Street Style: Marsha D. Banks-Harold

I met Marsha through a mutual friend, Alyia Gaskins (Alexandria Council Woman), who has also been in Street Style! Alyia connected us because both Marsha and I are yoga studio owners who fought to keep our businesses and communities thriving during the pandemic. Marsha and I sat down together at Junction in Del Ray over coffee, and within one minute, I wanted to jump out of my chair and hug her. She exudes warmth and compassion. Being around Marsha feels like having sunshine on my face.  

Over coffee, I learned that Marsha has biological children but also adopted two children. In addition, she and her long-time husband are both trained engineers. I also learned that she teaches Therapeutic Yoga for people with movement limitations, mental health challenges, and trauma recovery through her business, Pies Fitness. She wouldn't say this (because she's very humble), but I know that becoming a Therapeutic Yoga teacher requires hundreds of hours (like 800 or more) of training, and Marsha is one of the most well-known and experienced Therapeutic Yoga teachers in the Washington, D.C. metro area. In fact, she trains other instructors to teach Therapeutic Yoga. All of Marsha's studio classes are body positive, and she and her staff are incredibly supportive and genuine toward any person who walks through the door with an interest in movement and healing through the body. Marsha lives and breathes the true meaning of yoga which is wholeness in every aspect of life - physical, mental, social, and political. She is one of the most integrated humans I know.

Marsha teaches about equity and inclusion in yoga and wellness settings and walks her talk so deeply in her own business. I invited Marsha to speak at Mind the Mat to our instructor team about equity and inclusion in yoga. She showed up and shared vulnerable personal and professional experiences. She's an open book and immediately puts people at ease. It's hard to have a guard up around Marsha. She has a natural way of melting barriers between people and communities. People like Marsha, through her existence, her way of being, and moving through the world, are the ones who lead in the healing of cultural, racial, and economic divides in our country. 

Photography credit: Renée C. Gage Photography

Marsha is styled by Marsha D. Banks-Harold with makeup by PrivessGlamCo.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: West End and Historic Old Town

What is your hometown? Alexandria (Del Ray)

What would surprise people about you? I am an executive engineering leader working in Intellectual Property, an Inclusive Certified Trauma Sensitive Yoga Therapist, Creator of My Body Don’t Bend That Way Yoga, a Legal Guardian, a Wife, a Mother, an Author, a Lifestyle Coach, and a Speaker.

Favorite book or movie: Restorative Yoga for Ethnic and Race-Based Stress and Trauma by Dr. Gail Parker

Guilty Pleasure: Watching Hallmark

Latest binge-watch: All American: Homecoming

Bucket list travel destination: Fiji Islands

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Funky Chic Afrocentric

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Headwraps

Favorite trend: Authentic Creative

Beauty product you can’t live without: Shea Butter

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Dr. Martens and Birkenstocks

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Yoga Therapy and Meditation

Most fun way to stay active: Walking

Wellness goal: Balanced Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual Health and Wellbeing 

Want to try: Aerial Yoga

Proudest wellness achievement: Ran Army 10-miler       

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Sunroom

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix

Last item bought for your home: Firepit

Favorite way to entertain: Connecting with family, friends, and community

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Both

Next planned purchase: Furnishings for new PIES Fitness Yoga Studio Location

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Focus on Empowering All Beings

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Alexandria Waterfront Park

Last purchase in Alexandria: 1320 and 1322 Prince Street

Best food spot: LaPorta’s

Favorite local organization: Ruby Tucker Family Center and the Krunch Bunch

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Farmers Market