Hi Maya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Aja’MIEL organics actually started during the pandemic. I’ve always kind of had my eye on skincare but never took the time to actually look into it. I’m a yoga instructor so when we got put on lockdown, it put my yoga business to a halt. So instead of just sitting and waiting for things to open back up, I took the time to start doing my research and putting things into place. I chose to do natural skincare because, as African Americans, there are little to no skincare products in the store that’s made specifically for OUR skin. I believe in investing back into my community, so that’s how I made the decision to do all organic and natural skincare products for us and our skin specifically.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth at all, not has it been cheap, lol. We all know that organic anything is super expensive, and I made sure every single item I used was all organic. Not only that but there were many tools that I had to buy, labeling and boxing. Learning how to do that whole thing by itself was a struggle. Aside from that, it’s trying to making a product with top-notch ingredients that actually WORKS. So it was a ton of trial and error. A ton. I’m not going to lie, it gets super discouraging sometimes and I got stuck many, many times. I do everything on my own, so it’s time-consuming. Being an essential worker during COVID, we work crazy hours, and as soon as I come home, I’m mixing ingredients sometimes all night. So you can imagine the number of sleepless nights I’ve had lol.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a licensed therapist and I work at a mental health hospital. I’ve worked through this entire pandemic, sometimes working 12 and 14 days straight. On the side, I teach yoga, and I specialize in the Vinyasa yoga style. I also have brought Trap Yoga to Louisiana and have traveled to a few different states to hold classes. My yoga classes are not your traditional yoga class, it’s an entire experience. I get a few black-owned businesses to vend my classes. I want them to have the opportunity to get their business some exposure. I also provide food, drinks, a DJ and I do giveaways. I often also have guest instructors to come and teach as well. I believe in uplifting others and spreading good energy in everything I do, so just the energy in my class is different. I preach body positivity and being yourself in all ways, always. My classes are a judge free zone! I want my students to come and have FUN and learn to love yourself as you are. It s big yoga party full of good vibes and good food. I love it, lol.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
One thing I would want everyone to know is that I’m genuine. The reason I do what I do is to serve and give back to my community. The African American community. We live in a nation and in a time where we’re all so divided and where being yourself, unapologetically, is looked down upon. Free spirits are looked down upon. And this is what I’m here for. To be a voice for those who don’t or can’t find their voice. To lead. To encourage. To inspire. To bring people together. It’s okay to be different. You’re worthy JUST as you are!
Contact Info:
- Email: ajamielorganics@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mayylou/
Image Credits
@highdevinition @treshotme
