We recently connected with Yolanda Covington and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Yolanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I started my early career working at the Board of Education with autistic children and our teaching style was a hands on approach. I became very intrigued with wanting to perfect my own craft of handmade products. As one career started to phase out, the next began to flourish. During this time I started creating custom chocolates & ceramic wall art, but due an overwhelming career path my passion for handmade products was forced to sit idle. During this time several health issues emerged, which led to an opening for me to get back to what I loved which was creating handmade products. Having to research different ideas and recipes to help with the growing health concerns, allowed me to come up with the idea of wellness products. Wanting to be in better health, I started out experimenting with self care, my first product being (deodorant). Noticing the growing problem with multiple health issues, I started to research natural and organic products that could help your internal and external health. That lead me to purchasing specific herbs, oils, butters and any other products that could naturally help a multitude of ailments.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The concept for Asili’s Ancient Healing was inspired by a mother’s unwavering dedication to building a better future and providing stability for our family.

Despite unexpected challenges, such as working as a New York City Corrections Officer in a maximum security facility for over two decades, she persevered through the commanding conditions of corrections. Unfortunately, this experience led to her developing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) due to the overwhelming chemicals, loud noises, and abusive language that she was exposed to. To make matters worse, she also had to navigate a male-dominated environment which often suppressed her femininity.

It was a difficult time, but her new journey in life allowed her to connect with all things natural. She spent countless hours at the beach, listening to the soothing sounds of the water and aligning herself with nature. She also changed her diet and surrounded herself with positive, loving family and friends. Through her healing journey, discovering the benefits of using environmentally sustainable oils, butters, and herbs from reputable sources to promote peace of mind and well-being. She researched extensively and found amazing products that smelled and felt great on the skin, hair, and body.

Asili’s offer body care essentials that are all-natural, vegan-friendly, and non-comedogenic for men and women with all skin types (especially sensitive!). Every product is meticulously formulated with researched organic ingredients, so you can feel confident about what goes on and in your body. Asili wants to inspire you to live, love, and experience nature with our products.

As of early March 2023, Asili’s opened their first brick and mortar called Asili’s Boutique where you can purchase your favorite body care, hair care and wellness essentials. In addition, Asili’s Boutique provides outstanding personalized services through a team of skilled, creative hair stylists. Through this unique working relationship, our stylist will work with clients on a personal level achieving one of a kind service where Men, Woman and Children feel comfortable and welcomed!

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2021, Asili’s Ancient Healing was accepted to be apart of a New York City Pop Up Market in which we were asked to display our stockist without the traditional 6 ft table, This preparation forced us to think creatively of our display as if our customers were walking into our store front. Researching with the of use social media outlets and other resources, we decided to use stackable wooden crates for our market display. Because of this pivot, we received countless of compliments and financial success in future pop up markets until this day. Each in every pop up we challenge ourselves to be different and step out of our comfort zone.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson we had to learn is that everybody is not our customer. As we were selling our products at different markets unfortunately, at times it was a bit discouraging when customer did not buy or like our products. As we started to identify our mission, purpose. and marketing canvas, we read “If you’re selling to everyone, you’re selling to no one and If you try to be all things to all people, you won’t be anything to anybody.” The statement clarified everything for us going forward and we spent time determining the WHY? in the products we offer which re identified what our targeted customers wanted in the products we sell.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.asilisancienthealing.com
• Instagram: Asilis_ah
• Facebook: Asili’s Ancient Healing
• Other: TikTok – Asili’s Ancient Healing