MEET BRIANNA AND KWYNN. COMMUNITY CREATORS. SNEAKHER STYLISTS. WELLNESS ADVOCATES. VOICE LIFTERS. BLACK GIRL MAGIC.

The goal of our CNK Chick Chat series is to celebrate women. Not only are we tied together through a common bond of sneakers, but highlighting the journey of other women and their experiences resonates with our core audience – the every day woman. Whether we are in need of inspiration, creativity, entrepreneurship, or sisterhood, we vibe to the same beat when sharing the stories of other dope women in and around the sneaker world.

During this pandemic, we can’t argue that times are strange and we’re finding ways to reflect on our new normal and ways to stay positive. Within that space, many of us are putting a focus on health and wellness. That’s when we came across The Move Co. Co-founders Brianna Gazelle and Kwynn Butts have not only motivated us to move what our mommas gave us, but they have put a focus on representation. Brianna and Kwynn are using their voices to empower women of color to honor our bodies by being active.

The Move Co. mavens dropped all the gems on why their brand is so important, how we stay motivated in these challenging times, and what they are kickin’ it in. Literally. Get to know Brianna and Kwynn in their own words below.

THE 411 ON BRIANNA AND KWYNN…

Brianna is currently a resident of Bedstuy by way of Atlanta. Outside of her 9-5, Brianna is the co-founder of The Move Co. which aims to collectively uplift and unite women of color within the fitness and wellness space.

Since moving to New York five years ago, Kwynn relearned to love working out for overall health, as opposed to training for a sport, and hopes that The Move Co. gives women who look like her access to a healthy and poppin’ lifestyle.

THE ROOTS…

B: Coming from Atlanta, I was HEAVILY influenced by rap/black pop culture. If Ciara or T.I. wasn’t wearing it in a music video, I wasn’t copping. So initially this 2000s era was my inspiration on how I wanted to shape my style and sneaker closet. From there, my moves to Chicago and New York opened my eyes more and definitely helped me elevate my closet. As far as fitness and wellness, I was lucky enough to have West Indian parents who instilled in me a “well and fit” mind from an early age. I never looked at my location to allow me to be fit or well. I believe with the right guidance and help, you can achieve that anywhere.

K: NYC is the capital of the sneaker world, so you definitely feel like there’s more of an emphasis on what shoes you’re wearing when you’re here. We’re always making moves and walking around, so we have to be comfortable and fly at all times. From a wellness standpoint, the West Coast has felt like it leads the charge. I grew up on the West Coast and went to school in LA. The health scene just seems more prevalent there than in NYC.

THE BIRTH OF THE MOVE CO.

B: The Move came into existence as a way to acknowledge the lack of diversity within the fitness and wellness space. As two black women who personally came face to face with that sad reality, we wanted to actively change that and thus created an organization that showcases + prioritizes women of color.

K: Bri and i love a good workout class. We were trying different ones, together and on our own time. The more classes we went to, the more we noticed that we were often the only women of color there. Since we didn’t think we were the only women like us who enjoyed these type of workouts, we wanted to figure out why we were alone. We wanted to do something about it.

“Women of Color squat, jump, bend, and move. We run, workout, and flow. We come in all shades and sizes. We are a community and exist to support your fitness goals. Come move with us! ”

SIS, HOW DO WE STAY MOTIVATED?

B: Set a plan and take it one day at a time. Be gentle and kind with yourself. Maybe today isn’t the day you can do 30 push ups, but maybe today is the day you can do 5. That’s my biggest thing, you may not be the instant banger in the gym, BUT if you remain consistent and trust your plan, you will grow, develop, and become better.

K: Staying motivated to be active can be hard, but it gets easier the more consistent you are. I just try to remind myself that I’ve never regretted a workout class or a run, and how good I usually feel after.

3 TIPS TO KEEP US ACTIVE…

BRIANNA’S:

Stretching, Active Recovery, and/or Yoga a few times a week can be super peaceful and help with setting the tone of how you want your week to go. On Sunday, I find a good stretch or hot yoga class personally helps me feel motivated for the week ahead.
Nike’s NTC Training App is the plug right now. From plans, to home workouts, they honestly have it all and it’s for the free.
Water, water, water. Constantly drinking water helps speed up recovery and flush out bad toxins from your body!!

KWYNN’S:

Don’t be afraid to start small. A 20 minute walk may not burn all the calories you want, but it’s something! Start simple, then work your way up to more challenging activities each day.
Use an accountability partner. Sometimes you need a nudge to push you, and it may be easier to get through a workout knowing that someone is working with you.
Set a goal. I like to measure my progress as I workout. It reassures me that my workouts are paying off, and it’s fun to celebrate the milestones.

SNEAKER ROTATIONS IN 3..2..1

B: AF1s (two white pairs obviously), AJ1s [Banned] are a staple and can be dressed down/dress up, and Air Max 97s Silver Bullet just to add a bit of flair with the silver. The silhouette is timeless and classic.

Active pick: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly, Neon Green. Good for Social Distancing Miles!

K: AJ1 highs (they go well with any fit - I personally love the Breds); Converse Run Star Hike (the black ones have all the greatness of a classic chuck with some razzle dazzle); AF1s (CLEAN white - cooked AF1s are never cute. ever.)

Active pick: Nike Zoom Fly 3 for running!

BREATHE, STRETCH, SHAKE…

B: For me, a plan works best. Schedule in advance what you want to accomplish and take note of your milestones, both wins and opportunities. Any change takes time and a plan can help keep you accountable.

K: It [fitness] can be like dating. It may take you trying a few different kinds of workouts before you find something you like and can see yourself doing long-term.

WHAT DOES SNEAKHER CULTURE MEAN TO YOU?

Women behind the scenes, women designing, women creating, women balling, women inspiring- all through the lens of sneaker culture. Our voice and our style laced on every pair of kicks in our closet. Nothing like a fresh pair rocked by US.

WHO RUN THE WORLD? Check out more with THE MOVE CO. on Instagram.

Chick Chat: Creating An Inclusive Space With The Founders of The Move