Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacqueline Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jacqueline , thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
For most of my life, I successfully managed my mental health. But motherhood completely changed everything. A cascade of challenges quickly overshadowed the joy of welcoming my children. The isolation, the trauma of near-death experiences during childbirth, and the relentless demands of motherhood pushed me to my limits.
During this incredibly challenging period, I found solace in the simplest of things: the calming aroma of lavender oil, the feeling of accomplishment after a mindful meditation session, and the comfort of soft, natural fabrics against my skin. These small acts of self-care, seemingly insignificant on their own, became anchors in the storm. They reminded me of my worth, resilience, and the importance of nurturing myself.
As I healed, a profound realization dawned upon me: the lack of culturally affirming resources for Black women on their mental health journeys. The resources available often felt generic, lacking the nuanced understanding of the unique challenges we face – systemic racism, cultural expectations, and the weight of historical trauma. I saw firsthand how this lack of representation exacerbated existing struggles, leaving many women feeling isolated, unheard, and unseen.
This realization ignited a fire within me. I knew I had to do something. And so, Amelian Mind & Soul was born. More than just a brand, it’s a space where Black women can find solace, support, and the tools to reclaim their mental and emotional well-being.
We offer a curated selection of products and resources that prioritize their unique needs and experiences. From handcrafted aromatherapy blends infused with intention to mindfulness tools that honor our ancestral wisdom, and community-building initiatives that foster connection and shared experiences, Amelian Mind & Soul is a sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul.
This journey has been deeply personal. I am not just the founder of Amelian Mind & Soul; I am a testament to its mission. I believe that by providing culturally relevant and accessible resources, we can empower Black women to navigate their mental health challenges with grace, strength, and self-compassion. We can help them reclaim their narratives, cultivate a deeper sense of self-love and acceptance, and thrive.
So, in a nutshell, The logic was simple: I saw a gaping hole in the market. Existing mental health resources often felt generic, lacking the nuanced understanding of the unique challenges Black women face. Systemic racism, cultural expectations, the weight of historical trauma – these factors heavily impact our mental well-being. Yet, few resources truly addressed these specific needs.
I knew I wasn’t alone in this experience. Many Black women felt unheard, unseen, and unsupported in their mental health journeys. This resonated deeply with me. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to create a space where Black women could find solace, support, and the tools to reclaim their mental and emotional well-being.
Amelian Mind & Soul wasn’t just about selling products; it was about building a community. A space where women could connect, share their experiences, and find strength in shared understanding. That’s what truly excited me – the potential to empower women, to help them heal, and to build a supportive network that celebrated their unique strengths and resilience.
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 passion for helping others has been a lifelong pursuit. I graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. My experience working with children on the autism spectrum further solidified my commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to well-being.
Although I initially considered pursuing a career as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), I realized that my journey as a Black woman navigating motherhood—while also facing my own mental health struggles—was leading me toward a different path. I felt a profound calling to address the unique mental health challenges faced by Black women. This deeply personal experience inspired the creation of Amelian Mind & Soul. To further this mission, I chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The Chicago School with the goal of becoming a Licensed Psychotherapist.
Amelian Mind & Soul is more than just a brand; it’s a testament to the power of self-care and community. It’s a space where Black women can find solace, support, and the tools to reclaim their mental and emotional well-being. We offer a curated selection of products and resources that prioritize their unique needs and experiences. From handcrafted aromatherapy blends infused with intention to mindfulness tools that honor our ancestral wisdom, and community-building initiatives that foster connection and shared experiences, Amelian Mind & Soul is a sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul.
What sets Amelian Mind & Soul apart is our deep understanding of the Black female experience. We infuse every aspect of our brand with cultural relevance, from the products we curate to the stories we share and the community we cultivate. Our goal is to empower Black women to navigate their mental health challenges with grace, strength, and self-compassion. We want them to know they are not alone, that their experiences are valid, and that they have the power to heal and thrive.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A defining chapter in my journey, again, came in the wake of two near-death experiences during childbirth. These harrowing events, all too common in the Black community, were exacerbated by the dismissive attitudes of medical professionals. My concerns were ignored, leading to misdiagnoses and further complications, compounding an already traumatic experience.
As Black women, we are often raised to embody strength, but we are not machines—and even machines can break down at times. So in the aftermath, I found myself in a place of profound isolation and vulnerability. The trauma, paired with societal expectations and the relentless demands of motherhood, pushed me to my breaking point. Anxiety, once manageable, became overwhelming, and depression felt like an unrelenting weight.
Despite it all, I refused to let despair consume me. I sought solace in my family, drew strength from my faith in Jesus Christ, and prioritized finding culturally competent mental health care. I embraced self-care in small but meaningful ways—a soothing bath, quiet moments of meditation, or the comfort of soft fabrics. These simple acts became lifelines, grounding me in the midst of chaos.
Over time, I began to rediscover myself. I learned to advocate for my needs, trust my instincts, and place my mental and emotional well-being at the forefront. This journey revealed the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope, even in the darkest times.
This transformative experience became the foundation for Amelian Mind & Soul. I envisioned it as a sanctuary where Black women could find the support, resources, and community they deserve—a space that amplifies their voices, validates their experiences, and honors their paths to healing.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A transformative moment in my life came with the birth of my children, shaped by birthing experiences that were both challenging and unexpectedly empowering. At first, my efforts were focused on navigating these challenges, seeking support from my family, and engaging in therapy. But as I went deeper into my journey, I recognized that my experiences were not isolated. Many Black women shared similar stories of feeling unheard and unsupported in their mental health struggles, often within systems that failed to address their unique needs.
This realization sparked a profound shift in my perspective. I moved from solely addressing my personal challenges to creating a space dedicated to uplifting and empowering other Black women. Amelian Mind & Soul was born from this pivotal moment—a space designed to offer culturally relevant resources and foster a community where Black women can find solace, support, and the tools to reclaim their mental and emotional well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheAmelianway.com
- Instagram: @TheAmelianway
- Facebook: TheAmelian Way
Image Credits
Canva
Shopify