At the intersection of movement, mindfulness, and sensory experience lies Brooklyn Strength, a haven dedicated to empowering people through fitness and holistic wellness. Its founder, Cadence Dubus, has spent nearly 15 years guiding clients to connect with their bodies, embrace balance, and honor strength in all its forms. In this Q&A, she reflects on the evolution of Brooklyn Strength and the role Red Flower rituals play in creating spaces of care and intention.
Join Brooklyn Strength and Red Flower for a special Virtual Fascia Release ™ session on Saturday, September 20th from 4:00pm-5:15pm - click here to register and save 10% with code 10BkS.
RF: What first drew you to create Brooklyn Strength, and how has your vision for wellness evolved since then?
CD: I opened Brooklyn Strength when I was 28 years old with a vision to create a fitness and wellness space where all aspects of physical wellness could exist under one roof. It was a big dream, with a real “build it and they will come” mentality. The first storefront offered personal training, Pilates, Thai massage, and rehabilitative training — all of which grew into what Brooklyn Strength is today, nearly 15 years later. The biggest shift came as I grew as a teacher and person, and as the cultural lens on bodies, especially women’s bodies, began to change. My mission evolved from a simple “one-stop shop for health and wellness” to helping people connect with and care for their bodies through movement, with the goal of empowering them to find the strength already inside.
RF: Can you share a defining moment that shaped the way you approach self-care and community wellness today?
CD: 2014 was a watershed moment for the current wave of feminism. With Lena Dunham and Amy Schumer making body acceptance and shame-rejection mainstream, “body positivity” became part of the cultural conversation. Because I already taught from a place of care and acceptance for all bodies and abilities, I was perfectly primed to meet this wave with a strong voice — helping people discover the confidence that comes when we stop judging ourselves and embrace our own strength.
RF: How do you personally define balance, and what practices help you maintain it?
CD: True balance is about responding to the shifts and changes of daily life, not adhering to rigid rules. One of my favorite offerings is our Virtual Run Club, which teaches people to build a sustainable running practice. A key lesson is accepting that not every run will be long or perfect — even a five-minute jog around the block counts. This mindset keeps you consistent while allowing space for life’s demands. I try to apply that same flexibility to my own strength training or self-care routines: as long as I keep moving and honoring my body, I trust I’ll return to each practice when it makes sense.
RF: How did you first discover Red Flower, and what stood out to you about the brand?
CD: Red Flower was the first company Brooklyn Strength partnered with. I have a soft spot for RF because of this! The team came to my very first studio and helped choose our signature scent — Icelandic Moonflower — which became part of our identity across three locations. To this day, I light a Moonflower petal topped candle when teaching my virtual Fascia Release™ workshop because it feels like the scent of my teaching space.
RF: Is there a particular red flower ritual, product, or scent that has become a meaningful part of your routine?
CD: I adore the Lymphatic Phytopower Sea Cleanser and Masque — it leaves my skin hydrated even before moisturizer. And I love all the candles. I once learned the term “photorealistic scent” from a perfumer, and that’s exactly how Red Flower feels: orange blossom smells like real orange blossoms, jasmine like true jasmine. The scents are never heavy or perfumed; they simply float through the room, like you might have an orange grove just outside.
RF: How do Red Flower products support the wellness experiences you cultivate at Brooklyn Strength and in your own life?
CD Creating beautiful, intentional spaces helps us treat our bodies and lives with the same care. Whether it’s using a cleanser you love or enjoying uplifting scents in the shower, these small rituals set the tone for how we want to feel each day.
RF: What trends or shifts in the wellness space are you most excited to see right now?
CD: I’m encouraged to see strength, acceptance, and joy becoming louder than extremes or restriction. Despite fears that certain trends might push us back toward unhealthy ideals, I see people choosing vitality and empowerment — which is thrilling.
RF: How do you guide your clients to make space for daily rituals that nurture both body and mind?
CD: I remind clients that self-care doesn’t have to feel like a chore or something they’re “failing at.” Small things matter: stretch your shoulders each time you stand up, add fresh citrus to your water so you’ll drink more, or pause to breathe deeply. Gentle, consistent shifts help us prioritize ourselves without punishment.
RF: What role do you believe sensory experiences — scent, texture, atmosphere — play in deepening one’s wellness journey?
CD: Connecting to the senses is a powerful way to anchor ourselves in the present. I often teach a quick “five senses” meditation, asking clients to notice what they can hear, see, taste, smell, and feel. Using scents and textures from Red Flower makes this practice even richer, encouraging mindfulness through beauty.
RF: As red flower celebrates 25 years, what are your hopes for the future of holistic wellness in your own community?
CD: I hope to see continued growth in full-body acceptance, strength, and fitness at every size and ability. I want women, in particular, to release outdated beauty standards and embrace their power — celebrating resilience, confidence, and joy in their bodies.
Join Brooklyn Strength and Red Flower for a special Virtual Fascia Release ™ session on Saturday, September 20th from 4:00pm-5:15pm - click here to register.