As a child, I was always drawn to the treasure of skin care, lotions, and potions that could always be found in the bathroom of my mother and grandmother. From high-end products to drugstore brands, I quickly discovered that most skin care and hair products were lacking quality. I learned to mix a little of this with a dab of that to yield the perfect combination of texture, scent, and efficacy for my melanin-rich skin. Later I would discover that, like my customers, I also wanted quality skin care products that were safe, natural, and easily accessible. At sixteen my father, like so many during that time, died from complications of the AIDS drug AZT. During his last days, I watched in horror as he was served meal after meal of crappy hospital food that he could neither chew nor digest. I was aware that I could not save his life, but I was convinced that there had to be better alternatives to foster a smoother transition.

Fueled by my father’s story, I went on to travel the world, gain a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and open an acupuncture practice specializing in pain relief, women’s health and skin disorders. Through servicing my patients, I discovered that there was a great need for quality personal care products that focused on the unique needs of women of color. So, I created them, and The Healing Place Apothecary was born. Reflected in our handmade product line, my rich Bay Area upbringing is heavily inspired by diversity in nature, spirituality, music, food, entrepreneurship, and culture.