A Conversation with Kasia: Founder, CEO, Artistic Director, Choreographer, and Mum of Two

As a choreographer and a lovely mum of (nearly) two, Kasia has seamlessly woven together her passions for dance, mental well-being, and creativity into a thriving business. In this blog, she shares insights into the daily running of Truefitt Collective, the challenges and triumphs of balancing personal life and business, and the profound impact of their programmes on communities.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind A Truefitt Collective? What motivated you to start this business?

Starting a business was never really on my radar, the inspiration for A Truefitt Collective grew from my lifelong passion for dance, creativity, and wanting to help others. From a young age, I immersed myself in dance, and recognised its significant benefits for my mental and physical health. 

After getting my master’s degree in choreography, my desire to create meaningful work that supported others grew, and I noticed there was a real lack of mental health support and well-being resources in primary schools. I felt that my skills in choreography and dance could really make a difference and this realisation led to the creation of "Magical Minds," a project that laid the foundation for A Truefitt Collective.

I had no formal business training or a long-term plan for running one. My main goal was to create and run workshops that used dance to support people's well-being. In 2018, I saw the need for more creative opportunities in London’s primary schools, which inspired me to start the business. We use a practice called Dancing Mindfulness, developed by the Institute of Creative Mindfulness who I've trained with quite extensively to be able to deliver, and also train other practitioners to do the same. This approach mixes mindfulness in motion, music, movement techniques, body awareness exercises, yoga, and breathwork to help participants become more self-aware.

What are the benefits of Dancing Mindfulness Workshops?

Dancing Mindfulness has proven to be really effective, especially for young children who find traditional mindfulness and meditation techniques challenging. By engaging in fun, physical activities, children can connect with their emotions and senses in a really fun way. They learn how to handle their feelings effectively and stay focused on the moment.

Another great thing about this type of dance is how it helps release built-up tension in the body. When children move freely and rhythmically, it can ease stress that's stored in their muscles and nerves. This release not only boosts their emotional well-being by giving them an outlet for their feelings, but also makes them feel more relaxed and energised physically.

Dancing Mindfulness offers a holistic way for children to improve both their emotional and physical health. It gives them a way to express themselves through movement and teaches them valuable skills for managing their emotions and staying present in the moment.

What challenges did you face when you first started Truefitt Collective, and how did you overcome them?

One significant challenge in starting A Truefitt Collective was funding. Schools often struggle with budgets, making it essential for us to find sustainable funding sources to provide creative opportunities without cost barriers. This journey taught me the importance of asking for help, networking, and learning from others with more experience. Embracing mentoring, applying for grants, and viewing each experience as a learning opportunity have been really crucial in overcoming challenges.

We've built a strong support network of organisations and partnerships that actively contribute to our growth, offering guidance in business and financial strategies, areas where I may not feel entirely confident. Their guidance has been instrumental in navigating challenges and they help steer us in the right direction.

Can you share a success story or a particularly memorable moment from one of your workshops or training sessions?

Over the last six years of running A Truefitt Collective, there have been countless memorable moments. One that stands out is the first time we performed "Magical Minds" in a primary school. When we asked the children what the show was about, they truly understood the importance of emotions and not suppressing them, as well as the value of perseverance. They grasped that the show depicted a journey through life's highs and lows, teaching them about resilience and emotional expression. That moment was a significant validation of our hard work, funding efforts, and countless rehearsals. It was a clear sign that our mission was resonating and making an impact.

Another standout moment involves our workshops and sessions with families, adults, and children of all ages in primary schools.

On a few occasions, schools have cautioned us about certain children, suggesting that they wouldn't engage or show interest in our activities. These children were often perceived as struggling with creativity or general engagement, yet, these are the children who often flourish in our sessions. They find a safe space to open up about their emotions, surprising even the school staff.

Seeing these children, who were initially written off, engage and thrive in our sessions is always heartwarming. It reinforces the importance of our work and the need for creative and emotional support in schools. These moments remind us why we do what we do and fuel our passion to continue making a positive impact.

How do you incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, both personally and professionally?

My day-to-day life is hectic, but I've established two non-negotiable routines that help me stay grounded: my morning and evening rituals. Every morning, I journal to set an intention for the day and give myself a positive affirmation. My journaling is free-flowing, capturing my thoughts and feelings. Instead of a strict to-do list, I focus on mindful intentions, like taking things slowly or spending time in nature. This ritual sets a positive tone and keeps me mindful of my goals and emotions. In the evening, I journal to reflect on the day. I review my morning intentions and think about what I’m grateful for. This helps me wind down, acknowledge the day's experiences, and end on a note of gratitude.

Another essential part of my routine, when possible, is a practice called Dance Chapel, inspired by Dancing Mindfulness. This involves playing a playlist of different music styles and allowing myself to move freely to the rhythms. I often do this while cooking, letting the music guide my movements. This practice is incredibly freeing and helps me connect with my body and emotions. Sometimes, it really stirs up a mix of emotions, like anger to then bursting with joy, and it gives me this amazing space to just let it all out. Other times, it's like a soothing ritual that helps me feel thankful and grounded.

Being a mother of an almost 3 year old and expecting another baby soon, how do you balance your personal life with running a successful business?

Balancing personal life, running a business, and being a mum is definitely a juggling act - I have a 3-year-old son called Axel, and we have a baby on the way! When Axel arrived, I quickly learned the importance of setting clear boundaries between work and family time. Managing nap times, evenings, and staying organised with lists became my lifeline to juggle both roles effectively.

Motherhood has really shaped how I run A Truefitt Collective. It’s made me more present and aware of the bigger picture, especially in terms of our mission to empower children with creative and well-being opportunities. If anything, becoming a mum has only strengthened my drive to make a positive impact in children’s lives through our work.

Are there any upcoming projects or new initiatives at Truefitt Collective that you are particularly excited about?

Looking ahead, we've got some exciting plans in the pipeline. One of our main focuses is developing a monitoring system with a dance movement psychotherapist to track how our projects impact communities over the long term. We're also gearing up to expand our "Magical Minds" programme to include younger children in early years and Key Stage One. We're really excited to be launching our Dancing Mindfulness facilitator training programme, which will bring new members into our team and help us reach even more children.

What are your long-term goals and vision for Truefitt Collective? How do you see it evolving in the next 5-10 years?

When people ask me about the future of A Truefitt Collective, I always emphasise our commitment to organic growth and building genuine partnerships. Despite not having a formal business background, our aim is clear: to make a positive difference in as many communities and schools as possible. We believe in growing naturally, seizing opportunities that come our way, and nurturing strong collaborations with like-minded organisations.

For me, running A Truefitt Collective isn't just about business—it's about creating meaningful change through dance and mindfulness. By staying grounded in our values and listening closely to the needs of the communities we serve, we're dedicated to fostering lasting improvements in the well-being of both children and adults and we’re so excited to see what’s in store for A Truefitt Collective!

If you are interested in supporting A Truefitt Collective’s work in schools or communities, there are opportunities to fund specific projects. We can discuss these options individually with anyone interested in providing financial support. Please get in touch with us by emailing atruefittcollective@outlook.com or filling out our online form.