Meet Chimeka Crawford | Pole Dance Instructor & Owner of Viachakra

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chimeka Crawford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chimeka, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

From the age of 16, I dedicated myself to working tirelessly for others—pouring my time, energy, and skills into building their dreams while neglecting my own. I have always been a hard worker, but I often found myself giving my best efforts to everyone except myself. Time and time again, I realized I was more capable than many of the people I worked for, yet I remained in a system that failed to recognize my full potential.

My passions—wellness, meditation, dance, nutrition, and art—were more than just interests; they were my calling. As I deepened my connection with myself and the divine, I recognized that my purpose was rooted in community, self-expression, and bridging the gap between spirituality and modern life. Entrepreneurs, at their core, are activists. Starting my business wasn’t just a career move—it was an act of self-liberation. It was a declaration that I would no longer suppress my creativity or allow my talents to be confined by someone else’s vision.

The stress of being bossed around became overwhelming, but the realization that I had the power to create something meaningful gave me the courage to step out on my own. I could no longer contain my ideas—I was bursting with inspiration and needed an outlet. So I chose to believe in myself. I chose to build something that aligned with my soul’s mission. And that is how my journey as an entrepreneur began. An evolution – ViaChakra.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My career has always been rooted in movement, wellness, and self-expression. I started as a certified fitness trainer—a perfect fit for my passion for exercise and maintaining peak physical health. But as my journey evolved, I found a deeper calling in dance, embodiment, and holistic wellness. Today, I am a pole dance instructor specializing in flexibility, conditioning, choreography, and sensual movement.

Through my wellness business, I aim to disrupt the rigid, high-stress culture of modern office life by bringing in color, meditation, sensuality, and nourishment—both physically and spiritually. My work goes beyond dance; I teach moving meditations and guide others in cultivating a spiritually healthy lifestyle that fosters confidence, joy, and balance.

One of my proudest creations is the ViaChakra crochet line, where art and healing come together. We craft handmade, weighted chakra blankets and plush mushroom pillows—beautiful, functional wellness tools designed to soothe the nervous system, encourage deep relaxation, and serve as reminders of energetic alignment. Each piece is a work of art infused with intention, helping people find comfort and connection in their daily lives.

My work is a fusion of movement, mindfulness, and creativity, all designed to empower others to embrace their full selves—body, mind, and spirit.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

For an unforgettable week in LA, we’d blend adventure, wellness, culture, and great food. We’d start with a morning hike in Baldwin Hills Estates, followed by brunch at Bottega Louie before exploring Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Self-care is a must, so we’d visit a day spa for massages and facials, then check out Museum Row before ending the day with dinner at TAO.

The rest of the week would include art and culture at The Broad, LACMA, and The Getty Center, plus retail therapy in Rodeo Drive, Melrose Trading Post, and Silver Lake. We’d balance movement and relaxation with yoga, roller skating, and hiking Runyon Canyon, while also indulging in the best vegan and fine dining spots like Gracias Madre, Catch LA, and Crossroads Kitchen.

Nights would be for live music at The Sun Rose, rooftop drinks at Perch and Mama Shelter, and dancing at The Highlight Room. To wrap it up, we’d spend a day thrifting, picnicking at Griffith Park, and soaking in the city’s creative energy before parting ways—refreshed, inspired, and full of amazing memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I want to give a Shoutout to the community that I call my soul family, at SAU the Spiritual Ascension University. It’s founded by the brilliant Professor Melanie. I want to dedicate this shout out to her and her illustrious staff and students. SAU is an online university that teaches metaphysical principles. Learning from the professor, taking classes at SAU changed my life, taught me life saving techniques and gave me tools that I will forever live by.

Website: https://www.viachakra.com

Instagram: viachakraofficial

Linkedin: Chimeka Crawford

Facebook: Chimeka Crawford

Youtube: viachakra

Other: TikTok: viachakra

Image Credits
Credit Secret Pole Dance Studio as the Studio and community that has poured into me and has elevated my life in a remarkable way! I was a student at the studio for over 8 years before being given the opportunity to teach and I feel very blessed to be a part of the growing team.