If you tend to gravitate toward health and wellness, you definitely want to meet September’s Woman of the Month, Jissel Ravelo of Upsoul Center for Holistic Health and Wellness.
Name?
Jissel Ravelo
What is your day job?
Reiki Master Practitioner and Teacher, Founder of Upsoul Center for Holistic Health and Wellness in Chelsea
What made you start your business?
I struggled with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression for a big part of my life. I experienced a major transformation when I embarked on a journey of holistic healing. It was because of this experience that it became my life’s mission to start a center where others can be supported through their process.
How long have you been in business?
I have been a holistic practitioner for 11 years and a wellness center owner for 1 year.
What makes your business different from others?
We go beyond private services and focus on educating and empowering our clients to create a holistic lifestyle at home and in the workplace.
What impact do you have/expect to have on your community?
Upsoul seeks to normalize health, wellness and personal growth practices for all modern seekers – making self-care more approachable for everybody, mind and soul.
How has your business been affected by the pandemic?
Health is on everyone’s mind, but they don’t always know how best to care for themselves. Since the pandemic, we have noticed a rising interest in our offerings, with so many people being negatively affected by the challenges of today’s society.
Do you practice self-care?
I regularly practice self-Reiki, meditation, and journaling and have a myriad of tools for whatever my mental, emotional, and physical needs are.
What would you like people to know about your business? Message?
We are a space where everyone belongs, is welcomed and honored as they are. It is essential for Upsoul to foster a loving and familiar environment where practitioners and clients can connect and cultivate relationships.
For more information on Jissel and the Upsoul Center, follow her on IG @upsoulcenter and link to her site to keep in touch!
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What is your day job?
Director of College Counseling
What made you start your business?
I started my business because taking care of my skin is something that I enjoy. You can't avoid blemishes and skin issues, but you can take care of your skin as best as you can. Elated skin will help you do that.
How long have you been in business?
One year, but I've been into skincare for a very long time. I started on YouTube but it's no longer the platform for me.
What makes your business different from others? A skincare line that is simple yet effective, using handmade, a small batch method and including only natural ingredients. You can achieve glowing skin without all the steps. We keep it simple and give you what you need without the chemicals.
What impact do you have/expect to have on your community?
Simple is better; you don't have to do too much to have an effect. Consistency is what's most important.
How do you practice self-care?
Using my skincare products, taking care of myself, spending the day dedicated to beauty, doing a facial, doing my nails, whether at home or going to the salon, and taking myself out to eat are my main ways of resetting and catering to myself.
What would you like people to know about your business? Message?
Don't be afraid to try my products, a simple natural skincare line. Less is more, and consistency is critical. My products will be great if you're here for the long run. But, if you're looking for instant gratification, it's not for you. Great skin is a lifestyle, not a single event. But, with a bit of time and consistency, you can have glowing skin.
For more on Nurah and Elated Skin, check her out on her site:elatedskin.com or on IG: elatedskin
Chine launched the Haus of Chine officially in November 2019. It only included reworked clothing at its inception due to a lack of resources, but she was able to gather resources and build capital over time. With the help of her mom, she was able to secure a space to learn, practice and grow. She made custom pieces and developed her style and brand by practicing on herself. Once she was secure in her abilities, she started offering her services to clientele in the summer of 2021. Since then, she has been booked and busy.
Ms. Phillip's brand is all-inclusive for all sizes and all occasions and most recently has started designing for men. Her goal is to inspire youth, especially those in her neighborhood, to pursue their goals and remain faithful to plan A. She is spreading the message of doing what makes you happy instead of doing what other people would like you to do. The slogan "do you for you" reminds us to live life on our terms. Chine's an example of how it's done, not only through her business but also by teaching what she knows at the ABGS middle school program, where she teaches her students how to use sewing tools, the sewing machine, and rework old garments. I'm impressed!
To learn more about Chine Phillips of the Haus of Chine, follow her on IG @blvckchina or @thochine, and be sure to place your custom order at thehausofchine.com.
Til next time…
EB
EB: Tell the readers your name
SS: Shenee Savoury
EB: What is your day job?
SS: I am currently enrolled in school to obtain my esthetician license. I also do hair on the side at my mother's salon located in Harlem.
EB: What made you start your business?
SS: Ha! Being brought up in a salon, it was so natural to me. I love it! Making people happy by doing something I love. No question about why I would want to start.
EB: How long have you been in business?
SS: I have always been helping my mother growing up, so doing hair isn't new, but I started selling lashes online in about 2018, then transitioned back to protective styles completely in 2019/2020.
EB: What makes your business different from others?
SS: The quality of my work, The way I make you feel when you're in my chair, the conversations we have, the comfort, everything. People naturally gravitate towards me, and that makes it even better!
EB: What kind of impact do you have/expect to have on your community?
SS: I want everyone to know that you don't need a million bucks to look and feel good! I want black businesses to continue booming within our communities; let's bring out the best in each other by showing genuine support.
EB: How has your business been affected by the pandemic?
SS: The business has definitely slowed down because of the pandemic; it has made people isolate more and this is a field where you have to be very hands-on and close, but globally, 6 ft a part. It's been tough! But things are picking back up.
EB: How do you practice self-care?
SS: I practice self-care by taking a morning drive to my favorite smoothie spot, listening to music while sitting in my car, making a well-seasoned bubble bath, and watching a movie on my laptop while drinking a glass of wine. Anything that I feel will make me happy at the moment is self-care for me. Doing things alone, being at peace, self-care.
EB: What would you like people to know about your business?
SS: Savoury Cosmetics is going to become a household name. Mark my words. I will be doing everything from Braids, Locs, Weaves, Lashes, Waxing, Facials, Vajacials & More! Stay Tuned!!!
To learn more about Shenee Savoury and the soon to be household name, check her out on IG @savourycosmetics! Book an appointment too! I know you want to!
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#EstherBassy #writer #blogger #blackhistory #blackherstory #blackfutures #women #stories
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#blackherstory #blackhistory #PhyliciaRashad #Class
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Alright, y’all, as promised, we’re back! It’s been a while since I’ve done Woman of The Month. Thank you for your patience and continued support! This month, we have Shavaune Salazar, owner, and creator at Adore Urbanwear.
Let me preface by saying that I don’t remember how we connected, but when I started doing pop-ups, Shauvane played a huge part in letting me know whenever there was one coming up! Her brand isn’t just in the messaging of her brand; it’s who she is! It’s a pleasure the catch up with her, post-pandemic (depending on how you choose to see it), to see why she continues to do what she does. Enjoy!
EB: Tell the readers your name?
SS: Shavaune
EB: What made you start your business?
SS: After having my son in 2015, I slipped into postpartum depression. I wanted to find a way to love myself again… I didn't feel loved or adored. I yearned for that. I used my brand as an outlet, plus I love street-style fashion.
EB: How long have you been in business?
SS: I started my business on February 26, 2015
EB: What makes your business different from others?
SS: My Designs are original and cater to self-love, women empowerment, and dopeness.
EB What kind of impact do you have/expect to have on your community?
SS: I expect my brand to empower other women to uplift and adore each other through fashion. There's enough room for every queen to shine!
EB: How has/was your business been affected by the pandemic?
SS: I have cut down on doing pop-up shops to limit exposure of the diseases. I’m blessed to be an online clothing store.
EB: How do you practice self-care?
SS: I have lazy days where I do absolutely nothing. It's the peace for me! I also get manicures and pedicures. Get my hair done or wash it myself.
EB: What would you like people to know about your business?
SS: I would like people to know that without them, my business wouldn't exist. I am grateful for the women who adore my brand and keep pushing me to be a better business owner. Message? A Dope Urbanwear Brand that Queens ADORE is not only a brand but an idea that women can actually come together... no catty ish** Xoxo
For more information on Shavaune and how you can support her brand. Check her out on IG @adore.urbanwear or on her website: adoreurbanwear.com
#ShavauneSalazar #BlackHerstory #BlackHistory #AdoreUrbanwear #Streetstyle #Queens #WomensEmpowerment #BlackFutures
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The one and only Diana Ross
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