Biography

Shakera Martin is a Canadian Movement Coach, Speaker, and Content Creator. At a young age, she was exposed to music and dance. The flair and vibrancy of her Caribbean culture is what she used to enhance her unique style of movement. Through her passion for dance, she has graced the stages of The Marilyn Denis Show, The Social, The Canadian Olympic Committee, the Toronto Marlies and more. Since earning a Bachelor of Applied Science degree at the Toronto Metropolitan University, Shakera aimed to promote the relationship between health, wellness and dance. With her major being Occupational Health and Safety, she identified a need for more joy in the lives of others as stress increased the risk of injuries and accidents in the workplace. She therein created Simply Shakera Inc., a lifestyle brand focusing on the empowerment of women through dance, fitness, and culture offering workshops, online resources, event entertainment, and youth mentorship programs. This has allowed her work to reach as far as San Ignacio, Belize and New Delhi, India as well as create partnerships with top fitness brands including CanFit Pro, Nike Toronto, and Lululemon. Through the Simply Shakera workshops participants are able to build their self-confidence, learn exciting dance/fitness trends, and practice ways to channel their energy through movement. She is particularly passionate about working with youth that have had a similar upbringing as her to really drive the message that it does not matter where you come from, hard work and passion can lead you to success.

Shakera's passion for community combined with her love for Caribbean artistry led her to launch Carnival Spice in 2013. It is an award - winning company that provides fitness and entertainment with a Caribbean carnival twist. It also features a global #SpiceFam community. Through Carnival Spice, aspiring artists of colour are welcomed to a platform where they can further develop their talents through Caribbean dance. Carnival Spice has brought positive exposure to Caribbean talent, customs, and culture. The company’s client list includes Toronto Public Library, Deadmau5, PWC, TTC as well as many other community and corporate organizations. Shakera and her team have also been featured on Cityline, CP24, CTV, Breakfast Television, and Muchmusic. Most recently she was featured on Season 12 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta episode 9: “A Whine of a Time”. Carnival Spice is also the creators of the first ever “Soca Dance Directory” which features over 30 popular soca dance moves. In 2023, Shakera was also one of three businesses selected by the Toronto Raptors and GoDaddy for their Elevator Pitch contest which propelled Carnival Spice through a national campaign.

In addition to operating her businesses, has served as an instructor for Humber College, Trust 15 in the Toronto District School Board, Habitual Fitness and Elle Fitness & Social. In 2019, Shakera launched simplyshakera.com as an online space dedicated to encouraging others to live happier and healthier lifestyles through positive energy and their passions.  Follow her journey as she continues to inspire the world with her talent, spirit, and heart.