Sheryl Lee Ralph’s children, Etienne and Ivy Maurice, alongside their cousin Marley Ralph, have opened WalkGood Yard, a wellness studio in Los Angeles. This initiative aims to provide a safe and communal space for individuals to engage in various wellness activities. WalkGood Yards offers yoga and men’s healing sessions. The studio’s inception and vision shed light on the family’s commitment to entrepreneurship and healing.
WalkGood Yard’s Wellness Goals
The foundation of WalkGood Yard began during social unrest following George Floyd’s death. Etienne, Ivy, and Marley organized wellness events in Los Angeles to relieve individuals affected by the distressing times. These events, which included weekly yoga sessions at a local park, attracted more than 450 people. This turnout demonstrated the need for safe spaces, particularly for BIPOC individuals impacted by racism.
Etienne also has a soft spot for the neighborhood where he grew up, close to L.A. Memorial Park. It represents a sense of home for him and carries an inspiring history for Black homeowners and business owners. The studio’s intentional location serves as a reclamation of this heritage. The walls boast family photos, including those of Etienne’s mother, Sheryl Lee Ralph, representing home and heritage. Adorned with the vibrant colors of the family’s Jamaican heritage and resonating with iconic ’90s R&B hits, WalkGood Yard creates a welcoming atmosphere for all patrons.
Vision for Change
Etienne’s vision for the wellness studio goes beyond providing wellness services. He envisions it as a catalyst for real change in the Los Angeles community. As a Black-owned organization, the new studio symbolizes a commitment to entrepreneurship and healing, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for the city of L.A.