As the founder of Thrive Girl Inc. and the creator of #OperationJoyLab, Michell Kawaja is on a mission to help humans “let go and allow glow” in body, mind and spirit. I met her literally as she was rolling by me in downtown San Anselmo.
What do you do?
I curate silent disco events and classes throughout Marin, sometimes in unexpected places! I help people access joy through their bodies.
Where do you live?
Ross, near Phoenix Lake.
How long have you lived in Marin?
Ten years. We moved here from Austin when my firstborn was entering kindergarten.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
White knuckled teaching my 15-year-old to drive, on a “hot date” with my hubby at NOW Yoga, socializing with girlfriends at Move Me Studio Pilates or perusing Instagram for family reality show casting calls.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?
I’d take them on a hike around Phoenix Lake, for tea and treats at Crown and Crumpet in Ross, on a Tiburon Angel Island Ferry sunset cruise, then end the night at Cinelounge in Tiburon.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
An age-friendly, judgment-free dance club. That’s why I’m in business, yo!
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
I’m throwing in two here…play more. It’s healing, and everybody wins. And be more you.
If you could ask anyone to join you at dinner, who would you invite?
The legendary Bill Murray is spontaneous, present and entirely himself. I’d also love a night with Theresa Caputo. I’m obsessed with psychic mediums, past lives and near-death experiences.
What’s some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Comparison is the thief of joy, so be authentic. It’s scientifically the most powerful frequency a human can emit.
What’s something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
Pre-teens allowed to ride Super 73s.
Big question. What’s one thing you’d do to change the world?
I would normalize two things: spontaneous movement, stretching and dancing everywhere, especially in airports and hospital waiting rooms. Bodies are designed to express and process life in real-time. And shimmy high kick hellos.
Keep up with Kawaja at ThriveGirl.com and on Instagram at @thrivegirlinc.
Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and attempts to play pickleball at Fairfax’s Cañon Club.
