Meet Yaya Kadima | Chemist & Herbal Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yaya Kadima and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yaya, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
This was actually all by accident. It started out as a way to find a solution for my dad. He was having issues breathing and producing a lot of phlegm. I randomly came across Dr Sebi and went crazy with everything he suggested.

Some herbs were unbearable and others not as much. With all the concoctions I came up with, I found my gold mine… taste wise. The real kicker was the after effects. He stopped coughing, sleeping better and his energy picked up. I also realized that my energy picked up, my allergies subsided and I just felt better overall.

I handed out my jams to friends, colleagues and random strangers and the results were impeccable. I loved that I was helping people with their health. A friend of mine suggested I should make my jams official and start selling it.

I took her advice and my company was established in December 2020 and has been a staple in my household and others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m what you call a Jane of all trades. I believe there is no age or time limit on education.

Starting from the beginning, I am an artist. Graphic designing, coding, painting and graffiti was my thing. Coming from an African/ Caribbean background, that wasn’t enough. When I’ve learned that I can apply my work on a face, I became a makeup artist professionally. Loved it but felt it wasn’t enough for me. I went back to school to get my degree in chemistry. A subject that I intensively loved and later found out that a cosmetic chemist was an option.

And yet still felt I needed to do more. I enrolled in esthetics school and got my license as an esthetician recently.

And …

I’m an herbalist/entrepreneur.

The journey was definitely not an easy one AT ALL. I’ve set myself up financially, emotionally, and spiritually. I knew I couldn’t give up even if times were hard. I’m glad I didn’t and I know there is more to overcome.

I’m saying all of this because the art never left me nor did I abandon it. I’ve learned that your passion can mean anything as long as you get to it. I thought the art was my main focus but it wasn’t. I realized my goal this entire time was to serve and my art did that.

I love to serve people and I love what I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am in the industry of clean eating so that would include vegan/vegetarian options and black owned restaurants because why not?

Starting at Stone Mountain,

My favorite spot is the village, it’s small but it’s the home to many thriving black owned restaurants such as Sweet Potato Cafe (my favorite restaurant) owned by chef Karen and her husband and Pi-bytes on Main Street. Yummy Vegan Take out Bakery and Planted Express are also within the vicinity. Depending on what taste you have or cultural, there are plenty Jamaican restaurants that are awesome like Sunshine and plenty others within the same area.

Or head up to Stone Mountain Park, laser tag at Netherworld, or go bowling at Stars and Strikes.

I spend majority of my time in the Gwinnett area like Duluth, Lawrenceville and Buford. You have the Mall of Georgia, downtown Duluth, many parks, shopping plazas and restaurants. My go to All Star vegan restaurant is Vegreen in Duluth specifically the sushi. OMG . You will not be disappointed, I promise!

It all honestly depends on what the mood is. Wine tasting, go to a silent party, eat at restaurants or sign up for sip and paint, investing class or yoga in the park. There are endless opportunities in Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents for being my guinea pigs and support system. Dr. Sebi for his lifetime research and to the many friends, colleagues and people that went through the trials of taste testing. The support and love is highly appreciated.

Website: www.ibjams.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ibjams

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ibjams