Last weekend I went to Riyadh for the first time in over 10 years, I was there to introduce Nia to the Riyadh community. I had the honor of hosting my events in Sukoun.
Sukoun is a women wellness center, a beautiful space created by beautiful souls. As I stepped in, I sensed tranquility and peace, which is essentially what the word sukoun represents in Arabic. The center was created by four Saudi women with a vision to bring wellness and holistic health to women in the community.
At the root of their business model is the Karma Yoga program, which instills the love of service and collaboration between community members. In other words, bartering. Bartering is the exchange of goods or services without the use of money, you can volunteer your time and skills in return for yoga classes! How cool is that!
This is a great example of a social business. When the social impact is part of the bottom line of the business, along with the financial one. This idea of social businesses has been an interest of mine since I was doing my master’s degree in nonprofit management. Entities like B Corporations highlights the need for social and environmental impact to be part of the structure of the business. Now more than ever, we need to be aware of what businesses we choose to support and the impact they have. Earlier this year I wrote about ethical shopping and how I can better serve others by choosing products that support communities and doesn’t have a negative impact on the environment. I look forward to the day that everything I wear is ethically sourced, socially responsible and sustainable.
I started writing this post with the intention of sharing my experience at Sukoun and my workshops and classes there. But I gravitated toward subjects that are dear to my heart. How we can serve humanity, share our gifts, and contribute to the betterment of the world. Businesses can have a tremendous impact on the community, through providing education, awareness, and concepts suck as Karma Yoga. I’m a strong believer that everyone can do something to make this world a better place, choosing to support a business that contributes to that goal is something we can all do. I’m inspired by what those amazing women have created, a true gem in our community, and hope to see them prosper and grow.
If you are in Riyadh or know someone there, I would highly recommend that you pay Sukoun a visit, either to enjoy the variety of classes they offer or to just enjoy a quiet place for reflection and tranquility. I’m not officially affiliated with them, nor I’m getting anything from writing this post, I just like to share what inspires me :).
For the first time, I had the experience of a gong bath, played by my fabulous hostess Alaa, and one of Sukoun founders. It was a truly pleasurable and soothing experience; to be enveloped in sound resonance and vibration that stayed with me long after the sound ended. I would love to take that class again whenever I visit.