We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gevonchai Hudnall-Vogel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gevonchai, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

One of the most impactful moments in my journey occurred when I reflected on the realization of my vision and its profound impact on others. The inception of Ghetto Mantras stemmed from a personal experience during my last postpartum period. It was a pivotal moment where I had to redirect my inner voice to avoid slipping into a state of depression.

From those humble beginnings, Ghetto Mantras has evolved into a platform hosting in-person wellness experiences. The participants of these events often reach out to share the transformative effects on their well-being. The overflow of heartfelt messages from both women and men underscores the positive influence the brand has had on their lives.

The essence of Ghetto Mantras lies in recognizing the power within us to shift perspectives and redirect our inner voices—a tool we frequently underutilize. I am deeply aware that this process demands substantial effort, particularly in the realm of motherhood, where fatigue from facing challenges can be overwhelming. My own inner voice, instilled by my grandmother, remains a guiding force, allowing me to reshape my outlook even in her absence.

This sense of fulfillment arises from the joy of sharing the positive impact of Ghetto Mantras with a wider audience. It brings me great satisfaction to witness how the brand, born out of my personal journey, resonates with others and serves as a catalyst for positive change.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Gevonchai, and while my background may hint at a specialty for numbers and a lengthy stint in primary education, the true essence of my vibrant and spirited nature often defies first impressions. I’m the girl who, in her younger years, might have been dubbed “sassy” or, less kindly, “ghetto.” Raised on Detroit’s west side, my soulful disposition bears the imprints of my upbringing. Like many brown girls, I faced the torment of bullying, primarily due to the shade of my skin, and found myself confined to boxes far too small for my authentic self.

My journey into the wellness space is deeply personal, rooted in my quest for healing. Through this journey, I’ve come to understand that the unique package I present to the world is not only valid but is precisely where my magic thrives. Ghetto Mantras, my brainchild, is a self-care haven without barriers, inviting women to embrace wellness through uplifting online content, immersive experiences, and thoughtfully curated care packages spotlighting Black woman-owned products and services.

What sets me apart is a simple yet profound principle: you don’t have to be healed or undergoing healing to join me in this journey. You just have to be yourself. This authenticity is the hallmark of Ghetto Mantras, where my authenticity will always meet yours.

Ghetto Mantras, at its core, aims to connect women with their authentic forms of self-care. To achieve this, we bring self-care directly to your doorstep through our meticulously crafted care packages. My proudest moments occur when I encounter individuals face-to-face, and they share how Ghetto Mantras has catalyzed positive change in their lives. The narratives of feeling seen or achieving wellness through my words or products resonate deeply. It’s the seemingly insignificant moments that matter most, as they form the consistent threads weaving through our daily interactions.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

The most invaluable choice I made for both myself and my business was to embrace authenticity and stay true to the unfolding journey, allowing every moment to serve as a profound teacher for what lay ahead. Building a social media following has been a genuine testament to my commitment to transparency—I openly share who I am and acknowledge areas where growth is a constant companion. In my interactions, I don’t speak at people but rather engage in meaningful conversations about my experiences, fostering a connection that transcends the digital realm.

I do consider myself a ghetto guru, a term that aligns with my background, instilling in me the instinct to communicate in a manner that resonates with others from my time as an educator. My belief in the transformative power of wellness spaces is rooted in the fact that girls like me, those from the hood, are frequently misunderstood. We don’t conform to the conventional demographic of typical wellness spaces, and by refusing to conform to the status quo, I’ve discovered the path to success.

Moreover, authenticity is a cornerstone of Ghetto Mantras, and those who’ve been part of our journey since its inception have witnessed the brand’s organic growth. Ghetto Mantras serves as a vital platform for black girls who, all too often, find themselves excluded from the conventional narrative of self-care. The brand addresses the unique traumas that black women may encounter and provides a much-needed outlet for their healing journey.

Can you open up about how you managed the initial funding?

The initial funding for my business started from my savings account. It wasn’t much, but I’ve been able to build slowly from that. More recently, I’ve been funded by NBA Star and Olympic Champion Jrue and Lauren Holiday through their JLH fund that gives capacity-building dollars to black-led organizations. This funding has been a game changer. I have been able to build in the proper resources that my business needs to thrive. There are so many opportunities out there, but this one has been so special because of who it focuses on. It’s just been me, but now I have the help that will allow me to scale.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ghettomantras.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghettomantras/

Image Credits
Courtesy of Ghetto Mantras