Why We Love What We Do
At S.M.I.L.E. Initiative we believe in self-love in the forms of exercise, creative expression, connection with nature, and giving back. We find these practices key to optimal wellness and happiness.
We started this company in order to provide comprehensive services that support and foster the overall wellness of our community while doing the things that we already love and practice on our own wellness journeys. We confront wellness from many different angles, and instill the importance and overlap of the mind/body connection.
S.M.I.L.E. Initiative was newly founded in 2020 as we recognized more than ever the mental health crisis happening around the country. 47.6 million people or 1 in 5 adults suffer from mental illness each year in the U.S. alone. Additionally, people with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population.
We offer a variety of classes and services to help you improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are experiencing distress or simply want to have fun while enhancing your physical and mental health, S.M.I.L.E. Initiative provides the resources to do so in a fun and friendly environment.
Explore our site to learn more about what we do here, and experience what even a little activity and positivity can do for you!
If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, go to The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and start an online chat or call at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.
Bekah Hayes
In 2009, Bekah began pursuing her Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University, having always had an interest in the human body and a passion for all things sports and exercise. Since completing her degree, she recognized a huge need in the health and wellness realm for exercise programs that not only keep us active and looking good but keep us FEELING good as well.
Bekah then became certified as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and began helping clients overcome everyday aches and pains caused by muscular imbalances which are often associated with aging or past injuries. Last year, she completed an intensive program to further her knowledge of human movement as well as incorporate a healthy mindset and focus on the mind-body connection. She is currently working on her certification as a yoga instructor.
Meredith Barrett
“It was a pivotal moment in my life where I had to decide whether I was going to live in the dark place or search deeper for the light. I had to find myself again, and I did just that through art, hiking, yoga, breathing techniques, and positive self-talk. These things turned my life around in such a positive way I became passionate about sharing it with others. I began selling my art and wondered if there was an even better way to help others find the peace that I had found through these outlets. So, I started hosting paint parties and decided I wanted to take it a step further to really target in on the therapy aspects of it. That’s when I decided to partner up to create something unique to anything I had ever heard of before – a business that would encourage overall wellness through creativity.”