For Jameela Abdulwahab, Meela’s Vitality Hub is more than a business, it is also a lifestyle. A graduate of Chemistry and the mother of five got involved in yoga first as a hobby, then it became a lifestyle. She has become a Yoga and fitness coach, a lifestyle coach and an advocate for healthy living. Other people seeing how beneficial this lifestyle had become for this goal getter, became interested and didn’t mind paying her for her services and her time.
Defying Norms: Yoga in Conservative Northern Nigeria
What makes this most interesting is that Jameela comes from northern Nigeria, a very conservative and traditional society where physical exertion is not expected from muslim women, not to talk of one who is considered a matron as she has been married over 15 years and with five children. She now offers classes to women who are interested in keeping fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She had a sit down with Newshawkng.com and shared her beginnings and journey so far running a fitness enterprise.
In her words, “I started this business two years after a passion which started out as a hobby became a lifestyle. I just realised that I could bring my wealth of knowledge and experience to make an impact in society”.
The Yoga Trailblazer
Speaking on the final motivating push, Jameela said, coming to spend six weeks in Lagos, on an international yoga scholarship program opened her eyes to the possibilities. She also saw it as a way to ensure that the investment in her yields benefits.
“You know it was not easy to leave everything and come to Lagos for six weeks. My husband was very supportive and it was because of his support I was able to think it”
For her, it is important that clients see her as approachable, “It is important to me. I also want them to be able to give me feedback and constructive criticism. That is the only way I can serve them better”.
This journey has also been one of discovery for Jameela. The yoga and fitness coach has been able to see some of her strengths to include determination, commitment and discipline which has helped to maintain consistency in her work.
“The biggest lesson I have learnt so far is that consistency goes a long way,” says the lifestyle coach.
Jameela’s Secrets to Success
She enjoys what she does because “I am able to put smiles on the faces of people. I am also like a part time therapist to my clients. Also the flexible work hours is an additional perk because I can set my hours.
On some of the challenges she meets on the job, Jamila says the Nigerian tradition of keeping African time was an issue. She has however been able to overcome that with positive influence on the clients.
“I realised I cannot be making excuses for people, they will not change. Later I started my classes regardless of the arrival time of the remaining clients. This actually facilitated change when I adopted this pattern.
Modesty, Fitness, and Islam: Transforming Attitudes Through Meela’s Vitality Hub
Another challenge was societal attitudes towards a yoga instructor who happens to be a woman.
“Being a northerner in a conservative society very steep in tradition, it was the most challenging aspect for me. Also being a mother, they feel I should be in my home tending to my home and children”, she says.
“I have been able to counter such attitudes by telling them that even Islam enjoins us as human beings to take care of our bodies. At the end of our time here on earth, we will account to God how we took care of the bodies He gave to us.”
Jameela considers herself a success, “Regardless of what people were saying, my mum and my husband were my backbone in this journey. It was because of their support, I was able to go ahead and do whatever I wanted, regardless of a lack of societal support. I am grateful to have these people in my life” she said.
“Now the people who did not agree with my stance initially now come to me or call upon me when they have health issues or want tips for living a more healthy lifestyle. To me this is the greatest success because I am able to change attitudes about modesty, fitness and Islam”, she said.
Comments 4