As members of the health + wellness community and believers in food as medicine, what Provenance Meals practices daily stems from deep, traditional roots. It has become clear to us that our industry falls short of honoring our origins and, while vital to everyone’s wellbeing, is only accessible and approachable to a select few. With this, we recognize that we need to amplify and celebrate our Black peers more. We want to show gratitude to those we have been fortunate to work with in the past, and hold space for powerful voices that are new to us. Below you will find a mixture of Black healers, creators, thinkers, and educators who have inspired us in our professional and personal journeys of wellbeing. As we work on our impact to change the cultural landscape of wellness, we ask you to please join us.
Food + Medicine + Nutrition
Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones — Food Heaven Podcast Hosts and Registered Dietitians
On their podcast, Wendy and Jessica cover all the good stuff about cultivating a healthy, happier lifestyle while also emphasizing inclusive wellness. The duo discusses various food issues and wellbeing rituals, from how to handle stress eating to balancing hormones. Subscribe and listen to Food Heaven Podcast and buy their 28-Day Plant-Powered Health Reboot cookbook.
Karen M. Rose — Herbalist and Founder of Sacred Botanica and the Sacred Vibes Apothecary
This Master Herbalist has created a healing sanctuary of traditional practice in the urban setting of Brooklyn: “Sacred Vibes Apothecary is a place of connection in our community, where the important work of Spiritual and Physical health is explored through the lenses of Social and Racial Justice.” Get inspired by Karen’s enchanting creations on Instagram or shop Sacred Vibes Apothecary.
Victoria Akkari — Handcrafted Culinary Argan Oil
One of our Wellness Partners for several years, Victoria Akkari, has provided us with high-quality, sustainably-sourced Argan oil for multiple dishes on our menu. This nutty, delicious, nutrient-rich beauty food contains twice the amount of vitamin E as olive oil, is full of essential fatty acids, and a must-have for everyone’s pantry. Shop Victoria’s line of culinary-grade Argan oil or purchase a gift card on her online store.
Sophia Roe — Chef and Wellness Advocate
Our long-term crush, Sophia Roe is a contemporary wellness icon that speaks to our New York soul. She shares fun, fresh recipes, clean living tips, and other tidbits to make healthier living more accessible to those wanting to enhance their overall wellbeing. Tune into her videos, and keep posted on her upcoming book.
Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN — Nutritionist and Registered Dietician
Introduced to Maya at the How To Take Your Diet To The Next Level panel at The Detox Market, we appreciate her as a leader of our shared philosophy of food as a preventative measure against Western medicine. Meet with her for nutrition counseling, get her diabetes-friendly cookbook, or follow her on Instagram for nutrition guidance.
Mindfulness + Mental Health
HealHaus — Wellness Studio and Café
Co-founded by Darian Hall and Elisa Shankle, HealHaus puts healing into motion through a variety of workshops and classes: “We believe healing of the mind, body, and soul is more than just a trend — but a lifestyle.” In an industry predominantly represented by women, this space cultivates an environment that empowers men to help them explore their spiritual and emotional journeys. Sign up online for digital classes or make a direct donation.
Latham Thomas — Doula and Founder, Mama Glow
While the Western world has strayed away from the women-helping-women model of childbirth, Latham is bringing it back and making it accessible to all demographics with Mama Glow. This maternity lifestyle brand trains doulas, provides an array of doula services to support women on their motherhood journey, and offers many other wellness opportunities. For expecting moms, read her book Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy.
““Everyone deserves the right to be well. It’s just a matter of investing in it.””
Nicole Cardoza — Founder, Reclamation Ventures and Founder, Yoga Foster
The face of Nike’s 2020 yoga campaign is guided by the belief that, “Everyone deserves the right to be well. It’s just a matter of investing in it.” Nicole is the founder of educational nonprofit Yoga Foster and Reclamation Ventures, an initiative that creates more diversity in the wellness space by investing in, supporting, and holding space for underestimated industry entrepreneurs. Sign up for her Anti-Racism Daily Action emails for your personal work. If you subscribe to these, please subscribe via Patreon so she receives proper payment and to view her other work.
Marya Majayi — Akashic Records, Breathwork, and Reiki Practitioner and Founder, Dive in Well
While we work towards reducing the diversity gap in our industry, we are extremely grateful for Marya and her brand Dive in Well for being such rich sources of education and inspiration. A practitioner of Reiki and Breathwork, she also hosted an incredible Decolonizing Online Therapy + Wellness that we recommend for all of our white and white passing peers. Book a healing session with Marya and participate in offered workshops and e-books.
Lalah Delia — Spiritual Writer and Educator
Vibrate Higher Daily: Live Your Power author takes us on a poetic guide through emotional experiences. Our founder had the pleasure of meeting her at Mercado Sagrado last year, where she spoke on the Healthy-ish wellness panel along with Four Sigmatic and Mel Nahas, co-founder of Conscious City Guide. Purchase her book or become a member of the online community.
DeAndre Joseph Thomas — Meditation and Yoga Instructor
Self-care is something we emphasize in our daily routine, especially in the time of COVID-19. If you’re a yogi, DeAndre is a great resource who provides that instructor leadership you may be missing from the studio. He also provides guided meditations that help you turn off and tune in. Tune into his guided practices or learn tips via Instagram.
Taylor Elyse Morrison — Founder, Inner Workout and Host, Be School Podcast
Experiencing the common burnout of the 9-5 work cycle, Taylor decided to make a healthy change and make self-care accessible to others: “I never expected to run a self-care company. I have workaholic tendencies. I struggle to be present. I don’t talk about self-care because I’m perfect at it. I talk about self-care because I desperately need it. I’ve committed to the practice of listening within and responding in the most loving way possible, and it’s continued to change my life.” Invest in your self-care with Inner Workout resources or participate in digital classes.
Lauren Ash — Meditation Instructor and Founder, Black Girl In Om
Back in March, we highlighted Lauren as a woman changing the face of wellness for bringing much-needed diversity into the wellness space with the Black Girl In Om community. Lauren’s powerful talents as a meditation guide have secured her spot as a key player in the industry, and BGIO is paving the way for more Black presence and amplification in our community. Download Lauren’s guided meditations, or donate to and subscribe to BGIO.
Clean Beauty + Living
True Moringa — Skin and Body Care
Our love for True Moringa is long-lasting, which is why we loved sharing it as a perk in a past cleanse program. One of our favorite Superfoods and clean beauty brands, it’s a staple in our how-to guide on detoxifying the makeup bag. This ethically-sourced line does wonders for skin health! Shop from a variety of toning mists and lip care online.
Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli — Host, Naked Beauty Podcast
While amplifying Black voices in beauty, Brooke touches on some of our favorite topics like self-healing through nutrition skincare. Subscribe to the Naked Beauty podcast, and be sure to listen to this episode with guest Diarrha N’Diaye, who breaks down the beauty industry, and melanated skin and product development.
BLK + GRN — Non-Toxic Marketplace
We recently discovered this online space that exclusively supports clean products by Black artisans. From home products to grocery goods and menstrual care, this is your one-stop shop for everything clean and quality. Support BLK + GRN making a direct purchase on their online shop or getting a gift card.
Michelle Robinson — Visual Artist
You may be familiar with this blog’s featured art, which was created by Michelle Robinson, an artist who explores the feminine energy in her pieces through the balance of geometry and striking palette. Based in Seattle, she believes an elevated experience at home fosters an ideal environment for wellbeing and comfort. Keep a lookout for collection updates and invest in her work.
Justina Blakeney — Interior Designer and Founder, The Jungalow
Our personal Pinterest boards are filled with Justina’s work — we are obsessed with everything she creates. This Bohemian visionary brings the natural environment into unique home designs and art that brightens up any room. Shop The Jungalow to liven up your space.
Annya Santana — Founder, Menos Mas
Our founder had the pleasure of meeting Annya when they both participated in the Off the Page Panel at Shape Magazine’s Women Run The World event. A previous Wellness Partner, she is paving the way for gender-fluidity in clean beauty with Menos Mas, her skincare line and wellness collective that promotes revitalizing products for all. Follow along her journey and keep an eye out for Menos Mas.
Sacreé Frangine — Illustrators
You may recognize this French artist duo, whom we featured in our ‘Women Changing The Face of Wellness’ blog earlier this year. Through elegance and tonality, Sacreé Frangine expands the conversation about women empowerment and diversity. While the pair often works with a variety of health + wellness brands, their artwork has been a prominent symbol of solidarity in the #BLM movement. Prints and more are available on their website.
While this is just a start, we will be holding more space for Black industry members on our blog, and all aspects of our brand from now on. The Black Lives Matter movement has inspired us to be makers of change in health + wellness, which is why we have launched the Make Space Pledge. This is our active promise to uplift, celebrate, and honor diversity in our industry, and to hold ourselves and our peers accountable. Join us.
