MEMBER FOCUS: Shaniece Be
Shaniece Be is a luxury picnic planner, dance instructor, YouTube personality, and wellness box connoisseur — and we’re lucky to have her as a Common House Charlottesville member. Her business promotes the importance of self-care, as well as creating experiences and products that allow individuals to be present and embrace their journeys. Shaniece sat down with us to share her story and chat with us about her business, Just Be Well Experience.
How did you know you wanted to be in the business of helping others on their wellness journeys?
It has a lot to do with my upbringing — my mother was very sick and passed away when I was only 17. At one point I wanted to be a doctor but when I realized I would have to watch individuals struggle in the hospital, I decided it was not for me. I wanted to find another way to help people, because I’m naturally the person others reach out to for support. It started out with dance classes and inspirational content and then turned into making candles and wellness products from there.
Your motto is “just be” — how did this come about and what does it mean to you?
The Just Be Experience is a reminder that I preach to myself — and I realized it was something other people need to hear as well. “Just be” is accepting yourself, whether you’re giving your all, or just doing the best you can with where you are in your current journey. It's okay to show yourself grace, and accept that not everything might go as planned. But as long as you continue to get up the next day and try again, everything is going to work out the way it is supposed to.
What is your favorite aromatherapy scent at the moment?
Grapefruit and Peppermint because it gives me clarity and helps me focus. But most people favor the Lavender, Lemongrass, and Vanilla.
What stood out to you the most about Common House?
The first thing that stood out to me was the aesthetic of the space and also that there is a diverse group of people here. I also like that there are a lot of workshops offered — I’m always trying to learn more.
Community is a core focus of ours, and clearly something that’s also important to you. Is there a cause that is close to your heart that you would like to share with us?
I previously volunteered with the Sexual Assault Resource Agency, which provides resources to the whole district (Albermarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson County) as well as the student population. If an individual is in a situation where they are not sure what to do, the agency is there to help guide them through the process and provide protective orders, counseling, and more. At one point in my life I wanted to join the FBI to work to prevent human trafficking — and that’s how my passion for helping victims of domestic violence and sexual violence came about. For me, it's about being a voice and providing support for others.
What’s something about you that other people might not know?
People assume I'm an outgoing person 100% of the time, but I really do love my alone time. Especially as a working mom, I think it's important to spend time alone to just sit with yourself — which is why I sell solo picnic kits.
Anything else?
I’m planning some candle making workshops soon! On May 21, I’m also partnering with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women of Central VA and the NAACP Health Committee to instruct the dance fitness portion of the free community event Groove The Blues Away.