Doula Chronicles x Zahava
Jacques Saelens b.1950
Here at Ebi, we believe that supporting the holistic postpartum journey of others is a key component of your self-care journey during postpartum. To complete the circle of self-empathy, we recognize and extend our energy toward supporting the self-care of those who may not have the resources needed to support themselves.
Recently, we’ve partnered with Zahava and Doula Chronicles to bring Ebi Essentials Kits to mothers in need. This partnership came about as an off-shoot of her new piece created with artist Nandi Naya. This partnership is about female empowerment, acknowledgment of the divine feminine energy in us all, and why all of these things are so important right now.
We sat down with Jessica Hendricks Yee, founder of Zahava, to discuss this partnership and the importance of self-empowerment in postpartum.
Tell us more about your collaboration with Nandi Naya. What does this collaboration represent and what’s the intention behind it?
I stumbled upon Lezi Zita’s work online and just fell madly in love with it -- not just her beautiful pieces, but the soulful storytelling behind them. I felt such connection to the values Nandi Naya represents: Family heritage, and the heirlooms we pass down. I wanted to co-create a piece to merge our two worlds, and that’s where the Silver Figa Pendant with a Freshwater Pearl was born.
What does female empowerment mean to you? What does innate female power look like?
For me, female empowerment is all about removing shame, and rather embracing and celebrating our true selves and our choices.
Has motherhood awakened you to your own power? If so, how?
Definitely. Carrying a baby and then giving birth were hands down the most empowering experiences of my life. I know that the birthing process can be so traumatic for so many of us, and it was for me, but more so it taught me how strong I am. I felt that ring of fire they speak about, connecting me back to generations of strong women before me. I felt the power of that silent sisterhood in an epic way!
Did you have any major personal revelations or shifts during postpartum?
That’s a great question. I’ve never been athletic, get dizzy with low blood sugar etc so I’ve always been sort of allergic (/terrified) to hardcore exercise like cardio classes, opting for a softer yoga practice. Nothing wrong with that! BUT, after giving birth I definitely came into my strength. I started running for the first time and taking on more physical challenges. It makes me feel strong and energized -- it’s definitely a new and permanent shift.
How do you nurture yourself?
Yoga for sure and these days it’s a lot of peaceful cooking and baking.
To be in a place of true empowerment we must leverage that power to empower others. Tell us about your partnership with Doula Chronicles and how it seeks to empower?
I felt so unbelievably vulnerable during my birthing experience, but also so deeply supported and in control. It broke my heart to realize how rare this is, especially in New York. I was so inspired by the work and spirit behind the Doula Chronicles -- empowering through childbirth education and doula support, and I really wanted to support her work in hopes of elevating someone’s birthing experience. Birth is a really big deal, everyone deserves to feel a sense of safety, dignity and joy throughout the process.
What link do you see between honing our personal power and the state of the world today?
We have so much more to offer with a full cup. We have to first look inwards.
Any wisdom or learnings you can share with us from this year?
Community is almost always available to you if you really open your eyes to it and keep an open mind.
