Ep. 71 - Grounded in Care: The Wellness, Wisdom, and Legacy I Jamyla Bennu

In this episode of the Black & Green Podcast, Dr. Kristian Edwards sits down with Jamyla Bennu, founder of Oyin Handmade, to explore the intersections of wellness, self-care, and the rich history of Black women’s entrepreneurship. Jamyla shares her journey from creating her first natural hair and body care products to leading a movement that has transformed the natural hair industry. Together, they discuss grounding practices, gratitude, community support, and the ways in which wellness and self-care have always been a source of resilience, joy, and independence for Black women. This conversation honors both historical and contemporary practices of care, highlighting the power of intention, tools, and connection in everyday life.

Callout Quote
“We try to inject joy, self-love, and pleasure into the everyday acts of self-care—that’s what we’ve always done.” – Jamyla Bennu

Biggest Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss

• Authenticity matters: Jamyla emphasizes the importance of showing up as your whole self, even in moments of grief or challenge.
  

• Wellness is both personal and communal: Practices like gratitude, journaling, and mindfulness anchor us, but community and partnership amplify resilience.
  

• Historical roots of care: Black women’s wellness practices have always been tied to self-expression, entrepreneurship, and resistance.
  

• Grounding tools make a difference: Physical movement, supportive relationships, and mindful routines help navigate life’s unpredictability.
  

• Evolution without compromise: Oyin Handmade stays true to its niche of moisture-first, food-grade hair and body care, even as the natural hair movement expands globally.
  

Check Out These Highlights

• Jamyla’s reflections on grief, loss, and the importance of processing together.
  

• How her upbringing and natural hair journey inspired the creation of Oyin Handmade in 2003.
  

• Upcoming innovations at Oyin Handmade, including an herbal-infused line and a purpose-built factory in Baltimore.
  

• Practical tips for grounding, from yoga and journaling to leaning on supportive partners.
  

• The role of children in teaching us emotional intelligence and helping us recognize our own tools for resilience.
  

• A celebration of the historical and ongoing impact of Black women in wellness and entrepreneurship.
  

Quotes

• “Use your tools. Even when life shakes you, the tools you have can help you stand on a stronger foundation.” – Jamyla Bennu
  

• “Being grounded is about claiming space for yourself and recognizing the importance of your own practices.” – Jamyla Bennu
  

• “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Black women have always turned care into a site of wellness, independence, and joy.” – Jamyla Bennu
  

• “Gratitude is grounding. You can find things to be thankful for everywhere, if you make it a practice.” – Jamyla Bennu
  

• “Wellness for Black women is not new—we’re part of a long-standing tradition of care and self-expression that continues to evolve today.” – Jamyla Bennu