We were lucky to catch up with Essence Unique Easley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Essence Unique, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We believe kindness is contagious and so we’d love for you to share with us and our audience about the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

I’m a repeat brain surgery survivor! In the beginning of that battle, during one of the surgeries I was wheeled into the operating room a little earlier than normal. Although I had had this surgery twice before, for some reason this time I was nervous. Being wheeled back early didn’t help because they were still setting things up, moving me, nurses and techs coming in and out, lights going, machines beeping it’s a mess. All of that motion made me start crying. But in that moment while I’m silently in tears waiting to be put to sleep, a young man(who I later found out was a scrub tech) came to my bedside and held my hand. That was the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me. The reason I consider that the kindest thing is because in the midst of the chaos, someone saw me, knew what I needed and helped. I didn’t have to ask, I’ll never be able to repay him, it wasn’t his job. He saw me, through the noise, the lights, the commotion, the people. There wasn’t even an exchange of words, just a gesture. It reminded me of something my theology teacher Mrs.Kuhn used to say, You don’t have to be the pope to change the world, you can change someone world entirely in a small way. What I’ve always taken that to mean is that it’s small actions and good intentions that change the world, people, with kindness change the world everyday. That mans kindness to me in that moment changed my world because I wasn’t nervous anymore, I didn’t have to go to sleep alone and it’s something I’ve never forgotten. I use that reminder to be intentional in noticing others and when they’re in need.Focusing in my business through all the noise of life on the individuals. I want to extend that kindness to someone else when they need it most, make a difference in the world. Small moments, big impacts

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.

I am a serial entrepreneur and author. My journey started when I wrote and self published my first book God Must Think I’m A Bad Ass in 2017. That book is an in depth look at my medical battle and all I endured to get through it. I used the proceeds from that book to fund and start my non profit organization Enduring Minds The Foundation in 2018. Enduring minds is an organization that provides resources to people who endure chronic and sometimes rare neurological conditions. Services and programs we offer vary from an annual scholarship, wig donation and financial assistance. We strive to make the lives of those forced to endure a little easier in anyway we can. In addition to that my husband & I own E&E Tea Co. A for profit herbal and loose leaf tea company. At E&E Tea we want to serve high quality tea at an affordable price, while sharing our knowledge on the medicinal benefits of the beautiful beverage. We are built on transparency so we never use additives, flavors, essential oil or dyes. We want you to know what you’re drinking. To add to these things I have the privilege of coaching and leading, creating meditations helping people on their path to healing. I’m sure my entrepreneurial choices may seem like a lot to some but i’m grateful to be able to work in my passions, turn my pain into power & purpose. Everyday I get to share and use my experiences and knowledge to help people live well no matter what there story is. And i’m most proud of that.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My freshman year in college I had to pivot. For years at that point I was planning and dreamed about working in gerontology/health care and business. I wanted to affect change in the health care community especially in the elderly community which is highly underserved. But then I got sick and had to take medical leave from my university, then I moved closer to home, attempted college again and became sick. These illnesses aren’t going away and i eventually lost jobs, my ability to drive, a large amount of vision, started having surgeries, lost memory and finally I realized my dream wouldn’t come true. Finishing traditional school was hard enough. So i had to pivot, and I did. I took my time, explored non traditional education and focused on my experiences, my community, my interest. Exploring those things led me to do all the things I’m doing now. Although the path here was not fun, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I get confirmation daily, that i’m doing exactly what i’m supposed to.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Lucky for me my co owner is my amazing husband Shane. I am so grateful to do life and business with him. Not only is he the co-owner of E&E Tea Co. He sits on the Board of Directors for Enduring Minds. We’ve been married 4 beautiful years but we’ve been inseparable since we met in late 2012. A mutual friend introduced us at a pool hall, He made me laugh and the rest is history. We now have a one year old son named Ezra!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eeteaco.com, www.enduringminds.com
• Instagram: @uniqueeasley
• Facebook: Uniqueeasley
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/essence-unique-easley/
• Youtube: @uniqueeasleymeditationsem
• Other: @enduringminds https://linktr.ee/uniqueeasley

Image Credits
Morgan Whitney Photography