Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sadatu Hage. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sadatu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
Being apart of the black holistic/natural community for 10 years, I’ve realized that there is not one set lifestyle to live by and just like many other communities, there is a spectrum. It all started when I moved to Detroit and wanted to embrace my natural hair. I believe this is where most of us black women started from. Yet, I never considered myself apart of the natural community because I felt like I was just being my most authentic self. Contrary to this belief, that is exactly what it means to live holistically. As time went on, I found myself becoming “vegan” which switched to “plant based” which transitioned to “alkaline”. Now. all these terms are highly interconnected, it really is about how you would love others to view you. When I was vegan, others saw me as someone that cared for the environment, animals, and mankind. And when I was plant based and alkaline, I was viewed as a person that cared for health and wellness. Well all of this is true, however in the past year, being pregnant had stripped me of those labels because meat protein was all I could consume to feel healthy. Many people, in general, have tried to convince me that they knew my lifestyle was just a “phase” or that I’d be back consuming meat again when they do not understand that the holistic/natural community is a spectrum. Holistic is characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole. So, what I want everyone to take from my personal realization is that everything here in the universe is interconnected. What one person goes through on their journey is their journey and business, yet at the same time connected to your journey either positive or negative. Labels are the best way to get yourself stuck in a lack mindset. Free yourself of this belief and notice your life change for the better.
Sadatu, 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?
Hey, my name is Sadatu Eye (née Hage). I am a first generation Liberian America born in Detroit, Michigan. I would describe myself as a determined entrepreneur. I am a Yoga Alliance recognized 200hr Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher of Kemetic Yoga. I own BeauT2 Skin, an all natural skincare line with and African heritage. And I am a certified Loctician.
Everything changed for me when I quit my job, 2 months before Covid lockdown, packed my bags for Jamaica and enrolled in a 10 day retreat with my master instructor, Yirser Ra Hotep. I came back with a whole new mindset. I thought I’d be in schools and gyms teaching yoga after but that wasn’t the case. Everything went virtual.
That summer, I went hiatus and thus BeauT2 Skin was formed. I wanted to sell to others the exact same all natural products that I use on a daily that come straight from Liberia, West Africa. Including, African black soap, shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
About a year later, I decided to embark on my loc journey. I started with 66 locs on March 20, 2021. After 2 years of maturning my locs by myself, I decided to get certified as a loctician. My skincare line has now also turned into haircare. All the products I used when working on others hair are all natural and organic. I make sure to treat everyone’s crown with the same heightened respect I treat my own.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
In order to be a great leader, you must start by leading yourself. I’ve realized that some of my best teams were formed after I got a schedule and stuck to it. It was much easier to delegate effectively when I knew exactly I needed to be done, the time frame, and how I wanted it done. Giving direction instead of opinions or suggestions is vital. Understanding that you know what is best for your company, that doesn’t mean you can not take suggestions. Suggestions are fine, but make sure to stand firm on your motives.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
If you want to be a master, you must first master the basics. I learned early on that the only way to be as good as my master instructor was to be patient, take time, and master the basics. I had to relearn that he did not get to where he is at within a day. It took almost 4+ decades of dedicated practice and determination. It took separating himself from the rest when most of his friends were going in one direction. It took high moral character to stick through long after the thrill phase was done. So day by day, I continue my practice as a yogi as well as a yoga teacher, as a consumer as well as a business owner, and as a loc’d individual as well as a loctician, in plans that I become a master.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dot.cards/sadatueye
- Instagram: shageT2
- Linkedin: Sadatu Hage
- Twitter: shageT2