, and welcomed.

This particular article, while showcasing wellness, reinforced an industry pattern of showing a very narrow view of who is "worthy" of wellness. And while I speak into this with compassion for the people who may not have realized the depth of the harm this omission causes, it also highlights a critical need for us to do better.

Representation Matters

It’s not enough to simply say we want diversity—we must actively create it. Representation matters deeply. It shows that wellness is not exclusive, but rather something we all have the right to access, no matter our skin color, age, or background. When we fail to show this diversity, we send a message, whether intentional or not, that some people belong in these spaces more than others. And that’s simply not true.

At Creative Embodiment, we strive to create spaces where all are welcome, where all bodies are celebrated, and where we can truly reflect the diversity of the community we live in. This means including voices, faces, and experiences from Māori, Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized groups who often go unseen in the wellness industry. It’s not just about representation for the sake of optics—it’s about creating real, safe, and welcoming spaces where every person feels like they belong.

Moving Forward with Compassion and Action

It’s easy to get frustrated when we see opportunities like this missed, but frustration doesn’t move us forward. What we need is compassion paired with action. We can call attention to these oversights with understanding, but also with a firm commitment to doing better. Let’s use this as a reminder to all of us that we need to continually question whose voices are being amplified and whose are being silenced.

Let’s continue to challenge the ways the wellness industry can often become a space of exclusion rather than inclusion. And let’s commit ourselves to creating, nurturing, and participating in spaces that honor the full spectrum of humanity—where wellness is a birthright, not a privilege for a select few.

An Invitation to Help Us Create Inclusive Spaces

In the spirit of taking action, I want to extend a personal invitation to all of you, especially to those who feel underrepresented within the well-being and wellness community. I will be hosting a free event where we can come together to create an inclusive and diverse space that truly reflects the beauty of our whole community.

We will have a photographer present to capture these moments of inclusivity—so we can show the world what a wellness space should look like. This event will be entirely free, and I’m asking for volunteers—especially those of you who are regulars and who believe in the work we are doing together as a community. Your presence is important, and together we can create something meaningful that challenges the narrative of what wellness spaces often look like.

If you’d like to be a part of this, please reach out and let me know. Let’s show the world what inclusivity and diversity can look like in the wellness industry, and let’s continue to create a space where everyone feels seen and valued.

With love, gratitude, and in solidarity,

Lauren

Founder, Creative Embodiment