Today we’d like to introduce you to Sekayi Stephens.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started with a hysterectomy…
I got married in March of 2013 to my husband Damion and we enjoyed a short honeymoon phase before real life kicked in. I had already been aware that pregnancy could be difficult for us because I was diagnosed with PCOS in my mid-twenties but… I wanted to try. I was newly married and the thought of having my own little chocolate drop just wouldn’t escape me. I began to see a fertility doctor and it was in the process of working with her that I discovered I had stage 4 endometriosis. That was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but I made a decision that I felt was best for me at that time and scheduled to have a total hysterectomy. I put on a good face and convinced myself that I was happy in all of the many roles I played: wife, stepmom, employee, sister, friend, etc. but when I began to sit in the car of my driveway, dreading going in… I knew there was a problem.
Many, many years ago, I was dating a guy and I asked my mother what she thought of him and us together. At the time, she was in the hospital fighting lung cancer and I remember her simply offering these words to me: Don’t lose yourself in the process. Well… I was two years into my marriage, had just had a hysterectomy and found myself looking in the mirror at a reflection that I did not recognize. The things that I knew that I loved somehow got buried in the process of wifing, working, friending, etc. So, one Saturday morning, I decided I wanted to go to the bookstore. Yes… the bookstore. I love books… and as soon as I walked in the smell of the printed books was so intoxicating… something inside of me became alive! I grabbed an armful, took a seat and spent several hours there. At that moment, I realized that in order for me to play out all of these roles I needed to make sure I remained true to Sekayi. As the saying goes… you can’t pour from an empty cup. So, I regularly make time for the things that make my soul happy…without guilt…and I make sure that I stick to it. I even go the extra mile sometimes and add it to my calendars: Get hair done, go to the creek, meditation class, get a massage, whatever… I just make sure I say a big Hell Yeah to myself!!!
I had been raised in a Baptist church, served as a Minister in a Pentecostal church for a few years and even earned my Master’s in Christian Counseling from a seminary but this was new, uncharted and really painful territory for me… so although the church was the answer for me at one point… I felt I needed to try something different this time. I made an appointment with a Reiki practitioner near me, and that one session was the catalyst to changing my life. I was able to understand that while with the hysterectomy a piece of me left there resurrected a knowing that there was so much more to me and this gift of Life. I’ve always had a seeker’s heart and realized that there is so much more out there for me to explore. So, not only did I go on to complete all three levels of Reiki training with, but I also joined a beautiful meditation community and completed a nine-month Shamanic training. These things became my new spiritual practice. It was on this spiritual journey that I was able to remember not just who I am but also how I am connected to the Divine and all of nature. So… I’m not sure that I decided to pursue it but instead, my life experiences led me to Reiki and Shamanism… and ultimately… back “home” to me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely NOT a smooth road! I officially began seeing people in December 2017. Reiki is not very well-known and people aren’t always sure what it’s all about so breaking down those barriers has been tough. It’s like… if they know… they know and if not… they shy away from it. Reiki is not a religion but some people are afraid that it conflicts with their religious beliefs. Also, some people just believe it’s kooky and doesn’t ‘work’ and… I cannot convince them otherwise. It’s the same thing with vaginal steaming… who wants to really talk about that??? Women have not been taught to celebrate or honor their menstrual cycles. Instead, we dread that ‘time of the month’ so when something isn’t right we don’t really address it until it’s too late. They are both very sensitive topics and I’ve had to begin thinking of new, clever ways to connect people so that they are comfortable. I am learning how I can be the bridge.
Also, finding a location to provide Reiki treatments has been a struggle. I still work a full-time job so finding a small office that is affordable has been a challenge. There are a few new age or metaphysical stores that will allow someone to come in but then there is the competitive factor. Once, one Reiki practitioner is there… another isn’t usually welcome. There is enough work for us all but I can understand that. I was holding sessions in my living room and kicking my poor husband out each time but now… I just converted our extra room into an office/guest room and now I hold sessions in there.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I provide holistic services that promote total well-being and include shamanic reiki and vaginal steaming. The Shamanic Reiki sessions help to serve as a catalyst for transformation… empowering women to step closer and closer home to their true and higher selves. There are many sights out there that explain and explorReikiki (I was trained in Usui Reiki) and I encourage you to do some research to see if it is a fit for you but… in simply put—it is an energy healing technique that supports the body’s natural healing process by removing any blocks to the flow of energy in your body and promotes emotional, mental, physical and spiritual balance. I call it shamanic reiki because I also incorporate nature—crystals, essential oils, herbs, etc. that can help bring balance and alignment to the mind, body, and soul.
Vaginal steaming is one holistic approach to taking control of your gynecological health. It is an important tool for self-care from the onset of a girl’s first cycle to the woman who is, like myself, post-menopausal. Right now, I don’t provide steams at my home or in a group setting. But with this service, a woman completes a screening that assesses her menstrual cycle and other gynecological health issues and I prepare steaming Plan specifically for them and then help them get set up to do steaming in the comfort and privacy of their own home. My hope is that you are empowered to take control of your health and will take your Steaming Plan and get going!
I also sell products to help create sacred space that are protective, calming, clear and of high vibes. I hand-pour soy candles, make crystal-infused energy clearing sprays and herbal bath tea blends.
What were you like growing up?
Oh wow! I was the kid that checked out the maximum number of books from the book mobile and read them all before they needed to be returned in two weeks. I put on a song and dance shows with my sister. I loved to climb trees and play in the dirt. I played the flute AND the tuba. I wanted to be a magician, a football player, a 5th grade math teacher and a computer programmer. I had a very vivid imagination and would play out whole stories with my stuffed animals and dolls. I loved all of the craft projects with my mom. I always asked why? I just wanted to know… and I remember my mom pointing to the the books!! I loved looking through the Encyclopedias for answers. I loved science experiments. I was on the pom-pon squad and wanted to be a dancer for MC Hammer, Janet Jackson and/or Madonna. But as I got older… things changed. That freedom in exploration and curiosity died down… and I stopped being a kid at heart. SO GRATEFUL that that part of myself is still there and that I have full access the to kid at heart. Most of all… then and now… I still love to laugh!!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: sekayianika.com
- Phone: 678-871-6541
- Email: sekayi@sekayianika.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sekayianika
- Facebook: facebook.com/sekayianika111
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
