Imani Murray is transforming how Black women approach self-care across America. Her innovative Self Care Lab is expanding to New York City this summer. The founder created safe spaces where women can prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Murray launched The Self Care Lab in 2024 after discovering her own healing journey. She wanted to provide what she calls “soft spaces” for Black women. These spaces allow participants to be their authentic selves while focusing on personal restoration.
Revolutionary Self-Care Movement Reaches NYC
The Self Care Lab expansion marks a significant milestone for Black women’s wellness. Murray’s program offers free events featuring floral arranging, bodywork, and community building. The initiative addresses the urgent need for mental health resources in underserved communities.
Murray’s approach combines practical wellness activities with emotional support. Her events include flower bars, massages, and mocktail socials featuring Black-owned brands. Partners like Be Rooted, Black Girl Sunscreen, and Bevel provide products and resources for participants.
The expansion to New York City represents the program’s growing national impact. Murray recognizes that urban environments create unique stressors for Black women. Her programming adapts to meet the specific needs of each city’s community.
From Queens Native to Wellness Entrepreneur
Murray grew up in Queens, New York, where self-care practices weren’t commonly modeled. She rarely saw women in her neighborhood treating themselves to fresh flowers. Her mother occasionally received flowers from her father, but self-gifting wasn’t the norm.
Moving to Atlanta in 2021 changed Murray’s perspective on personal wellness. She discovered that weekly flower purchases brought unexpected joy and calm to her life. “I just noticed how building an arrangement every week brought so much joy into my space,” she explains.
This simple ritual became the foundation for her comprehensive self-care routine. Murray added coloring and other mindful activities to help separate mental chaos. These practices helped her stay present and grounded in daily life.
Breaking Generational Patterns of Self-Sacrifice
Murray’s mission stems from observing previous generations’ sacrificial patterns. She watched mothers and grandmothers prioritize others while neglecting their own needs. “We’ve seen our mothers, our grandmothers, they’ve done so much, and they are just always so tired,” she shares.
Millennials and Generation Z are intentionally seeking softness after witnessing this burnout. Murray refuses to accept constant strength as the only option for Black women. “I don’t want to be strong 24/7,” she declares boldly.
Her approach encourages vulnerability and rest as acts of resistance. The Self Care Lab provides permission for Black women to prioritize themselves. This shift represents a cultural movement toward sustainable wellness practices.
Creating Community Through Wellness Activities
The Self Care Lab launched on National Healthcare Day with a free Atlanta pop-up event. Murray provided floral arranging materials, massages, and wellness products from Black-owned businesses. The overwhelming positive response confirmed the community’s need for these spaces.
Murray also established a walking club along the Atlanta Beltline every Saturday morning. She wanted to combine fitness with friendship in a supportive environment. “I enjoy walking, but I wanted to do it in community,” she explains.
The walking club specifically serves Black women who felt isolated in other fitness spaces. Murray noticed the lack of representation during her personal walks. Her solution created an inclusive environment where women could exercise together safely.
Business Background Fuels Wellness Vision
As owner of a creative agency specializing in event production and marketing, Murray possesses unique skills. Her professional experience in creating memorable experiences translates perfectly to wellness programming. She understands how to coordinate vendors, manage logistics, and build brand partnerships.
Murray’s business acumen helps The Self Care Lab operate efficiently and sustainably. She leverages existing relationships to secure sponsorships and venue partnerships. This approach keeps events free while maintaining high-quality experiences for participants.
Her entrepreneurial background also ensures the program’s scalability across multiple cities. Murray develops systems that can be replicated while maintaining the personal touch. This balance allows for growth without losing the intimate community feeling.
Addressing Mental Health Crisis in Black Communities
The Self Care Lab addresses critical gaps in mental health resources for Black women. Traditional therapy and wellness spaces often lack cultural understanding and accessibility. Murray’s program provides culturally relevant healing opportunities at no cost.
“People need spaces where they can be their authentic selves,” Murray emphasizes. Her events eliminate barriers that prevent Black women from accessing wellness services. This includes financial constraints, cultural disconnection, and geographical limitations.
The program’s expansion to New York City brings these resources to one of America’s largest Black populations. Murray’s timing aligns with increased awareness of mental health disparities. Her grassroots approach complements larger systemic changes in healthcare accessibility.
Future Expansion and Long-Term Impact
Murray’s vision extends far beyond individual cities to create a national network of healing spaces. Each location adapts to local community needs while maintaining core wellness principles. The expansion model ensures sustainable growth without losing community focus.
The Self Care Lab’s success in Atlanta and Houston demonstrates the universal need for these services. Murray plans strategic partnerships with local organizations in each new city. This approach builds trust while leveraging existing community connections.
Her long-term goal involves training local facilitators to lead programming in their communities. This model ensures sustainability while empowering more Black women to become wellness advocates. Murray’s legacy will extend through the leaders she develops in each city.
