News / Wellbeing
The trio behind a new initiative for mixed heritage women
In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and toppling of Colston’s statue, two sisters joined forces to create a safe space for mixed heritage women.
For Sarah and Laura Lewis-Paul, recognition of the need for members of their community to connect was born out of their own experience and further highlighted by the global events of 2020.
Together they formed Beyond the Mix, an initiative that aims to bring women and non-binary people of mixed heritage together in a safe space for them to explore their identities but also to empower and uplift individuals and local businesses.
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Working through five strands of movement, family, identity, business and fun, the project will launch a number of courses and workshops from business to wellbeing, kicking off with a yoga course starting in Easton’s Now Studio on Sunday.
Laura Lewis-Paul, Sarah Lewis-Paul and Leanne Lewis are seeking to bring women of mixed heritage together – photo: Khali Ackford
“It was that being in an interracial family and navigating conversations with both sides of the family,” says Laura, speaking about her own experience and why it’s important to connect with others who are of mixed heritage.
“We wanted to set up a space where mixed heritage women and non-binary people can come together and feel safe to discuss or explore their identities and just be together in that community.
“We also want to be able to elevate some of the mixed heritage facilitators and their businesses and will be working in partnership with them to run workshops.”
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Beyond the Mix was founded by Sarah and Laura, who is also the founder of Saffron Records. The two have been joined by Leanne Lewis.
The trio say: “One of our key aims is to empower and uplift our community and beyond to give them confidence and opportunity to showcase their projects and ideas.
“Formed in response to the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement and inspired by the shared experience of justice felt with the toppling of Edward Colston in Bristol. We are laying foundations for our local community by creating a non-judgemental environment for people to be open, feel understood and to connect.
“We are here to be heard, seen and listened to, and our platform gives our community the opportunity to stand boldly while sharing and exploring together.”
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The six-week yoga course will be led by yoga teacher Sally Balfourth. Each session will be 90 minutes long.
Laura says Beyond the Mix is aiming to be an inclusive and accessible space. All woman of any mixed heritage, including non-binary people and trans women, are welcome to attend.
There are also at least two bursary spaces available for each event for those unable to afford the event.
Laura will also be featuring as a panellist in the upcoming Bristol24/7 Presents: Celebrating Women in the Nighttime Economy event, taking place on March 31.
Main photo: Khali Ackford
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