Biography

Shakera Martin is a Canadian Movement Coach, Speaker and Content Creator committed to inspiring women and girls to live well physically, mentally and spiritually. Raised in a music and dance filled environment, she infused the flair and vibrancy of her Caribbean culture into a distinctive movement style rooted in joy, expression and connection.

Her passion for dance led her to perform on platforms such as The Marilyn Denis Show, The Social, the Canadian Olympic Committee and with the Toronto Marlies, among others. After earning a Bachelor of Applied Science from Toronto Metropolitan University with a major in Occupational Health and Safety, Shakera became increasingly aware of the impact stress had on individuals and communities. This insight shaped her desire to create spaces where movement could be a source of healing and confidence.

She founded Simply Shakera Inc., a lifestyle brand centered on the empowerment of women through dance, fitness and culture. Through workshops, online resources, event entertainment and youth mentorship programs, her work reached audiences as far as San Ignacio, Belize and New Delhi, India, while cultivating partnerships with leading brands such as CanFit Pro, Nike Toronto and Lululemon. Shakera has always been especially passionate about working with youth who share similar upbringings, reinforcing the belief that purpose, discipline and faith can transcend circumstance.

In 2013, Shakera expanded her vision by launching Carnival Spice, an award winning fitness and entertainment company known for its Caribbean carnival inspired dance presentations and experiences. Over twelve years, the brand built a global #SpiceFam community and created opportunities for artists of colour to develop and showcase their talents through Caribbean dance. Carnival Spice elevated Caribbean culture and artistry through collaborations with organizations such as the Toronto Blue Jays, PepsiCo, the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada’s Wonderland and the Harbourfront Centre, while also performing and hosting Atlantic Canada’s first Caribbean Festival in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The company further contributed to the preservation of Caribbean dance through the creation of the first ever Soca Dance Directory, documenting over 30 popular soca dance moves.

Shakera and her team were featured on Cityline, CP24, Crave TV, Breakfast Television and MuchMusic, and she appeared on Season 12 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta in the episode “A Whine of a Time.” Shakera was also selected in 2023 as one of three business owners chosen by the Toronto Raptors and GoDaddy for their Elevator Pitch competition, launching a national campaign.

In 2025, Shakera made the intentional decision to close Carnival Spice, bringing a meaningful chapter to a close as she stepped into a new season led by her Christian faith. This transition reflects her commitment to steward her gifts in ways that honour God and support women in living whole and well aligned lives.

Today, Simply Shakera is evolving into a platform dedicated to supporting the holistic well being of women through joyful movement and mindful living. Through shared strategies, practical resources and storytelling from a millennial woman’s perspective, Shakera continues to encourage women to pursue lives marked by wellness, purpose and faith.