Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karneilla “Kalaya Israel” McGee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karneilla “Kalaya Israel”, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

C.H.O.S.E.N Doula Services was born from a place of deep empathy and an unwavering commitment to uplift and protect the often marginalized and neglected members of our society—the chosen ones, as I affectionately refer to them. The chosen ones are the heart and soul of our communities, yet they are continually left vulnerable and unheard, especially in the realm of maternal and infant healthcare.

My journey with C.H.O.S.E.N Doula Services began with a heavy heart, ignited by the words of the resilient activist Fannie Lou Hammer, who once proclaimed, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” I, too, grew weary of bearing witness to the staggering and unacceptable loss of precious lives within the BIPOC community, particularly the devastating reality of black infant and maternal mortality rates. It was a call to action that I could not ignore.

Let me share the story of Naomi, a young, vibrant mother-to-be who came to us seeking support and guidance during her pregnancy. Naomi exuded hope and excitement, yet behind her radiant smile lay the weight of generations of neglect and systemic injustice that had led to distrust in the healthcare system. As we delved into her story, it became painfully clear that her experiences were not isolated; they were reflective of the deeply entrenched disparities faced by many within the chosen ones community.

Naomi had encountered dismissive attitudes and a lack of culturally sensitive care in her previous healthcare interactions. She had been made to feel invisible, her concerns brushed aside, and her experiences diminished. This had led to a pervasive sense of fear and apprehension as she approached the critical stages of her pregnancy.

C.H.O.S.E.N Doula Services stepped in to create a nurturing and empowering space for Naomi. We provided her with comprehensive education, emotional support, and advocacy throughout her journey, ensuring she felt respected, heard, and fully informed. Our culturally competent and compassionate approach not only offered her a sense of security but also celebrated the rich heritage and unique needs of her community.

Through our commitment to providing culturally sensitive and holistic care, we empowered Naomi to reclaim her agency and make informed decisions for herself and her child. Witnessing the transformation in her demeanor—from apprehension to confidence—was a testament to the crucial importance of our work. Naomi’s story exemplifies the significance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by the chosen ones community.

At C.H.O.S.E.N Doula Services, we are not merely a service provider but a beacon of hope and empowerment for those who have been overlooked and underserved for far too long. We aim to break the cycle of neglect and advocate for equitable and respectful healthcare for all. Every life is precious, and every mother deserves to embark on the journey of motherhood with dignity and support. We are dedicated to ensuring that the chosen ones feel seen, valued, and cherished throughout their transformative experience of childbirth and beyond.

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 the founder of both C.H.O.S.E.N Doula Services and Kalaya’s Jewels To Healing, driven by a deep-rooted compassion for the BIPOC community and a strong desire to bring about positive change in the realms of holistic healing and maternal healthcare. My journey began in the rural Mississippi Delta, where I tragically lost loved ones to cancer, and witnessed the deteriorating health of my community due to a lack of education, resources, and access to non-GMO foods.

Kalaya’s Jewels To Healing was born out of my passion for serving BIPOC communities in the area of holistic lifestyle, which encompasses herbal medicines and alkaline plant-based foods. I launched this initiative to address the health disparities prevalent in my community, striving to provide access to healing methods that are often overlooked or inaccessible. Our offerings include a range of holistic lifestyle products and services, such as carefully curated herbal remedies, educational resources on plant-based nutrition, and personalized guidance on holistic wellness practices. We aim to empower individuals to take charge of their health by embracing natural, sustainable, and culturally relevant healing approaches.

C.H.O.S.E.N Doula Services was established as a direct response to the alarming rates of black infant and maternal mortality within the BIPOC community. As a mother of three and a dedicated homeschooling advocate, I was compelled to take action against the systemic neglect and mistreatment faced by BIPOC mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. Our doula services prioritize culturally sensitive and comprehensive support for expectant mothers, offering emotional guidance, educational resources, and advocacy to ensure a safe and empowering birthing experience. We are committed to bridging the gaps in maternal healthcare, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for all mothers, regardless of their background or circumstances.

What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to community education and empowerment. We prioritize equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Our emphasis on culturally relevant holistic healing and our personalized, compassionate approach distinguish us from others in the field. We firmly believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographic location.

I take immense pride in the positive impact our initiatives have had on the lives of individuals within the BIPOC community. Witnessing the transformative journey of our clients, as they embrace holistic practices and experience improved well-being, serves as a constant source of motivation. We are dedicated to fostering a sense of agency and resilience within our community, striving to create a sustainable and equitable healthcare landscape for generations to come.

It is crucial for potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that our brands are built on a foundation of our true heritage, empathy, education, and inclusivity. We are not merely service providers but advocates for change, committed to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a culture of holistic well-being within marginalized communities. Through our comprehensive support, we aim to nurture a community where every individual feels empowered, heard, and valued in their pursuit of a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Notably, the inception of Kalaya’s Jewels To Healing was inspired by a profound personal experience following a life-altering car accident. It was my passion for educating and providing holistic herbal products to the BIPOC community that caught my husband’s attention, ultimately fostering the genesis of this venture. My desire to embrace a plant-based lifestyle and delve into herbal studies, driven by dissatisfaction with pharmaceutical medication, led to the company’s transformative journey.

The burgeoning demand within the BIPOC community for a holistic lifestyle propelled the growth of Kalaya’s Jewels To Healing, initially necessitating a delicate balance between my 9-to-5 job and fulfilling burgeoning product orders. This pivotal juncture marked a turning point when my husband, recognizing the potential and impact of my work, encouraged me to commit fully to my entrepreneurial pursuits. Overcoming apprehension, I bravely transitioned, propelled by a sense of liberation and a steadfast belief in my calling.

It was during this period that the seeds of C.H.O.S.E.N Doula Services were sown, a testament to my unwavering commitment to holistic care and support for the community. The subsequent years have unfolded as a testament to my resilience and dedication, embodying the essence of my unwavering mission.

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

The growth and reputation of Kalaya’s Jewels To Healing and C.H.O.S.E.N Doula Services have undoubtedly been guided by The Most High God, leading me to serve my community with a deep sense of purpose. My commitment to holistic healing and maternal and infant healthcare services has not only showcased my knowledge and personal experiences,but has also demonstrated my personal embodiment of these principles. This authenticity has allowed my clients to trust my businesses, recognizing that my endeavors stem from a genuine passion to introduce holistic healing practices.

In an industry where profit-driven motives can overshadow genuine care, my dedication to the well-being of my clients has played a significant role in building my businesses’ reputations. By prioritizing the best interests of my customers and fostering a sense of trust, I have established a strong foundation within the health and wellness market. This reputation has likely been reinforced by the understanding that my efforts are not solely focused on monetary gain but are deeply rooted in my desire to promote holistic well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kalayasjewelstohealing.com
• Instagram: Kalaya’s Jewels To Healing
• Facebook: Kalaya’s Jewels To Healing