Self‑Care Lab Grows From Atlanta to NYC
Imani Murray’s Self Care Lab, a calming space designed for Black women, is expanding to New York City this summer. What began in Atlanta in 2024 now has bigger roots—and more reach.
Founder Imani Murray created the Lab after she discovered healing in small rituals like arranging flowers and coloring. Those moments taught her that self-care isn’t luxury—it’s essential.
The New York expansion follows successful pop-up events in Atlanta and Houston. Each event offered free floral bars, relaxation sessions, and products from Black‑owned brands, all focused on nurturing the soul.
Flower Rituals Sparked a Self‑Care Movement
Murray grew up seeing others give flowers to her mother—not as gifts to themselves. But after moving to Atlanta in 2021, she found peace in a weekly walk to buy flowers.
“Building an arrangement every week brought so much joy,” Murray reflects. “It allowed me to be calm and be planted where my feet were.” This simple ritual helped her separate chaos from quiet.
She then added coloring into her routine. “It allows me to just separate all the chaos in my mind,” she says. Small habits sparked her mission to help others find peace too.
Creating Safe, Soothing Spaces for Black Women
Murray launched The Self Care Lab to offer soft spaces where Black women could refill themselves. She says, “People need spaces where they can be their authentic selves and make time for themselves.”
Her first pop-up was free, held on National Healthcare Day in Atlanta. Participants enjoyed floral arranging, massages, mocktails, and goodies from brands like Be Rooted and Black Girl Sunscreen. Later, the Lab grew to Houston with continued community support.
Community Walks and Collective Wellness
Beyond calm spaces, Murray built a walking club on the Atlanta Beltline. She wanted to walk in community and connect with other Black women—because she didn’t always see them in those spaces.
This blend of healing and friendship reflects how her Lab supports whole-person wellness. The shared experiences, whether floral or physical, help build stronger bonds and self-awareness.
