A Black-owned ‘Sanctuary’ opens in Clayton 

St. Louis has a new Sanctuary, an integrated health and lifestyle resource headquartered in Clayton.

The Sanctuary celebrated its grand opening on Friday, April 25, and it offers a team of professionals specializing in health and wellness and personal styling, according to Kelli Braggs, MDIV, MSW, founder and owner.

Her goal is to “help women thrive personally and professionally through holistic care.”

 “Through the years, I’ve encountered many smart, capable women seeking external fixes on how to move forward and become their best selves,” Braggs said. 

Sanctuary’s innovative approach involves personalized coaching experience to help clients feel more confident, have a sense of well-being, and develop an intentional purpose.

“You are your own sanctuary. Everything you need already exists within you”

“In reality, the answers and power lie within. When we become our own sanctuary, we realize that everything we need to thrive is already inside of us,” said the owner.

Entrepreneur is just one of Braggs’ titles.  The mother of a 13-year-old daughter received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Liberty University, a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, and her Master of Social Work from Washington University.

She plans to complete the Residential Interior Design Qualification Certification through Lindenwood University in 2025.

Her dedication to fostering positive change, helping individuals realize their power, and making meaningful contributions to her community drives her.

Braggs’ Sanctuary is exactly what she wants to give back to women–a guide towards intentional living, helping women better maintain their peace within while managing life through tailored solutions so they can achieve excellence in all areas of their lives.

“I understand what freedom feels like and what freedom allows women to do,” said Braggs said during the grand opening.

“We are helping women tap into their divine purpose of who they are. When women can fully tap into their full selves and live out their wildest imagination, that’s when they can truly be free.”  

The mission is to provide a holistic wellness experience for women through spiritual, physical, spatial, and style transformations. The Sanctuary aims to empower each client to become and create their own sanctuary.

Clayton Mayor Bridget McAndrew, who just took office in April, was impressed with Sanctuary.

“I thought, wow, this is incredible. I want to tell all my friends about this,” said McAndrew.

Each Sanctuary client will have access to a team through their work with partner organizations and healthcare practitioners. Braggs hopes her business can elevate women and the impact they can make on their communities, in their professions, and in their personal lives.

 “Our curated techniques help women to ‘show up powerfully’ in their bodies and spaces. Each session is an opportunity to refine, realign, and reinforce habits that result in lasting transformation,” said Braggs, who brings over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry serving as a certified fitness trainer, wellness coach, social worker, and non-profit executive and pastor.

As a former executive director at Bridge of Hope Ministries, Braggs led its transformation from a daytime shelter to the St. Louis region’s first integrative medical respite program.

Her expertise crosses between business, racial and health equity, economic mobility, and spirituality.

 “You are your own sanctuary,” she said. “Everything you need already exists within you.”