Today we’d like to introduce you to Madam CJ.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Atlanta in February 1997 to start a Flight Attendant job with Atlantic Southeast Airlines, a Delta connection company. My ultimate goal was to be a Makeup Artist/Choreographer. I am now, 23 years later, an award-winning Entrepreneur, a chart-topping Singer/Songwriter, Entertainer, Certified and Licensed Liquid Motion Dance Instructor, Certified Strategic Self Care Ambassador, Certified Vaginal Steam Facilitator, Womb Wellness Advocate and CEO of Divine Clementine Bath and Body.
I created Divine Clementine’s Soap on A Rope in 2009 after a Uterine Fibroid diagnosis. I learned the art of artisan soap making and womb wellness from Dr. Eshe Faizah, aka Eshe the Herblady. I started making the soap as a way to create and sustain a business and an all-natural, xenoestrogen free lifestyle for myself and other women like me. Fibroids and other diseases and conditions are fed by Xenoestrogens and toxic chemicals.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path to business has surprisingly been more smoother than I expected! The struggle has been the act of naturally healing fibroids. I had some victories last summer with actually passing a few fibroids. However, I just got my ultrasound results yesterday and they were not what I expected. The stress of COVID and my own community continues to suffer, the Black community has taken a toll on the fibroids. One has shrunk while the others have grown 2 centimeters. I am optimistic that I will beat this condition once and for all, though. No one can take my hope and determination, thanks to my Nichiren Buddhist practice and chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My bath and body product company is now called Divine Clementine Bath and Body. I am the Chief bath and body product maker and CEO. I do a few things. I specialize in teaching the art of Strategic Self Care, Luxuriating and facilitating Black Joy thru music, dance, hosting and speaking. I am known for my fiery, funny brand of story and truth-telling as well as my authentic dance moves. I am a healer as well. I have testimonials that my products and advice have helped more than a few people, with eczema and some women have become pregnant after years of trying.
What I am most proud of as a company is the fact that my friends, Oronike Odeleye and Jamila Norman, decided to take a chance on me and offer a partnership deal to help me develop the soap company. I had always wanted to work with Oronike. She is a force. She is the co-creator of Mute R.Kelly and runs One Music Fest. She is now my CFO. Jamila, aka Farmer Jae, is a force in her own right. She owns and operates Patchwork City Farms. We have experienced growth thru our partnership. I am super honored to be in the same company as these outstanding women. What sets us apart from others is that we focus on Black women’s Strategic Self Care and Womb Wellness. We believe in doing this by believing and practicing “no” as a complete sentence. We believe in resting and protecting our peace by any means necessary.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory was in the 5th grade. I had tried out for majorette every year until then. I had not made it at all. My mama told me not to try out in 5th grade. I defied her and snuck my try out clothes to school that day. Guess what? I finally made it for Majorette and I made it as a featured twirler!!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.divineclementinebb.com
- Email: divineclementinebb@gmail.com
- Instagram: divineclementinebb
- Facebook: divineclementinebb
- Twitter: @therealmadamcj
- Other: www.madamcj.com
Image Credit:
Madam CJ in white dress image credit: the lens of novokane
DCBB image credits: Monwell Maxwell
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