Yoga Bay – Jackie

What started as a client relationship has grown into a cherished friendship over many years. Jackie is not only incredibly loyal and supportive, but also brings a truly special energy to everything she does.
Through her company Yoga Bay, Jackie offers a unique range of yoga experiences, with a special focus on SUP Yoga (Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga) a powerful combination of movement, balance, and mindfulness on the water.
SUP Yoga is the ultimate workout for both mental and physical balance and strength, and Jackie creates an environment where everyone feels welcome . From complete beginners to experienced yogis. She is especially skilled at guiding first-timers, making the experience accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all.
Whether you’re looking for a team-building activity, a day out with friends, or simply a new way to reconnect with yourself, Yoga Bay offers an unforgettable experience.
We’ve had the pleasure of joining her sessions twice with our team, and each time has been nothing short of amazing.
Languages: English, German

Locations: Thalwil/Oberrieden

Website: https://www.yogabay.ch/

Cynthia .T. Luna

Author of Brown Beyond Borders

Cynthia Luna Salazar came into our space just a few years ago and has since become a valued and consistent part of our community. What started as a client relationship quickly grew into something much deeper.

Her book, Brown Beyond Borders, is a powerful and personal reflection on identity, belonging, and navigating the world in a brown body. Through her experiences growing up in the U.S. as a woman of mixed heritage, Cynthia shares what it means to move through spaces that may appear privileged, yet still require you to constantly question where you stand, and how you are seen by others.

Her writing speaks openly about race, identity, and equality, including the complexities of personal and intimate relationships where true equality is not always given. It is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and finding your place in the world across cultures and continents.

“What makes Brown Beyond Borders such a potent addition to the discourse on race is Luna's biracial, mixed-heritage, immigrant female, and bi-continental lens through which she examines her world.”

Elizabeth Leiba, 3x Amazon bestselling author

This book deeply resonated with us and is something we would recommend to a large part of our community, especially those who see themselves reflected in these experiences.

Available on multiple platforms

“and to browse in our salon”



Website: https://ctluna.com/

Sylvie Walder – Founder of Brown-Skin.ch

Brown-Skin.ch is a deeply personal project by our founder, Sylvie Walder — a creative journey that began as a way to unwind and evolved into a brand rooted in culture, identity, and self-expression.

What started as sewing to decompress alongside building her first business slowly grew into something more. During 2020, a time when the world paused, Sylvie leaned further into her craft — and recognized the potential to turn passion into purpose.

Inspired by her travels to Ghana and her love for traditional textiles, she began sourcing fabrics directly from suppliers and factories. The vibrant energy of Ankara prints became the foundation of her first collection, which was launched later that same year. By fall 2020, Brown-Skin.ch had already stepped onto the runway at the African Fashion Festival in Zurich — an experience that was proudly repeated the following year.

After successfully selling through platforms like Zalando, the brand has since grown into its own independence. Today, collections are available both online and in person at our Forester Beauty Salon in Zurich Oerlikon, creating a direct connection between fashion, culture, and community.

At Brown-Skin.ch, traditional fabrics are transformed into modern, wearable pieces designed for everyday life. The vision goes beyond African prints — it is about preserving cultural heritage while making it accessible, relevant, and effortlessly stylish.

From vibrant African wax prints to Caribbean madras fabrics, each piece is created to make you feel confident, proud, and seen, while carrying a story that connects past and present.

Why the name Brown-Skin.ch?

As women of color proudly calling Switzerland home, the brand represents identity, diversity, and confidence. It is fashion that tells stories, sparks conversations, and celebrates individuality.

Our goal is simple:

To create high-quality fashion at accessible prices.

Cultural fashion should be wearable, affordable, and available to everyone — without compromising on craftsmanship, comfort, or style.

And this is only the beginning — with more cultural textiles and inspirations to come as the journey continues.

Available online and in-salon

Penelope Staenz-Soltermann – Ananse Art

Penelope Staenz-Soltermann holds a very special place in our story — she was our very first client when we opened our salon in 2001. What began as a spontaneous visit has grown into a relationship that feels more like family than anything else.

Of Swiss and Ghanaian heritage, Penelope has always been deeply connected to her roots. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of traveling with her to Ghana, experiencing some of the most breathtaking parts of the country and connecting with a shared history that is both powerful and emotional. Visiting places like Elmina Castle — and standing at the “Gate of No Return” — was an unforgettable experience that continues to shape our perspective to this day.

Beyond her cultural connection, Penelope is someone we deeply admire for her strength and dedication as a mother. She has raised four exceptional children with unwavering commitment — navigating challenges, advocating for their education, and always ensuring they were supported, seen, and given every opportunity to thrive. Today, her children have gone on to achieve incredible success, both academically and athletically, including professional sports careers and international recognition.

With this chapter of her life evolving, Penelope has devoted her time and passion to the arts. Through her platform Ananse Art, she champions African artists and shares the richness, depth, and emotional power of their work with a global audience. Her carefully curated collection features both emerging and internationally recognized artists, offering a unique window into contemporary African art.

“Visits to art exhibitions in Europe and Africa at a very young age opened my eyes to the emotional power of art. Over the years this attraction grew into affection. I am certain that African art will take its place and attract the attention it deserves.”

Her mission is clear:

to share the powerful beauty of African art and create space for new voices, cultures, and perspectives to be seen and appreciated worldwide.

We feel incredibly honored not only to have her as part of our journey, but also to have been able to bring pieces from her collection into our own space.

Website: https://ananse.art/