Inspiration: Holistic Nutritionist AFYA IBOMU

Afya Ibomu...

She's the woman who used to prepare all of Erkyah Badu's vegan meals on tour. She's the designer of the many crochet tams Common used to rock back in the day. She's the wife of stic.man of Dead Prez, and she's been with him before he busted out on the scene as a militant, conscious rapper, up until today when he's become a more mellow peace and love yoga, fitness, music kinda dude.

Essentially, Afya Ibomu is one of those foundation women. She's the backbone. She holds great things and great people together. She's that creative light energy that you may not see or know, but is there powerfully playing an unassumingly relevant role in the midst of great movements.

Don't get it twisted either, she's no joke when it comes to her own shit.

She has written four books, including Get Your Crochet On!, Vegan Soul Food Guide to the Galaxy, and her latest, Vegan Remix, which will be released early 2015. She's also a certified Holistic Nutritionist, Fitness Expert, Crochet Designer and the CEO of Nattral.com.

On the giving back, community-building front, Afya has always been active. She's the force behind the Drink Water Campaign, which both educates people about the health benefits of drinking water and provides funding for clean water sources in communities across Africa. So far the campaign's Malawi Project has installed two water pumps at an orphanage, and in 2015 the goal is to provide rain water irrigation systems to help build the center's farming practices. She also regularly hosts workshops for teenagers on health and self-esteem building.

To keep her own inner balance, Afya says she meditates daily, cleanses seasonally, and always indulges in family care and loving.

3 Tips for Health from Afya

DRINK WATER - "Water is like the electrical current in your body", Afya says. She says it's the basic ingredient of good health, and it not only makes for glowing skin, but it also helps you maintain a healthy weight. "Drink 64 ounces a day or half your body weight", she suggests.

REST - "Rest helps you to be clear in your thoughts and actions", Afya says, adding that when you sleep your body regenerates and heals. "Even if you're not getting eight hours of sleep per night, at least take naps."

EAT GREEN VEGGIES - "Eating green vegetables makes your body more alkaline, cleans you out, gives you energy and helps to keep you light."  

Get more information on Afya's latest projects and books at www.nattral.com.

Photos courtesy of Afya Ibomu

Catrinka | Ethical Fashion | Global

Buy a bag, educate a woman, employ a girl. --- The Catrinka Philosophy

More of us should support these kinds of businesses. Full force. With vigor. Paying it forward.

Megan Reilly Cayten sums up why we should all consider shifting our spending habits to support forward-thinking social enterprises instead of the mass-production companies most of us mindlessly flock to. Simply, "The fashion supply chain typically exploits women instead of investing in them", she says.

Indeed, if we can all choose to use our money to help instead of harm the world, why don't we?

Megan is the lead behind Catrinka, an ethical fashion accessory company that specializes in handbags. Catrinka leverages the power of women and girls through a woman-centered manufacturing, distribution and purchasing cycle which provides resources to women at all points within the process.

"An extra year of income for a girl can make a dramatic impact on her health and well-being, and that of her children", Megan explains.

To make its bags, Catrinka engages female artisans from under-privileged communities around the world, and then allots a portion of proceeds from each bag sold to support the education and mentorship of marginalized girls around the world. Catrinka essentially activates social good for women both at the beginning and end of its production model.

So far the bag company has made a substantial impact on women and girls in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Haiti, Nepal, India, Peru, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and the USA.  

Did I mention that the brand is GORG? The pieces are all sleek and sophisticated, and if you want a dose of ethnic texture you can find that too. Catrinka is yet another brand that proves that fashionable consciousness is anything but absurd.

Visit Catrinka online at www.catrinka.com. 

Photos courtesy of Catrinka. 

Jacmel & Co. | Ethical Fashion | Haiti

Jacmel & Co. is a sassy line of ethically-produced calabash handbags made by local artisans in Haiti that are sold worldwide to conscious consumers who believe in job creation, women's empowerment and using their purchasing power to contribute to sustainable living around the globe.

Lucie Cincinatis, the Jacmel & Co. founder, ditched her Wall Street job to teach English and set up arts programs in the heart of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She fell in love with the craftsmanship of the local community and started Jacmel & Co. as a way to help generate sustainable income for those artisans.

Lucie took that leap in May 2014, which is jaw-dropping considering that she is regularly shipping out orders to women all over the world AND she has already been featured by Vogue, Elle, The Huffington Post, and several other big publications. Cheers to that!

 

 

Born in Belgium, Lucie says her greatest accomplishment thus far has been the relationships she has built within the Haitian community. "It's so nice to have the kids waiting for me when I travel. People in the neighborhood come say hi to me when they know I'm back. I see the difference I make in the community. Most of my artisans are single mothers, and when I first came none of their children were going to school. Now all of them are going to school."

In Haiti the calabash is considered a deeply spiritual fruit. Drawing from its sacred background, Lucie has created an organic fashion piece that spawns good vibes for its wearers who are aiding in the livelihood of women and families they may never encounter.

 

 

Jacmel & Co. will soon be expanding its offering to include sandals, home décor and jewelry.

Please support Jacmel & Co. and other ethical brands. Visit Jacmel & Co. at www.jacmelandco.com and email lucie@jacmelandco.com for more information.

Photos courtesy of Jacmel & Co.