We recently connected with Drew Johnson Nwabueze and have shared our conversation below.

Drew, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?

I would like to preface that I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as a failure but merely redirections. In 2020 I set forth on releasing a monthly subscription period box. This box was curated to provide a luxurious but loving menstrual experience. The box showcased local black-owned businesses in San Antonio. In addition to the local owners, I partnered up with PeroidsSA (a local business that provides information, resources, and products to our community) to donate a period pack for each box sold. I had invested a few thousand dollars and countless hours in the creation of the box. As the date arrived to my project launch date, I found myself crippled with anxiety. Writing the project off as a complete failure before giving it a chance. I started acting as if the project never existed, I refused to release the commercial that I had spent days working on. In the end, I sold a total of three boxes. That project was one of the harder lessons that I have learned. It was a tough lesson on self-sabotaging, holding myself accountable but in the same breath, giving myself grace and compassion. I learned so much from that experience and although now, I sometimes find myself dealing with anxiety, I know how to identify my emotions and support myself through that experience.

Drew, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The birth of my business started when I was lifting myself out of a dark place mentally, spiritually, and physically. At the start of 2018, I found myself depressed. I was post-grad, dealing with the trauma I had endured throughout my education journey, recently diagnosed with BP, and feeling directionless overall. It was safe to say that I had been dealing with my emotions and stress unhealthy by eating my feelings, numbing myself, and avoiding the issues.

While I was eating a gallon of ice cream, I realized that I could not live like that anymore. I could not take anymore. I started with a 90-yoga challenge, and I adopted healthier practices like meditation; meditation led me to where I am now. By meditating, I began focusing on the emotional energy that I had stored that needed releasing. I found the lifestyle that allowed me to be the healthiest and happiest version of myself. I knew that if I found self-love, peace, and acceptance this way, I wanted to assist others in finding that same peace for themselves.

I now hold space for holistic wellness work, such as reiki, guided meditation, sound healing, therapeutic art, spiritually guided life coaching, and events. My focus in my work is to assist you with your emotional health. I am a support system as you empower yourself by healing and working through past traumas. I also assist individuals with cultivating and maintaining their daily self-care practices.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes! It was most recently actually. In June I was holding space with my business partner at the time for retreats. We were on the precipice of greatness, and out of nowhere, my business partner was called to another direction in life. At that time, I had recently started drafting plans for my October Wellness campaign. I was faced with a decision to either put my time and energy into something that no longer felt secure and grounded or trust in myself and my ability to cultivate events on my own. As I mentioned, my period subscription box had “failed” by my own doing. I was afraid I was going to put myself in that experience again. I had to make a quick decision, and that decision has led me to hold space this October for Emotional Wellness Month.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I would say consistency and being authentically genuine. I have been out in the community whether that be at farmer’s markets, events or gatherings. I try to stay consistent and active in the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.houseofyodi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofyodi.co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houseofyodi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-nwabueze-977b6b238/
• Other: eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/house-of-yodi-33007229495