We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keisha Miller. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keisha below.
Keisha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I am grateful to my parents for allowing free space for me to discover and explore spirituality. I am not sure if this act was intentional on their part but it has had a major impact on my life and discovery of my own spirituality. My parents were never religious people, they did not practice any form of religion, however, they believed in God and treated people well and with respect. Good character, integrity, honesty and kindness were modeled in my home. My parents were friends with and kept the company of people of various religious beliefs and practices. In turn, I was able to observe, investigate and even practice the customs and rituals of Christian, Muslim and even Rastafarian family friends without discrimination or bias. My parents also encouraged my curiosity by allowing me to attend, ask questions and engage in some religious practices with friends of my choice. Due to my parents extremely open minded approach towards spirituality, I furthered my curiosity by studying and learning about traditional religions and African spiritual practices. My spiritual exploration along with a strong sense of self and knowledge of African History has led to me becoming a Yoruba Priesthood today. I appreciate and credit my parents for allowing me from a very young age to paint my own spiritual canvas without control or interference. I am now fulfilling my destiny of being a spiritual guide and healer to many.
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.
Iya Oyanike, owner and founder of Madame Zen’Obeah’s Cabinet is a Yoruba Priestess, Community Herbalist and Herbal Supplier, serving the Atlanta area for nearly ten years. Her love for herbs and passion for natural healing modalities has taken her on a journey of discovering and creating herbal formulations including medicinal teas, herbal baths, and other herbal remedies. She provides herbal consultations to her clients and provides them with a practical plan for healing themselves naturally.
As a Yoruba Priestess, she feels that it is her divine assignment to promote the teachings and practices of her Ancestors, particularly through connecting with nature. Her spiritual practices have propelled her to deepen her understanding and reverence for the forces of nature and how vital they are in healing and medicine preparation. She provides spiritual consultations to guide clients towards balance, harmony and elevation.
Her business Madame Zen’Obeah’s Cabinet aims to empower and enrich the lives of those seeking natural healing and cultural exposure. Madame Zen’Obeah’s Cabinet provides indigenous healing products and services. Customers can make purchases or book appointments with her online store at www.madamezenobeah.com or visit her in Suite G13 at the Kindred Healing Center located in Atlanta, GA.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
As a healer and herbalist it is essential to maintain balance and spiritual wellness. One’s efficacy with their clients in the wellness field is not solely based on knowledge of herbal uses and spiritual concepts but deeply rooted in the practitioners character and well-being. I have learned that I must continue to take my own herbal remedies, practice mindfulness and demonstrate integrity. It is common knowledge that most entrepreneurs are supported by those who come to know them and support them rather than your product reaching the home of a stranger. My authenticity and relatability with clients has been a key driver of my business success. People trust me and are comforted by my delivery which is important to me. Building authentic connections with my community aids in the goal of transforming the minds of those open to natural healing. The information and education that Madame Zen’Obeah’s Cabinet provides is just as potent as the products and services we offer. Transformation happens in the mind first, then we see change in our behavior. Success for us starts with making the connection authentically, so we can educate and then offer natural alternatives. In order to maintain such a standard for success, my mental, physical and spiritual well-being must be cared for. I have learned that my personal wellness determines my business wellness.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If I could go back in time, I would have started on my herbalism journey sooner. I have always had access to herbal information, mentors and environments to explore. More specifically, I had the opportunity to learn within tropical environments, which I personally find quite fascinating. Time and circumstance allowed for free herbal exploration years ago. However, I did not choose to make herbalism my focus at that time. Though I am grateful to be able to continue exploring and learning more about healing through herbs and plants, my time and capacity are currently divided amongst a multitude of blessings which I strive to care for all well, especially running a business. I love what I do and enjoy learning more about herbalism and natural healing. I find that this field of practice is so extensive that I am constantly stimulated by opportunities to learn, apply and heal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madamezenobeah.com
- Instagram: Madamezenobeah
Image Credits
Captured by Tabia