In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the concept of wellness often gets reduced to surface-level solutions—gym memberships, insurance benefits, and one-off wellness workshops. However, true wellness goes far beyond the physical. Ain Hasshim, the founder of Kefi Meraki Wellness Consultant, embodies a deeper, more holistic approach. Her journey from a nurse in Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health to a corporate professional, and eventually, a wellness consultant, is a testament to the profound impact of addressing wellness in all its dimensions. Here is her inspiring story.
Awakening to Mental Health Awareness
Ain Hasshim’s journey began in 2010, in a time and place where mental health was considered a taboo topic. As a young nurse at the Institute of Mental Health in Singapore, Ain quickly realised that there was much more to healthcare than just treating symptoms. She witnessed firsthand how patients’ mental and emotional struggles were often overlooked due to societal stigmas. It was here that she developed a deep awareness of the importance of mental health, understanding that true healing requires addressing not just the physical, but also the psychological and emotional well-being of individuals.
Working in this challenging environment, Ain became passionate about mental health advocacy. She began exploring how different facets of wellness—emotional, psychological, and spiritual—are interconnected and how these could be integrated into a more comprehensive approach to care.
A Step into the Corporate World
After several years in healthcare, Ain transitioned into the corporate world, working for seven years in the fast-paced Media and Advertising industry. Here, she encountered a different kind of challenge: a workplace environment where wellness was seldom prioritised. If wellness was addressed at all, it was often limited to superficial measures like insurance benefits or gym memberships. Ain observed that these efforts, while well-intentioned, were not genuinely supporting employees’ overall well-being.
The corporate wellness programs she witnessed seemed to miss the mark—they failed to consider the mental and emotional needs of employees or to create a supportive culture where these needs could be openly discussed. During this time, Ain also experienced burnout and stress, which many professionals in high-pressure environments are all too familiar with. This stark contrast between her experiences in healthcare and the corporate world deepened her understanding of the holistic nature of wellness.
The Turning Point – Embracing Holistic Wellness
Amid her corporate journey, Ain delved deeper into the realms of yoga and meditation. What started as a personal pursuit for balance and inner peace soon blossomed into a passion for holistic wellness. She began to understand wellness as a multi-dimensional concept that goes beyond just physical health—it also includes mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, environmental, and even technological aspects.
Through her yoga and meditation practice, Ain learned about the profound connection between body, mind, and spirit. She realized that true wellness must address all these aspects to create harmony in an individual’s life. Her journey made her recognize that factors like financial stress, lack of personal growth, and an unsupportive environment can significantly impact one’s mental and emotional well-being.
The Birth of Kefi Meraki Wellness Consultant
The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant shift in the global understanding of workplace wellness. As companies worldwide began recognizing the importance of supporting their employees’ holistic wellness, Ain saw a gap that needed to be filled. She noticed that while organisations were starting to value wellness, they often lacked the expertise to implement effective programs that go beyond surface-level solutions.
In 2024, Ain decided to channel her diverse experiences and deep understanding of holistic wellness into founding Kefi Meraki Wellness Consultant. Her vision was clear: to help organisations create wellness programs that are as unique as their employees. She realised that many HR teams struggle to see a return on investment in wellness programs because they rely on trends rather than understanding the specific needs of their employees.
Ain and her team at Kefi Meraki specialise in bridging this gap by working closely with organisations to develop customised wellness strategies that cater to their unique culture, industry, and employee demographics. They believe in the power of personalised wellness solutions that not only address physical and mental health but also incorporate elements like financial wellness, growth opportunities, and technological well-being.
Building Thriving, Harmonious, and United Organizations
Ain’s journey from healthcare to corporate life and finally to wellness consulting has equipped her with a unique perspective. She understands that every organisation is different and that the key to a thriving workplace is understanding the distinct needs of its employees. At Kefi Meraki, the focus is on creating harmonious work environments where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow.
Ain and her team are excited to extend their expertise to support organisations in crafting wellness programs that truly resonate with their employees. By focusing on holistic wellness and understanding the interconnectedness of various wellness aspects, they aim to help organisations foster a culture of unity, harmony, and thriving performance.
Conclusion
Ain Hasshim’s journey is a powerful reminder that wellness is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a comprehensive, empathetic approach that considers the unique needs of each individual and organisation. At Kefi Meraki Wellness Consultant, Ain and her team are committed to redefining workplace wellness and helping organisations unlock their full potential. If you are ready to explore a more meaningful approach to employee wellness, connect with Kefi Meraki today and start your journey toward a thriving, harmonious workplace.
Ready to transform your workplace into a thriving hub of health and happiness? Start by implementing one of the wellness initiatives from our guide. Share your journey towards a holistic wellness culture with us or connect with us on social media to discuss your progress and challenges. Let’s create healthier work environments together!