In honoring Black women for Women’s History Month, rolling out interviewed Shayola Binta, a wealth-building chef who provides individuals and families with recipes to heal their health and their wealth, through holistic practices and financial education.
Please tell our readers a little about your journey.
I began my health journey in 2010, after several hospital stints and surgeries. I knew there had to be a better way and was led down the path of a natural living lifestyle. To heal my own financial miseducation, in 2019, I joined a community of entrepreneurs whose “sol” mission is to help the world become financially educated and independent.
How important is it for Black women to have a voice in the holistic and wellness industry?
It is extremely important as we are direct descendants of source energy with the power to heal encoded in our DNA.
What have you learned about yourself in doing this type of work?
I’ve learned I truly have the power to heal myself and an innate ability to help others realize the same. It has changed my life tremendously as I am literally living out my dreams in this reality.
How would you define purpose and do you feel like you are living yours in doing this work?
I define purpose as traveling your path to complete the mission you contracted or agreed to before incarnated into this realm. Yes, it took time and gunshots to get me in line, but I made it.
Can you provide specific examples of individuals who have benefited from your work?
In 2017, I began holding space for hundreds of women in an effort to help them begin their healing journeys. Many of them have gone on to flourish in majestic ways. I’ve also fed communities near and far “sol” nourishing meals and like one woman told me, “I don’t remember your name but I remember how your food made me feel.”
What are some challenges you face as a Black woman in this space?
People not taking what I do seriously, feeling that I was doing “hocus pocus” work or not believing I can help them heal themselves.
What are some of the most common misconceptions about holistic health, lifestyle and the holistic community?
Holistic health is hard to do or too expensive. People in the holistic community are all the same.
What are some of the main issues facing people of color and Black women particularly?
Cognitive dissonance, lack of knowledge, womb issues, and infant mortality.
What are some things that women can do to improve their health and wellness right now?
Take off the superwoman cape, drink more water, stretch, and 10 minutes of quiet time daily.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
An opportunity to be celebrated for independent and collective works to shift humanity.
What are some things that you think women can or should do in order to uplift the Black community?
Dissolve low vibrations such as insecurities, jealousy and envy and dive deep into personal healing, creativity and collaboration.
What are some of your proudest achievements?
Serving thousands my plant-based tacos at the VA Beach Taco Festival; holding a position as director of Queen Afua’s Emerald School; moving closer to motherhood; launching Holistic Alaye (Ah-lay-yay), being one of Richmond’s first all plant-based food vendors!
What else would you want people to know about you or your work, or anything else you want our audience to know in general?
The journey to rediscovering and becoming isn’t easy, however, I am happy to be among the chosen to help bring healing to the planet.
