I am so excited to launch a new weekly series for Macaroni Kid Culver City highlighting mom bosses around our communities. Whenever I meet a fellow mom who is doing something that they love and that makes an impact, I am so inspired and motivated that I want to share their story. That is my hope with this series, introduce you to fellow moms who are breaking down barriers and making a mark in their local community and the World in general.
My first profile is on local Westchester mom Sandra Kawahito. I've known Sandra for over 7 years - she is always the consummate sweetheart that you just love to be around and she can juggle about 1,000 more things then I can. So it did not surprise me when after the birth of her 4th child she decided to create a special wellness boutique for individuals - especially women - who want to strengthen, heal and restore their bodies. In early January of this year, she opened Mamai Wellness in Westchester, offering pilates, acupuncture, physical therapy, yoga, and massage personalized for each individual person that walks through the door. Special add-ons include some very yummy juices and incredibly flattering work-out clothes for purchase. As soon as you walk into Mamai, you feel calm and relaxed and ready to work! Sandra won't let you leave without a little bit of sweat and a lot of positive energy.
Here is my interview with Sandra on motherhood, work andMamai Wellness.
1. Tell me about Mamai Wellness?
Mamai Wellness is a Boutique Wellness Studio that specializes in Womens Health and we offer Pilates, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Massages, and Yoga. I started Mamai because I wanted to create a unique space that could curate a healing and strengthening plan that was more customized for whoever was walking through the door. I believe that by using Pilates, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Massage, Body Work and Yoga in Harmony with one another it can make a profound difference in a person's overall wellness. We love working with every BODY but our team at Mamai, has a lot of experience within Women’s Health and has additional training with pre/post natal and breast cancer.
2. How did you know this was the business you wanted to start, and what was the first thing you did to make it happen?
In my journey of becoming a Mother, I had no idea the impact that the physical transformation during pregnancy and after could be so dramatic. I had always played sports and considered myself "strong & athletic" but I couldn’t believe that there wasn’t more communication from my OB and Doctors as to what I would be going through and how I could be as STRONG as I could during these stages. My husband and I loved the idea of having a large family and between breastfeeding each child for a year and then 4 pregnancies, my body experienced many aches and pains [to say the least!] and I needed to figure out a way to get back to feeling like myself again...soon after I discovered Pre & Post Natal Physical Therapy and Pilates and was hooked! After going through my own pre & postnatal rehab, and encouraging other girlfriends to go as well, so that they could feel better [and they did!], I realized I had to pursue this. I went back to school and took anatomy and pilates courses and became immersed in this whole area of womens health. My Mentor, Martina Fogt, has been a trailblazer in Womens Health for over a decade and her guidance and mentorship has truly inspired me.
I wanted to create a space where someone could go and enjoy the 'experience of healing’ and hence, Mamai Wellness was created. After many hours of research and brainstorming, I knew the design and the concept of what I wanted to try and build and then one day last fall I happened to be walking my son in his stroller and saw a “For Lease” sign in Westchester for a business location and decided to pursue it.
3. How do you balance having 4 children and running a new business? How do you stay sane amidst the craziness?
Haha! I love my Rosé!
Truthfully, some days are better than others. There are times when I feel that I am super organized and that I feel like I have a handle on that day/week/month, etc but then LIFE happens and I just do everything I can to get through that minute/hour/day.
4. What is your favorite activity to do with your children in the neighborhood?
Our family has been loving spending time playing tennis with Elite Tennis at the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey! It’s been a lot of fun and it’s something that Jim (my husband) really wanted us to do as a family 🖤 I’ve never played so it’s been a big learning curve for me but it’s been a ton of fun!
5. Lastly, what is one workout move you would recommend that moms can do at home?
My favorite workout tool to use at home is a Foam Roller. It is so great to work out those tight muscles that we tend to take for granted. When our muscles are stretched out and relaxed, we can function easier. Roll out your thighs, glutes, calves, back - all while watching your favorite show! Check out Sandra's recommended exercises here.
For more on Mamai Wellness, visit https://www.mamaiwellness.com/.
Mamai Wellness
6607 W. 80th, Suite A
Westchester, CA 90045
310-591-9330
