We had the good fortune of connecting with Imari Shanay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Imari, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Life can be extremely difficult to navigate and sometimes you just need a place to let it all out without judgment. That’s exactly why I created Rage Room Orlando, because I know firsthand how much stress, frustration, and unprocessed emotions can weigh you down. I wanted to build a space where people, especially those who feel like they have to hold everything together can come, release all that built-up tension, and leave feeling lighter, freer, and ready to move forward. At Rage Room Orlando, we’re not just in the business of breaking things we’re in the business of healing, stress relief, and emotional wellness. Our space is designed to help people in the community find healthy ways to release emotions, manage stress, and regain control over their mental well-being. Unresolved emotions can destroy relationships and lead to unhealthy communication, stress, and even violence. At Rage Room Orlando, we offer a safe, controlled space for people to release anger and frustration in a healthy way without hurting themselves or others.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Rage Room Orlando, we do more than let people smash stuff we provide a safe, judgment-free space for emotional release and healing. Our mission is to help people process stress, anger, grief, and frustration in a way that’s both healthy and empowering. We’re not just about destruction; we’re about transformation. What makes Rage Room Orlando unique is our holistic approach to emotional release. We incorporate therapeutic elements into our experiences offering options like our Paint Lab, Music Lab, and Sensory Activities to help people express and heal beyond just breaking things.

We also cater to individuals, couples, and groups, helping families reconnect, friends bond, and even coworkers de-stress in a fun, interactive way. Plus, we work with schools, businesses, and organizations to provide emotional wellness solutions that create a lasting impact.

Starting this business wasn’t easy. The idea of a rage room as therapy was new to many people, and I had to work hard to educate the community on why emotional release matters. Being a young African American woman in business, I faced challenges with funding, marketing, and getting people to take this concept seriously. But I refused to let obstacles stop me. I leaned into my passion and therapeutic background for emotional wellness, my background in business, and my personal experiences with emotional healing to build something impactful. I kept pushing, learning from failures, and listening to my customers’ needs constantly evolving Rage Room Orlando into more than just an experience, but a movement.

Some of the things I have learned is that healing looks different for everyone and we all deserve a space to process emotions. People crave safe spaces to let go and sometimes, traditional therapy isn’t enough. Running a business takes resilience, you have to believe in yourself even when others don’t see the vision yet. The right team and systems are key you can’t do it all alone, no matter how passionate you are.

Rage Room Orlando isn’t just about breaking things, it’s about breaking free. Whether you’re dealing with stress, grief, anger, or just need a reset, this space is for you. We’re here to remind people that your emotions are valid, your healing matters, and you don’t have to carry the weight alone. This business is my passion, my purpose, and my way of helping others find peace, one smash at a time. And we’re only just getting started!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Orlando, I’d make sure it was packed with unforgettable experiences, great food, and good vibes. We’d start the morning with brunch at Se7en Bites, a must-visit for Southern comfort food with a twist their biscuits & gravy and giant cinnamon rolls are everything! After fueling up, we’d head to Rage Room Orlando, where we’d let loose, smash a few things, and leave feeling lighter, refreshed, and stress-free.

After the adrenaline rush, we’d switch gears and explore Lake Eola Park, taking a stroll around the beautiful lake, feeding the swans, and soaking in the downtown views. By midday, we’d grab lunch at Chicken Fire, because their hot Nashville-style chicken is next level crispy, spicy, and full of flavor. After lunch, we’d check out The Orlando Museum of Art or find a cool pop-up exhibit in town to mix in some culture and creativity.

As the sun starts to set, we’d head to The Wellborn for drinks a hidden gem with a cozy garden vibe and some of the best craft cocktails in the city. For dinner, we’d go all out at The Monroe, a stylish downtown spot known for its fried chicken and soulful dishes. To cap off the night, we’d hit up SAK Comedy Lab for some live improv comedy because nothing ends a perfect day like good food, good drinks, and non-stop laughter.

That’s the kind of stress-free, fun-filled Orlando experience I’d want my best friend to have great food, unique experiences, and a mix of relaxation and excitement!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If you ever wonder where my strength, wisdom, and heart come from look no further than my incredible mother. She has taught me everything I know, poured into me with unwavering love, and nurtured me into the woman I am today. Through every season of life, she has been my biggest supporter, my safe space, and my greatest teacher.

I would like to dedicate this shout out to my mom. Her love, wisdom, and resilience are unmatched, and I am beyond grateful to be her daughter. Everything I do is a reflection of the values, strength, and love she instilled in me. I am grateful that she has always believed in me, guiding me, and showing me what unconditional love truly looks like.

Website: http://rageroomorlando.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rageroomorlando/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rage-room-orlando-6090b2300/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RageRoomOrlando/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@therageroom?si=jRWi71NSSIO64KaU

Image Credits
Patrick Connolly

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