“I was told I had cells that were becoming cancerous. I went on a two-week juice cleanse and decided to be vegan. When I revisited the doctor, my cells were normal and I had optimal health,” said Ebony Naimah Zanuwa. Ebony is determined to create a health and wellness atmosphere for the community after several of her family members suffered from depression and died from cancer and diabetes.
Ebony’s first job was at Wendy’s, “After eight hours I had sore and swollen feet. I thought about how I would do things differently if I were the boss.” Inspired by her grandmother who owned a mom and pop store, Ebony also desired to make money and have freedom simultaneously.
“My grandmother had eight children and took care of business. Nothing stopped her. She was and still is the strongest woman I know.”
Too afraid to be an entrepreneur, fear put Ebony on the path of higher learning. She didn’t believe she could be a doctor so she majored in Early Education. “I didn’t see myself facing my fears or starting a family before my education was complete, I found myself pregnant. I wish I knew about limitless dreams before I went to college, I would have majored in dance, studied to become a midwife, and pursued an online business, but I’m very happy with my progress and the process that I’m going through.”
The process of being creative and realizing her dreams is a partial fulfillment of her goals. The Green Empress Juice Spot and Diasporic Boutique is indeed a variation of her dream come true. “It represents all that is natural and good, it’s the queen of goodness, sort of like Mother Nature’s younger sister. I want this to be a hip, lit and cool place. My vision is that even in this spot we engage youth in activities, have meetings and adult gathering to discuss building the community while uplifting the idea of health as an absolute necessity. Also, I see this as a place that shows pride and empowers us to chase our wildest dreams without fear.”
At the Green Empress, you can purchase a variety of freshly made juices, carcinogenic free natural body products, diasporic clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
“The opportunity to have a co-op presented itself and I took it. The space is called the Gallery on Penn, 5935 Penn Avenue, East Side next to the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. It’s a small business mall that allows entrepreneurs like me to grow and learn more about a business before jumping into a storefront.”
Ebony is also the Artistic Director and founder of the NIA Dance Ensemble and performs with Legacy Arts Project. She would like her business to spark a change in people’s lives from health and wellness to the knowledge of self. With no limitations and no doubts, The Green Empress opens its gates to you.
This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Summer 2019). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.
