Meet Yo’ela The Medicine Woman | Herbalist & Full Spectrum Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yo’ela The Medicine Woman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yo’ela, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from White Plains, NY. Specifically a town called Greenburgh which is a small predominantly black community. Growing up in this community had a positive impact in my life because we were exposed to black businesses, entrepreneurs, and HBCU at a very young age. I was taught early that there’s more to life then a traditional 9-5 job. The community provided a place for the youth to go, rather then being on the streets. The community provided swimming lessons, art classes, dance and music lessons, sports and so many other activities which shaped our lives and kept us busy. My upbringing was pretty awesome. My dad is from Trinidad and was very much into using herbal remedies for healing. My mom is from the Deep South, she comes from a family of 13 children and was raised on a farm. They rarely had access to hospitals and such so she used alternative methods to healing and also witnessed all her siblings having home births with midwives. My parents upbringings influenced my current lifestyle. I’m truly a piece of both of them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is not easy but it’s doable along as I remain true to my craft. First and foremost I am a wife and mother. Both elements are a full time job within itself. My family gives me the drive I need for my work. Having a loving husband who supports me and healthy well rounded children is my biggest accomplishment and besides that my work as a women’s servant is next. I became a certified Doula (which means woman’s servant) about 4 years ago however I’ve been doing the work for over 20 years. I’ve been servicing pregnant and postpartum woman in the birthing field without a title or certification for years. All I had was a drive to help moms be secure she was going to be successful in her birthing journey. After graduating with a psychology degree I understood there was a level mental strength a woman needed to get through this journey. I was able to be that mental health couch during a time they are most fragile, vulnerable, nutrients depleted, and uncertain. I brought the element of endurance to the table plus having a strong background in alternative healing and herbal remedies set me apart from others. Between births and postpartum work I made hair and skin care products along with herbal remedies to support my lifestyle financially. This allowed me to travel to various islands and Europe to learn various healing methods. The world needs to know the the maternal mortality rate among black and Latino women in America is the highest to others, and even compared to some third world countries because we lost a sense of community and togetherness during the birthing and postpartum stages of life not to mention the importance of nutrition during and after birth. I am here to show ourselves how to decrease those numbers and be successful in your birth journey the Ancient Way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my BFF comes to visit I would take her to the best Caribbean restaurant in Austin Texas called Island Fork. They have the best food I tasted here in Texas so far. Being that I’m a movie critic, if there was a major movie release we would see that. We would visit the farmers market, take the children to a water park and go hiking, We would spend the last 3 days in Mexico on a beach soaking up Vitamin D.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my husband and children for always supporting my passion of healing. Shamarah, Paryah, and Anna for being the examples of godly women in my life. Nani for her business mentoring and expertise throughout the years.

Website: Cocoafresh.com

Instagram: @cocoafreshproducts

Linkedin: Yoela The Medicine Woman