Hello my beautiful sisters. For those that are new here, I am Jessica, owner and creator of Aya'de. Aya'de ( previously Aya'de Health and Beauty) was birthed in 2017. My journey began well before that. I graduated nursing school in 2003, this where the seed was planted. While in school I did my internship with Dr. Leroy Stiff OBGYN. I graduated shortly after that and was hired to work as his nurse at his office. See even as a student, I knew down on the inside, that women's health was my speciality. I excelled in that subject, during labor and delivery clinical days was the most amazing experience. Fast forward I moved with him to PICH and worked a few more years learning and growing with him, until it was time to leave. I dabbled in other specialities, but down on the inside I knew I was meant for women's health. In 2013 I took a break from nursing, and began working at MAC. I have also been a freelance makeup artist for years. Working at MAC was a pivotal point in my life, it connected me to women in so many ways. I thought I was taking a break from nursing and healing by doing makeup for a major makeup company, boy was I WRONG!!! Once my co-workers found out I was a nurse, I became the "counter healer" I didn't mind this at all! When doing my appointments, several of the women would talk openly and very personal to me about life and wellness. From concerns about skin, reproductive system, and more. After 3 years of working with MAC, I knew to was time for me to return back to my first love: being a nurse. I returned back to what now I say is my purpose.
In 2016 I went back to school to learn plants and herbs, why you ask? When women would sit in my makeup chair feeling insecure about their skin, stating " Ive tried everything." I would then say " let's go back to the earth, let's heal from the inside out, what is the root cause?" I wanted to be educated more on the holistic side, and I'm thankful for that. 2017 I created plant based skin care and feminine care products. Reading the back of the label of lots big brand companies rocked me to the core!!!!! Some of the chemicals in our feminine washes even have contraceptive additives to them, why would they do that!!!! Several ingredients that will mask the problems but NEVER fix them. I had to create something that would heal without harm, after all Im a nurse, THAT'S MY JOB!!!
A year after Ayade Health and Beauty made its debut, I got a phone call from a friend, my sister, my co worker from MAC. We talked about to feminine issues she was dealing with, I encouraged her to get seen by a doctor, she did. Each time she went she was given a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis, UTI, or bladder infection. I spoke to her again and "I said hey you keep having issues, when you see the doctor, are they doing any pelvic exams at all?" Her answer was no. Few weeks later, myself, her, and some more sisters sat in the doctors office to hear that she had cervical/ovarian cancer. A few weeks after that we sat in Riverside Oncology to hear that it was stage 3. My heart broke. You see the nurse in me knew all the aways this could go. LaShay my dear friend frought hard!!!!!! She lost that battle. I promised her and myself that I would dive to the deeps of the ocean into being a sister to women and women's health. I knew all my attention needed to be there. Fast forward to present day, Aya'de Yoni. I will not quit, I want to help educate, you, your daughters, and your granddaughters. In remembrance of my dear friend LaShay Jamison, TEAL WE WIN THIS FIGHT, ( teal is the color for Ovarian Cancer) I will keep fighting for the best worms health care and products, to heal without harm. I am beginning to transition again this fall. As an advocate for women I am returning back to school to become a CNM, Certified Nurse Midwife. I will always and forever be MY SISTERS KEEPER.
XOXO, Jessica