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Beauty and Balance, the Art of Intention

This year's Women of Troy spotlights three Leading Ladies shaping the local health and beauty landscape

Article by Margaret Meyer Haight

Photography by Simran Bajwa

Originally published in Troy City Lifestyle

Harnisha Shah

Restoring Balance, Redefining Care

For Harnisha Shah, physical therapy is for more than recovery — it’s about restoring confidence in the body. But it's her personal experience that gives her work deeper meaning.

During her postpartum journey, Harnisha developed a personal understanding of the physical and emotional challenges women face. This refined her focus on pelvic floor health and inspired the creation of a compassionate, supportive care environment.

That vision evolved into Troy's FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center. Here, Harnisha has built a practice of expertise and empathy. Nowhere is that more needed than with pelvic floor disorders, which cause pain and incontinence in 35% of all women and half of women over 65. Her mission became clear: give women the space to feel comfortable and supported throughout every stage of their health journey.

Her team focuses on treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Care is highly personalized and delivered one-on-one, empowering women with evidence-based therapies.

"We build strong relationships with the women we serve and encourage them to take ownership of their health," she says.

The pelvic floor plays a vital role in stability and movement. By strengthening pelvic health, women can improve balance, restore control and move through life with confidence.

“Balance is not just about preventing falls, it begins at the core,” explains Harnisha.

And, she says, that's the core of her message – that pelvic floor therapy helps women create healthier, more aligned and fulfilling lives.

fyzical.com/troy-mi l (248) 918-4966

Kashmira Kharas

Reclaim, Restore, Relax

For many women, self-care becomes a priority only after life demands it. Kashmira Kharas, owner of Elements Massage in Troy, came to that realization after the birth of her daughter in 1997.

Although she’s always believed in the power of massage, she began to find it essential during the busy season of motherhood.

Kashmira has lived in Troy for more than 24 years, so her connection with the community was already strong when the local Elements Massage first opened. Curious about their membership program, a new concept at the time, she booked a session and immediately felt the benefits.

"Massage relieved my pain and stress and improved my range of motion," she says. "That's when I knew massage was more than a luxury. It has to be an essential part of your overall wellness."

She continued as a loyal client for years until December 2017, when she turned her loyalty into commitment by purchasing the spa, deepening her roots in the community she loves.

Troy’s supportive atmosphere has shaped her approach. With its excellent schools, engaged families and strong sense of connection, the city reflects the same values she hopes to create inside her spa. As one client affirms, “Everyone there is very friendly and makes us feel like family.”

Serving local women continues to be meaningful for Kashmira, as she understands firsthand the demands of balancing careers, families and personal responsibilities.

Kashmira reminds us, “Take time to care for yourself. Health is everything. Without it, nothing else matters."

Putting your well-being first isn’t selfish, she adds. It’s necessary. She also encourages asking for help when needed, giving yourself permission to relax and surrounding yourself with supportive women.

elementsmassage.com l (248) 828-0088

Hinnah Sheikh

Elevating Skin, Confidence, Care

Hinnah’s journey began in childhood, inspired by watching her grandmother’s nightly ritual with Oil of Olay. What started as fascination quickly evolved into a deeper interest in the chemistry behind skin care and the impact of ingredients on the skin.

Now with over 15 years of experience, she nurtures both skin and meaningful relationships within her luxe Troy studio, SamLab Skin. It’s a place of care and authentic connection, something echoed by clients like Taylor S., who shares, "With a soft, heated bed in a dimly lit setting, SamLab is consistently an inviting escape from reality. Hinnah speaks kindly and gracefully, exceeding professionalism with her genuine care for each client.”

In today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world, Hinnah emphasizes the importance of making space for self-care. Many women push down their own needs to prioritize balancing careers and families, often at the expense of their health. This can manifest physically through premature aging and skin concerns.

Her philosophy is simply powerful: when women take time to care for themselves, they show up stronger in every aspect of their lives. Whether it’s committing to a monthly facial, balanced diet, hydration or simply taking a few moments to decompress, self-care is essential, not optional.

"My goal is not to stop aging, but to support women in aging gracefully and naturally, helping them feel more confident in their skin," she says.

At the core of her work is education. She believes healthy skincare habits should begin early, encouraging women to introduce their children and teens to proper routines that emphasize cleanliness, hydration, sun protection and non-comedogenic products.

By building a strong foundation, these habits become second nature over time. "Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective," she says. "Just be intentional."

Through her work at SamLab Skin, Hinnah has created a skincare studio, yes, and much more. This is a trusted space where women feel empowered, educated and supported.

And for many of her clients, that monthly appointment isn’t just a treatment, it’s time spent with their trusted “Esti-Bestie” – a partner in their journey toward confidence and lasting self-care.

samlabskin.com l 6046 Rochester Rd., Ste. 131, Troy

“Take time to care for yourself. Health is everything. Without it, nothing else matters."