We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mica Saunders. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Mica , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
“Lately, gardening and learning the art of beekeeping have brought me so much joy. There’s a deep sense of peace and warmth in feeling connected to nature.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Mica Saunders, the founder of Moxie Movez and Pole Poised. I wear two hats—one as a Senior Enrichment Specialist helping older adults stay active, independent, and joyful through creative movement programs, and another as a Body Chemist crafting all-natural grip aids and body care products for pole dancers worldwide.
Moxie Movez began with a simple act of gratitude and has grown into a movement that blends fitness, dance, and brain games for seniors, turning exercise into a celebration of life. Pole Poised was born out of my passion for pole dance, creating eco-friendly, skin-safe products that help performers feel confident and supported.
What makes my work unique is how it connects two worlds—empowering seniors to move with confidence while supporting dancers with products that enhance their artistry. Lately, outside of work, gardening and learning beekeeping have been filling my cup. There’s something magical about nurturing plants and bees—it mirrors the way I nurture communities through my brands, helping them grow strong and thrive.
Right now, I’m working on expanding Moxie Movez into more senior centers, launching new Pole Poised products, and building the charitable side of Moxie Movez to bring enrichment programs to more underserved older adults.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my grandmother shaped so much of who I am. The love we had for each other inspired my passion for working with older adults, helping them stay independent well into their golden years. When my grandmother transitioned in 2020, I felt completely lost without her. But that summer, when the senior centers reopened, the happiness and warmth in my heart returned. I was thrilled to once again be surrounded by my “bonus grannies and grandpas.”
I was never a CNA or GNA, but I grew up watching my mom care for others before she became a social worker. One day, I saw my neighbor struggling to get into her house. I offered to help, and when I got her inside, I realized she could barely move her leg and had grown very weak. Since she lived alone and her family couldn’t come until the next day, I stayed with her. I made her dinner, helped her to the bathroom, and when she didn’t make it in time, I reassured her, cleaned up, and told her not to feel embarrassed.
That was my first time facing a situation like that and I knew in that moment she needed support. From then on, I understood my purpose and embraced the deep love I have for older adults.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I turned my pain into power after my grandmother’s transition. In the beginning, I carried a deep sense of loss and even guilt—she had always dreamed of being on someone’s talk show, dancing and showing exercises, and we never made it before she passed.
Instead of staying in that grief, I chose to honor her dream. I started a senior dance troupe, and for the last three years we’ve performed at Pole Con. Recently, our videos have gone viral—we’ve been featured on the Chicago morning news, and three articles have been written about us. I know that one day, my “bonus grannies” will make it onto someone’s TV show. In that way, my grandmother’s vision is still alive, and every performance is a tribute to her.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. When people meet me in person after seeing me on Instagram, they always say, “OMG, you’re so genuine just like you are online!” My personality is naturally bubbly, and what you see is truly what you get.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I truly cared about the community—that I helped their grandparents improve their quality of life in unconventional and joyful ways. Through Moxie Movez, I brought light, movement, and connection to so many older adults, helping change the way people see aging. I want to be remembered for making aging something to look forward to, not fear, and for helping create “blue zones” in communities places where people live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
And of course, I hope they say I was the life of the party that everyone knew it was going to be a great day when I pulled up.
Contact Info:
- Website: MoxieMovez.com Polepoised.com
- Instagram: Moxie Movez & Pole Poised
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mica-saunders-89339840/
- Facebook: Moxie Movez & Facebook
- Youtube: Moxie Movez
Image Credits
Photo credit to: thaliainspired
