Today we’d like to introduce you to Anuella Alexandre.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For as long as I can remember, I have felt a deep connection accompanied by a sense of responsibility for mother nature. Looking back at the road traveled, thus far, that has led me on my current path, I guess one could use the words destiny or fate. The sequence of events, the people who have mentored me, the work experiences that have inspired me are all so tied together as if all this time, I was being prepared to make certain choices which quite frankly feel pre-destined.
My story begins on a plantain farm in Arcahaie, Haiti. I grew up planting seeds, growing food, playing with horses, chickens, goats, and our many dogs. I remember being barefoot a lot and loving dirt, sand, and the ocean. Our beaches are the clearest and bluest and in the mind of the child I once was they are also full of mermaids and magic. My mother left Haiti when I was just one year old to come to the US. My sister and I were raised by our grandmother, two aunts, and uncle until we moved to Florida. I was seven and my sister 11. The years we spent as little farm girls on our beloved island learning everything our grandmother had to teach us meant everything to us.
Fast forward to 2016. I just moved back home to Florida after working for some time in Alaska with an organization that specialized in providing therapy and treatment for young people dealing with significant trauma which often manifest as behavioral issues. Although, I decided this work was too emotionally draining for me to handle I knew I still loved to work with children/young adults however the love of growing plants/food from all those years ago was still in me. In fact, I felt very deeply that it was something I had to do again. I searched every corner of my heart and being to figure out exactly what my purpose in this life was. I knew I loved community work, cared about the environment, and loved to grow plants. So, I started to manifest accordingly. The Green Goddess Diary and A Green Community were born soon after.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has definitely been a bumpy one. Many trials and errors. Many lessons and hardships. Feeling and wanting to share myself with my community and individuals that truly appreciate what I have to offer has been my saving grace. That is not to say it hasn’t been difficult. Occasionally, I find myself drowning in the fear of not being enough. Not knowing enough. Not saying enough. I think this fear is just something we experience when we choose to really step out of our comfort zones and share our truths. Imposter syndrome is a real thing! There are so many people on the web who we may think know and do more than we do. Then, we start to compare ourselves. I would advise young women especially to focus on their message and their truth. Take care of your mind, body, and soul. Be careful what messages you allow to take root in your mind. Eat fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Try and be out in nature as much as possible for this is where the soul finds the most joy. Individuality is a gift we all possess. Each and every one of us has something unique to contribute to this world. It is our divine right to find our purpose and live it. Hardship and struggles are a part of life I celebrate because I am thriving in spite of it all. Also, I am a great believer in everything happening for a reason. I believe the choices I’ve made, and the things I’ve gone through made me into the women I always wanted to be.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Green Goddess Diary – what should we know?
I created The Green Goddess Diary as a way to teach and inspire others to live a healthy, happy, and sustainable lifestyle. I wanted to show people that living this alternative lifestyle was not the ‘alternative’ at all. In fact, it’s the norm. Using what nature has given us to thrive is really the key to dismantling this system of mental and physical oppression created by and for capitalism. Our health is our true wealth and I’m quite passionate about helping others discover all of the ways they can better take care of themselves. On my blog, I share gardening tips, original plant-based recipes, my knowledge of medicinal herbs, and natural haircare/ skincare tips. A big way I’ve chosen to really take control of my overall health is by using the knowledge I have about plants, herb, oils, etc. to make self-preserving products for everyday use. Originally, I only made them for family and friends but when I decided to share myself with my community it felt wrong to not include that side of me too.
A Green Community is a passion project of sorts dedicated to educating the community about growing/eating whole foods and co-existing with nature. I believe we can all agree that fostering a connection with nature and nutrition in our youth is highly beneficial to their development and sense of wellbeing. Especially in this era of America. Never in the history of this country have our children been so plugged in and over-weight. Fast food establishments like McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, to name a few, have damaged our understanding and relationship to good nutrition, adults and children alike.
We build community gardens with the intention of educating the youth about growing their own food, how food grows, and what it means to eat WHOLE foods. It is a fact, not a myth, that what we put into our bodies affects our mental, physical, and emotional health. We are currently working with two schools and we hope to work with many different organizations, public spaces, and community centers to spread the knowledge and inspire a change for healthier habits in our communities.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
My mother escaped the crippling realities of poverty in Haiti on a boat with many different men and women in the hopes of finding something better. She went through hell in Guantanamo Bay prison. She has been sharing that story with me since I was a little girl. That story served as a reminder and is now part of my testimony. When I doubt, it reminds me I can persevere against all odds. No matter the obstacles my will and strength can take me far. I never forget where I came from. There is a power in that knowledge. My experiences as a child growing up on that farm have contributed tremendously to the way I move in this world. It’s played a huge role in the path I’ve chosen to follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: thegreengoddessdiary.com
- Phone: 5614202269
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreengoddessdiary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegreengoddessdiary/
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